Plodda Falls
Pause for thought at Plodda Falls
Plodda Falls soak the forest at their base in a fine mist as they plunge over drop of 151 feet (46 metres). They’re one of the most thrilling waterfalls in Scotland, but Plodda is also remarkable for its trees.
In other places in Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, we’re working hard to remove non-native trees. However, Here at Plodda, non-native trees are the glory of the forest: magnificent Douglas firs that soar up like the pillars of a cathedral. Crush their needles and you might be reminded of Christmas: they have an amazing scent of tangerines.
Our guide to Glen Affric (PDF 4.6MB) will help you explore this magical place.
Be prepared
Getting to Plodda is quite an adventure: it’s 5 miles (8 km) beyond the tiny village of Tomich, along narrow road and forest track. Drive slowly, and pull over to let other cars pass at the passing places.
Be warned that there is no mobile phone reception in the glen, so you won’t be able to use electronic maps that rely on a network connection.
Life’s essentials
There’s an inn in Tomich, and places to eat and a shop in Cannich. There are no cafés or shops in Glen Affric itself.
Walking trails
Plodda Falls Trail
Visit an amazing vertical cascade dropping beneath the Douglas firs into the Abhainn Deabhag with an almighty roar.
Mostly firm gravel surface, with uneven section that may be narrow, grassy or muddy. Steep slopes with some stone steps. Includes some exposed tree roots.
½ miles / 1.0 km Allow ½ hour
Tweedmouth Trail
Wander through the majestic Douglas firs and larch, planted by Lord Tweedmouth on the former Guisachan estate.
Uneven gravel and earth paths with narrow and rocky sections. Several steep slopes and sets of stone steps. Includes some potentially muddy sections and exposed tree roots.
1 ½ miles / 2.4 km Allow 1 hour
How to get here
From Inverness or Fort William, follow the A82 along Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit. Turn onto the A831, signposted for Canaich (Cannich). After about 10 miles (16 km), at a sharp right-hand bend before you reach Cannich village, turn left onto a minor road signposted for Tomich. Follow this road for about 6¼ miles (10 km), going through Tomich village. It's a narrow road - and after Tommich just a forest track – but keep going and you’ll reach the car park at grid reference NH 279 238.
Using SatNav?
IV4 7LY is a postcode on the road leading to Plodda. Keep going for another 1¾ mile (2.8 km) to reach the car park.
Public transport
Buses run from Inverness to Tomich and Cannich throughout the year. For details visit Traveline Scotland.
Nearby places
Plodda is just one of four places to explore in Glen Affric. There are wonderful trails through the forest at Dog Falls, and peaceful picnic places by Loch Beinn a’Mheadhain. At River Affric there’s a superb viewpoint and trail beside the dramatic river.
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For questions and complaints, please contact us directly.
