Chia-Aig Falls and Loch Arkaig
Eas-Chia Aig Falls: A stunning, easily accessible tiered waterfall in the Scottish Highlands, perfect for photos and picnics.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Falls are most dramatic
Chia-Aig Falls and Loch Arkaig
Best Time
Falls are most dramatic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Eas-Chia Aig Falls: A stunning, easily accessible tiered waterfall in the Scottish Highlands, perfect for photos and picnics.
"A must-visit if you're exploring the Fort William area, especially if you love scenic spots that feel tucked away yet easy to reach!"
📸 Best Photo Spots
Walk over the bridge and enter from the rocks for unique angles. The side wall acts as steps!
🥶 Brave the Cold
For the adventurous, the water is bracingly cold! Wetsuits are recommended for swimming.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tiered Cascades
Main waterfall area
Witness the multi-level beauty of Eas-Chia Aig, a truly magical sight with water tumbling down rocky tiers.
Historic Stone Bridge
Over the falls
An old stone bridge offers a fantastic vantage point for capturing stunning photos of the cascading water.
Peaceful Picnic Spot
Adjacent to the falls
Enjoy a serene break with picnic tables offering lovely views of the falls and surrounding nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Easy Access, Big Reward
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Photo Spots
Walk over the bridge and enter from the rocks for unique angles. The side wall acts as steps!
🥶 Brave the Cold
For the adventurous, the water is bracingly cold! Wetsuits are recommended for swimming.
🚗 Easy Parking
A small car park is conveniently located right by the falls, making access simple.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the serene atmosphere with a picnic at the tables provided near the falls.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Spots
Walk over the bridge and enter from the rocks for unique angles. The side wall acts as steps!
🥶 Brave the Cold
For the adventurous, the water is bracingly cold! Wetsuits are recommended for swimming.
🚗 Easy Parking
A small car park is conveniently located right by the falls, making access simple.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the serene atmosphere with a picnic at the tables provided near the falls.
💧 Rainy Day Gem
These falls are spectacular even in wet weather, offering a beautiful sight when other activities might be less appealing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Eas-Chia Aig Falls as a stunning and easily accessible natural gem. The tiered cascades and historic stone bridge offer fantastic photo opportunities, and the peaceful picnic area provides a serene spot to relax. While the water is bracingly cold for swimming, the overall experience is highly praised for its beauty and convenience.
"Fantastic waterfall and swim pool, very cold so wetsuits a must I would say. Hadn't realised there were picnic tables so posted for others. Serene place. Best tip to walk over the bridge and enter from the rocks that side as a side wall acts well as steps"
Stacey Bullock
"Great location to stop for amazing photos opportunities and if you are feeling brave to jump in and enjoy the cold flow of water. There is a small area by the bridge where you can park your car and a bench to sit around"
Jason
"TL;DR: Eas Chia-Aig Waterfalls, just outside Fort William, offer a stunning and easily accessible spot with tiered cascades, an old stone bridge, and a peaceful picnic area.
Eas Chia-Aig Waterfalls are a breathtaking sight, just a short drive from Fort William and well worth the trip. This magical, tiered waterfall is only a few steps from a small car park, making it one of the most accessible yet stunning natural spots in the area.
From the old stone bridge, you get an incredible view of the cascading water, making it a perfect place to pause and take in the scenery. Nearby, a small park with picnic tables offers a peaceful setting to relax and enjoy an afternoon break.
A must-visit if you're exploring the Fort William area, especially if you love scenic spots that feel tucked away yet easy to reach!"
Kellina Pinar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eas-Chia Aig Falls are located between Loch Lochy and Loch Arkaig, near Achnacarry, and are easily accessible by car. There's a small car park right by the falls, making it a convenient stop on your journey through the Scottish Highlands.
Yes, there is a small car park situated very close to the waterfalls, making it incredibly easy to access the falls without a long walk.
Absolutely! Eas-Chia Aig Falls are a short drive from Fort William, making them a perfect addition to a day trip exploring the area.
