At a glance
Our experience
Corrieshalloch Gorge, Scottish Highlands
Corrieshalloch Gorge was one of those places where the walk there was every bit as enjoyable as the main attraction. I arrived later in the afternoon and it was pretty busy, but once I started walking towards the gorge viewpoints, I quickly forgot about how busy it was.
The Walk Through the Forest
The walk to the gorge took me through beautiful woodland, and one of the things I loved most was how much water there was along the way.
I passed so many little rivers and waterfalls flowing through the forest, all of which eventually connect with the gorge itself. It made the walk feel like an adventure rather than simply walking from the car park to a viewpoint.
The further I walked, the more I was looking forward to seeing the gorge itself.
The Suspension Bridge
Eventually I reached the suspension bridge.
And I was absolutely terrified.
I held onto the railings pretty tightly as I crossed. Looking down from the bridge into the gorge below is incredible, but it is also very high.
The bridge is 25 metres long and it actually moves slightly, which definitely didn't help my nerves! There is also a maximum of six people allowed on the bridge at one time.
Having my phone out while standing above the gorge was another thing entirely. I was genuinely worried about dropping it, so I was holding onto it very carefully while trying to take in the view.
Looking Down Into the Gorge
Despite being terrified, the view from the bridge was amazing.
Looking down into the gorge and seeing the water rushing far below really gives you an appreciation of just how deep it is. The gorge is around 60 metres deep, so there is definitely a sense of height when you're standing on that bridge.
It was one of those experiences where I was simultaneously thinking "this is amazing" and "please let me get off this bridge".
The Second Viewpoint
Once I had successfully made it across the bridge, I continued towards the second viewpoint.
This is a viewing platform that extends out towards the gorge and gives you a completely different perspective. From there, you can look back towards the suspension bridge I had just crossed.
And somehow, I found that just as terrifying!
Standing out over the gorge and then looking back at the bridge gave me a completely different appreciation of how high up I had actually been.
The Walk Back
Eventually I made my way back through the woodland towards the visitor centre.
When I arrived, I discovered that the visitor centre had actually closed about ten minutes earlier.
Typical!
I hadn't realised quite how late it had got while I was exploring the gorge, so I didn't get the chance to have a look around properly. I guess that just gives me something for next time.
What I Liked Most
For me, it was the combination of everything rather than just the gorge itself.
The forest walk, the little rivers and waterfalls along the route, the enormous gorge, the suspension bridge and the second viewpoint all made it feel like there was something to discover around every corner.
Even though I was genuinely nervous on the bridge, I'm really glad I crossed it.
Would I Visit Again?
Absolutely.
I'd definitely go back to Corrieshalloch Gorge, although next time I'd make sure I arrived earlier so I had plenty of time to explore the visitor centre and enjoy the area without worrying about closing time.
The suspension bridge might still terrify me, but that's part of the experience!
Wildly Wandering Rating
5/5
Corrieshalloch Gorge is one of those places that combines beautiful woodland, waterfalls and dramatic scenery with just enough adventure to make it memorable. The suspension bridge definitely tested my nerves, but the views were completely worth it.
Wildly Wandering Recommendation
If you're travelling through the Scottish Highlands or following the NC500, I'd definitely recommend stopping at Corrieshalloch Gorge. Give yourself more time than you think you'll need, especially if you want to explore the woodland trails, viewpoints and visitor centre.
Wildly Wandering tip: If you're nervous about heights, be prepared for the suspension bridge to move slightly. Hold onto the railings, take your time and don't forget to look up as well as down!