Wild Swimming
Eas Chia-aig
Eas Chia-aig pours over a broad rock shelf into a deep plunge pool on the Abhainn Chia-aig near Loch Arkaig, beside the Dark Mile — the tree-tunnel stretch of the B8005. The pool is deep and dark-tannic. Local legend says a witch was drowned in it, which is why it is also called the Witch's Pool. One of Scotland's best lesser-known waterfalls.
Quick facts
- Type
- Waterfall
- Region
- Lochaber
- Grid ref
- NN 177 888
- Entry
- Rock slab
- Depth
- Deep (over head near entry)
- Midges
- Very high
- Dogs
- On lead only
Key hazards
- cold water shock
- strong current below falls in spate
- very slippery rock
Getting there
Parking on the B8005 road to Loch Arkaig near the falls — park considerately and never in a passing place. Access rights apply on the Forestry and Land Scotland land.
Safety
Not a designated bathing water. Very slippery rock approach. The plunge pool is deep — do not jump from height, and stay out of the falling water. In spate the channel below the falls becomes fast; do not swim after rain. Midges are fierce in summer.
Best for
- lesser-known waterfall experience
- Loch Arkaig forest walk
- Jacobite history combination
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:27
- Sunset
- 16:40
- Civil dawn
- 06:47
- Civil dusk
- 17:21
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026
Common questions
- Is Eas Chia-aig the "Witch's Pool"?
- Yes — local legend says a witch was drowned in this pool, which gives it that name.
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Around Eas Chia-aig on the SCOT network
Travel context for the area on TripSCOT.