Carved by the River Lealt, the eponymous falls plunge 90 metres down a narrow, tree-lined gorge into the Sound of Raasay. A recently constructed viewing platform gives some breathtaking views of the upper falls and the lower falls can be accessed from the main car park where there is a steep descent to the beach. There is a large plunge pool at the base of the lower falls for anyone brave enough to face the cold water.
Location
The falls can be found approximately 13 miles north of Portree and 4.3 miles from Staffin just off the A855.
Parking & Facilities
Car parking for about 20 cars. No marked bays. No parking charges. No toilet facilities.
The permanently situated Constables Food Truck in the upper car park serves up a small but hearty menu of hot food and refreshments.
Lealt Falls
From the car park, there is a short walk along a good gravel path to the first viewing area. This is a sturdy wooden bridge and platform over the gorge with wonderful views of the falls and the Trotternish mountains to the west; and to the mainland across the Sound to the east.
There is then a short climb on the narrow road to the upper (or main) car park and another wooden viewing platform where, on a good day, the mountains of the mainland are clearly visible.
Below the platform is Invertote Bay where the crumbling remains of the buildings used by salmon fishermen of old still scar the land.
There are also the remnants of the old factory which processed diatomite from the nearby mines in the late 19th century. The diatomite was transported from the mines from Loch Cuithir via the Lealt Valley Diatomite Railway, a narrow-gauge tramway built in 1889 running parallel to the River Lealt. The rock was then processed in the factory, boarded on skiffs and sent to the mainland by puffer boat.
The bay and the lower falls can be accessed by a steep path which is not suitable for those with mobility problems and can become dangerously slippery in wet weather, so caution is advised.
Once on the beach, take time to explore the ruins of the old salmon smokehouses and diatomite factory before following the path around the steep hill to the lower falls. Please note, crossing the river without getting wet may not be possible during high tide.
The plunge pool at the base of the waterfall is suitable for wild swimming and, although the sides are relatively shallow, the centre of the pool drops off steeply into deep water.