Easan Bàna Waterfall

This is a short but rewarding Highland walk to a series of cascades in Flowerdale Glen near Gairloch, with the main objective being Easan Bàna, one of the two named falls in the glen alongside Eas Dubh. Expect roughly 5 km / 3.1 miles overall with about 100 m / 328 ft of ascent, though some local route descriptions put the outing a little shorter at around 4 km / 2.5 miles and 80–90 m / 262–295 ft depending on exactly where you start and which return line you take. The walking is never especially high or alpine, but the terrain is varied enough to justify a medium rating: estate tracks, woodland paths, short steeper sections beside the falls, and potentially wet or slippery ground after rain. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The usual start is at Flowerdale Car Park on Flowerdale Road in Gairloch, opposite the harbour turn-off on the A832, near The Old Inn and close to the mouth of the Abhainn Ghlas. A practical nearest address for planning is Flowerdale Car Park, Flowerdale Road, Gairloch, IV21 2BD. From there, the route heads inland through Flowerdale Estate on a well-marked path signed for the waterfall. (highland.gov.uk)

For drivers, Gairloch is reached by the A832 through Wester Ross, and the car park is the simplest access point for the walk. For public transport, Gairloch is served by Westerbus routes linking the village with Inverness, and one useful stop is “opp Old Inn Road End,” which leaves only a short walk to the trail start. Timetables are limited and can vary by day, so it is worth checking the current service before committing to the trip. (bustimes.org)

What the walk is like

The first part of the route is gentle and easy to settle into, following good estate paths through mixed woodland and managed grounds. You pass bridges and boardwalk sections as the glen narrows and the river begins to draw you onward. The gradient is mostly gradual at first, making this a good walk for hikers who want scenery without a long mountain day, but it can still feel more demanding in wet weather because roots, rock, and mud all become slick. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

As the route continues upriver, the sound of the water builds before the falls come properly into view. Easan Bàna is part of a broader waterfall section rather than a single isolated plunge, and the best views often come from short side paths branching right from the main trail. The falls are not among the tallest in Scotland, but they are dramatic because of the confined glen, the dark rock, and the way the water threads through the trees. In spate, the whole section becomes much louder and more forceful; in drier conditions, the detail of the cascades and rock shelves stands out more clearly. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Near the waterfall, pay close attention to footing. One local guide notes that the short section beside the falls is steep, and another notes that a bridge just before the falls has at times been unreliable, with stone crossing used instead. Conditions here can change, so this is the part of the walk where extra care matters most, especially with children, dogs, or after heavy rain. If you are carrying navigation, use HiiKER and do not rely on assumptions at the river crossing. (theoldinn.net)

Above the main waterfall, the route crosses a small footbridge and returns on the far side of the stream. This upper section opens out more, with a barer glen feel and wider views back down Flowerdale toward the sea. It is a nice contrast to the enclosed woodland lower down, and on a clear day the outlook gives the walk a bigger sense of place than the modest distance suggests.