The falls are situated off the A82, with clear signage directing you towards Loch Arkaig. The drive itself is scenic, offering beautiful Highland views.
Public transport options are limited for this specific location. It's best to visit by car for ease of access and flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit Eas-Chia Aig Falls. It's a natural attraction open to everyone.
The falls are accessible year-round, with no set opening or closing times as it's an outdoor natural site. Visit during daylight hours for the best experience.
Entry to Eas-Chia Aig Falls is completely free, making it a wonderful budget-friendly stop in the Highlands.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns on the paths and the lack of lighting. Daylight hours are best for viewing and photography.
As a natural site, visitors are asked to respect the environment. Please take all litter with you and stay on marked paths where applicable.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the stunning tiered waterfalls, take incredible photos from the old stone bridge, enjoy a peaceful picnic, and for the brave, take a dip in the cold water.
Yes, the easy access from the car park makes it suitable for families. However, supervise children closely near the water and on slippery rocks.
Yes, some visitors enjoy swimming in the pools below the falls, but be prepared for very cold water. Wetsuits are highly recommended.
You can enjoy the falls in as little as 30 minutes for a quick stop and photos, or spend a couple of hours if you plan to picnic and relax.
While the main falls are easily accessible, there are rocky areas to explore. Be cautious as paths can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful, but the falls are dramatic after rain at any time of day. The old stone bridge offers excellent vantage points.
Expect stunning shots of cascading water, the historic stone bridge, and the lush Highland scenery. Long exposures can capture the silky water effect.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty of the falls. For more advanced shots, a wide-angle lens can be useful.
The old stone bridge provides a classic viewpoint. Exploring the rocky areas on either side of the falls can also yield unique perspectives.
Be mindful of slippery rocks and uneven terrain. Protect your camera from spray, especially if you're close to the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Supervise children closely, especially near the water and on any rocky areas, as they can be slippery. While swimming is possible, the water is very cold, so it might be more of a 'dip your toes' experience for younger children. The falls are a great way to break up a car journey and offer a memorable natural experience without a demanding hike.
🚗 Day-Trippers & Road-Trippers
Don't miss: The opportunity for stunning photos from the old stone bridge and a chance to stretch your legs with a short walk around the immediate area. It’s a great spot to break up a long drive, grab a quick snack, and experience a beautiful piece of Highland scenery.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Pro-tip: Bring your tripod and ND filters to capture the magical 'silky water' effect. Experiment with long exposures to emphasize the movement of the water over the rocks. Be prepared for potentially wet conditions and ensure your gear is protected.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Eas-Chia Aig Waterfalls
The historic stone bridge that spans the falls is a key feature, offering photographers and visitors alike a perfect vantage point to admire the cascading water. From this bridge, you can capture postcard-worthy shots and truly appreciate the scale and flow of the falls. For those looking to extend their visit, a peaceful picnic area with tables is located nearby, providing a serene spot to relax and soak in the natural surroundings. The combination of stunning scenery, easy access, and tranquil atmosphere makes Eas-Chia Aig a must-visit for anyone exploring the Fort William area.
While the falls are beautiful year-round, they are particularly dramatic after periods of rain, when the water flow is at its most impressive. This also means the surrounding rocks and paths can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended. For the truly adventurous, the pools at the base of the falls offer an opportunity for a bracing swim, though visitors are strongly advised to wear wetsuits due to the icy Highland temperatures.
Photography at Eas-Chia Aig
For those looking to achieve the popular 'silky water' effect, a tripod and a neutral density (ND) filter are highly recommended. This will allow for longer exposure times, smoothing out the water's movement and creating a dreamy, ethereal look. Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer, more flattering illumination, but the falls are also incredibly photogenic under the dramatic skies often seen in Scotland, especially after rain.
When exploring the rocky areas around the falls, always prioritize safety. The terrain can be uneven and slippery, so wear appropriate footwear and be mindful of your surroundings. Protecting your camera from water spray is also crucial, especially if you plan to get close to the cascades. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the falls and their setting, while a telephoto lens might be employed to isolate specific sections of the tiered cascades.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit