Wild Swimming
Corrieshalloch Gorge — Measach Plunge Pool
The Falls of Measach plunge 46m into the slot of Corrieshalloch Gorge — a box canyon only 2m wide and 60m deep, carved by meltwater at the end of the last ice age. The NTS viewpoints and suspension bridge are world-famous, but the plunge pool itself is accessible only by a steep scramble down the gorge wall — not an NTS-approved route and not signposted. The pool, when reached in settled low-water conditions, is one of the most extraordinary environments in the Scottish Highlands. For experienced gorge swimmers only.
Quick facts
- Type
- Waterfall
- Region
- Northwest Highlands
- Grid ref
- NH 204 776
- Entry
- Rock slab
- Depth
- Deep (over head near entry)
- Summer water temp
- 7–12°C
- Midges
- High
- Dogs
- Not suitable for dogs
Key hazards
- steep gorge descent — expert access only
- cold water shock
- gorge walls above
- no safe exit route in high water
Getting there
NTS car park near Braemore Junction (IV23 2PU) on the A835. Official route to the suspension bridge and viewpoints. The gorge descent to the pool level is on private NTS land — check current access guidance before attempting. SOAC rights apply to access, but the NTS asks that visitors do not attempt the descent for safety reasons during high water.
Parking postcode: IV23 2PU
Safety
This swim is NOT appropriate for beginners. The descent to the pool requires scrambling and there is no easy exit route in high water. Only visit in settled, dry conditions. Rope experience is an advantage. Do not enter the water when the falls are in full spate. Dogs are unsafe near the gorge edge.
Best for
- advanced gorge swimmers only
- NW Highlands epic
- Ullapool gateway
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:11
- Sunset
- 21:23
- Civil dawn
- 04:20
- Civil dusk
- 22:14
NOAA Solar Calculator · 9 May 2026
Common questions
- Can you swim at Corrieshalloch Gorge?
- In the official sense, no — the NTS manages this as a viewpoint attraction and does not encourage gorge descent. In practice, experienced gorge swimmers do access the pool in low-water summer conditions via a steep scramble. This is for experts only.
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