Best Waterfalls in Argyll & Bute
Written by UK Hidden Gems Editorial
Updated 5 August 2026
The best waterfalls in Argyll & Bute are Falls Of Falloch, Easan Dubha, Eas Urchaidh, Avich Falls, Eas Fors Waterfall, Puck's Glen and Eas Lathan.
Argyll and Bute is a land of sea lochs, ancient oak woods and tumbling rivers, and its high rainfall feeds some of the finest waterfalls in the western Highlands. The falls here range from easy roadside stops to hidden coastal drops reached only across open country.
Beside the A82, the Falls of Falloch pour into a deep plunge pool long nicknamed Rob Roy's Bathtub, while in Glen Orchy the River Orchy thunders over dark rock ledges at Easan Dubha and Eas Urchaidh, both well known to whitewater kayakers. Deep in the Argyll Forest Park, Puck's Glen threads a mossy gorge on Victorian paths, and near Dalavich the Avich Falls step through remnant native oakwood.
Out on the islands, Eas Fors plunges over a sea cliff on Mull, and the obscure Eas Lathan drops toward the shore on a quiet coast of Islay. Some are gentle strolls, others need care near steep, unfenced ground.
Here are seven of the best waterfalls to seek out in Argyll & Bute.
Falls Of Falloch
Photo: Dave Thompson via Geograph.org.uk
Falls Of Falloch are a single leap of around ten metres on the River Falloch in Glen Falloch, a few miles south of Crianlarich beside the A82. The water drops into a large, deep plunge pool long nicknamed Rob Roy's Bathtub.
A short, well-made path from a car park leads to a viewing platform above the falls, making this one of the easiest waterfalls in the region to reach. It sits within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, an easy stop off the main road.
Seek it out for a quick, rewarding detour on the way north or south.
Easan Dubha
Photo: Peter Moore via Geograph.org.uk
Easan Dubha, the black falls, is a run of falls and rapids on the River Orchy in Glen Orchy, in the western Highlands. The river drops over ledges of dark rock in a wooded stretch beside the single-track road through the glen.
It is a well-known spot on the whitewater run down the Orchy, and a favourite of photographers drawn to the fast water pouring through the gorge. The falls are strongest after rain, when the river runs high and powerful.
Seek it out for a dramatic river scene reached easily from the glen road.
Eas Urchaidh
Photo: Philip Halling via Geograph.org.uk
Eas Urchaidh, the Falls of Orchy, is a waterfall on the River Orchy in Glen Orchy, on the single-track road up the glen from Dalmally. The river pours over ledges of rock in a wooded gorge, a well-known spot on a river popular with whitewater kayakers for its fast, powerful currents.
A car park and picnic area sit by the falls, with old Caledonian pines on the slopes above. It is regarded as one of the finest falls on the Orchy.
Seek it out for a powerful cascade in a handsome wooded setting, easily reached from the road.
Avich Falls
Photo: Karl and Ali via Geograph.org.uk
Avich Falls is a run of cascades on the short River Avich, where the river tumbles down from Loch Avich toward the larger Loch Awe. The main fall breaks into three steps of white water crossing bare rock, with a pool below that draws wild swimmers on warm days.
The falls sit in old oak woodland near Dalavich, reached by a waymarked trail that winds through the trees and along the river, crossing burns on footbridges. These remnant native oakwoods have primroses on the banks in spring and glimpses of Loch Awe through the trees.
The walk is up and down but not long. Seek it out for a lovely woodland loop.
Eas Fors Waterfall
Photo: Chris Downer via Geograph.org.uk
Eas Fors Waterfall is a waterfall on the west coast of Mull, beside the road between Ulva Ferry and Dervaig, that comes down in stages. The upper falls drop above the road, the middle falls just below it, and the final drop of around a hundred feet pours over a sea cliff straight into Loch Tuath.
A small parking area sits by the bridge. The cliff edge at the lower fall is steep and unfenced, so take real care there.
Seek it out for the striking sight of a waterfall tumbling straight into the sea on Mull's west coast.
Puck's Glen
Photo: Thomas Nugent via Geograph.org.uk
Puck's Glen is a deep, wooded gorge in the Argyll Forest Park near Dunoon, on the Cowal peninsula, where a burn drops through a series of cascades and pools among towering conifers in damp, mossy, rainforest-like woodland. Victorian paths, steps and little bridges climb the gorge, laid out after the Benmore estate was bought in 1870 and later given to the nation.
It is a much-loved short walk from a car park on the road, though storm damage has at times closed the gorge path for repair. The glen takes its name from the sprite Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Seek it out for an enchanting walk through a mossy ravine.
Eas Lathan
Photo: Becky Williamson via Geograph.org.uk
Eas Lathan is a coastal waterfall on the north-east coast of Islay, where the Doodilmore River drops toward the shore some miles north-east of Killinallan. It is a modest fall in open, empty country away from any village.
Little is recorded about it beyond its name and rough position, and it remains a genuinely obscure spot on a quiet stretch of the island's coast. For anyone who likes finding places well off the usual trail, that emptiness is the whole appeal.
Seek it out for a remote coastal fall on one of Islay's least-visited shores.
FAQs
Which is the easiest waterfall to reach in Argyll and Bute?
The Falls of Falloch is among the easiest, with a short, well-made path from a car park leading to a viewing platform above the falls. It sits beside the A82 within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, an easy stop off the main road.
Can you swim at any of these waterfalls?
The Avich Falls have a pool below that draws wild swimmers on warm days. Elsewhere, take great care, as spots like Eas Fors on Mull have a steep, unfenced cliff edge and the Orchy falls carry fast, powerful currents.
Where can I see a waterfall that drops into the sea?
Eas Fors on the west coast of Mull comes down in stages, with its final drop of around a hundred feet pouring over a sea cliff straight into Loch Tuath. The cliff edge at the lower fall is steep and unfenced, so keep well back.
Conclusion
Argyll and Bute serves up waterfalls to suit every kind of visitor, from easy roadside stops to remote coastal drops that reward a longer search. The Falls of Falloch and the Orchy falls at Easan Dubha and Eas Urchaidh are quickly reached from the road, thundering over dark rock and popular with kayakers and photographers alike.
For a walk in the woods, Puck's Glen threads a mossy Victorian gorge and the Avich Falls step through native oakwood near Dalavich. Out on the islands, Eas Fors plunges over a sea cliff on Mull and the obscure Eas Lathan drops to a quiet Islay shore.
Take care near steep, unfenced ground and check for path closures before you set out. Whether you want a five-minute stroll or a wild island discovery, these are the best waterfalls to seek out in Argyll & Bute.
