Wild Swimming
Grey Mare's Tail
The Grey Mare's Tail is one of the highest waterfalls in the UK (60m), pouring from Loch Skeen in the hills north-east of Moffat. The National Trust for Scotland manages the nature reserve. A dip at the foot of a 60m waterfall in the Southern Uplands is a remarkable experience, and it is within a day trip of both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Quick facts
- Type
- Waterfall
- Region
- Southern Uplands
- Grid ref
- NT 186 145
- Entry
- Gravel / pebble
- Depth
- Medium (chest-deep)
- Midges
- Moderate
- Dogs
- On lead only
Key hazards
- steep descent to pool — not suitable in wet weather
- cold water shock
- path eroded in places
Getting there
National Trust for Scotland car park on the A708 north-east of Moffat. Paths lead towards the foot of the falls and, more steeply, up to Loch Skeen above. Access rights apply on NTS land.
Safety
Not a designated bathing water. The ground near the base of the falls can be very muddy, steep and slippery — wear proper footwear. Do not swim directly under the main fall — the force of water is dangerous. Only consider a dip in settled, low-water conditions. Keep dogs on leads — livestock graze the NTS reserve.
Best for
- Southern Scotland wild swim
- short day from Edinburgh/Glasgow
- waterfall photography
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:15
- Sunset
- 16:38
- Civil dawn
- 06:37
- Civil dusk
- 17:17
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026
Common questions
- Is there a via ferrata near Grey Mare's Tail?
- No — the via ferrata is at Kinlochleven near Glencoe. The Grey Mare's Tail is a nature reserve with a walking path, no fixed protection routes.
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