Foyers: Waterfalls and Walks by Loch Ness

When planning your trip to Foyers, the Falls of Foyers and walks with views of Loch Ness take centre stage. The various circular routes each have their own focus: they lead to the waterfalls, Foyers Bay or the old reservoir. You can choose your destinations and the character of the walks according to what you would like to explore during your stay.

The Falls of Foyers and their history

The Falls of Foyers, known in Gaelic as Eas na Smùide (“smoking falls”), comprise two groups of waterfalls on the River Foyers. The river plunges through a dramatic gorge down to Loch Ness. At the upper falls, three cascades about 14 metres high form the waterfall group; the lower falls are about 30 metres high. Their different heights and forms give each group of falls its own character.

The Falls of Foyers are also connected with the history of travel in Scotland: in the 19th century, they played a prominent role in the development of tourism in the country. If you are interested in their historical significance as well as the scenery, you will find both linked at this same named location.

Circular routes with different destinations

The Foyers Circular including Upper Falls route takes in both the upper and lower falls and the shore of Loch Ness. It leads from the Jane Fraser Memorial down a narrow path to the shore. The waterfalls and the loch shore are therefore both part of the route. If you are planning this circular walk, bear in mind the narrow path and the descent to the shore.

The Foyers Bay Circular North begins at the old aluminium factory in Lower Foyers. This very easy, flat route follows roads and a rough path along the north shore of Foyers Bay. Along the way, it passes a small pebble beach with impressive views across the loch. Here, the bay and the view across the water are the main focus.

Another circular route leads to the old reservoir behind Foyers: the Reservoir Walk, Foyers is short but includes a steep section through trees; another section can be boggy. These trail conditions are just as important to consider when planning as the destination itself. The Foyers Bay Circular North is defined by its flat route and pebble beach, while the Reservoir Walk is distinguished by the old reservoir and the described sections through trees.

The route from Inverfarigaig to Foyers also has its own highlights. It follows a short section of the South Loch Ness Trail and includes a viewpoint overlooking Loch Ness. A short detour offers views across Foyers Bay. This route can therefore be distinguished from the circular walks to waterfalls, the bay or the reservoir by its viewpoints and connection to the named long-distance trail.

Travel information

On 11 June 2025, the Highland Council stated that the full 302 bus service runs as far as Foyers. From there, passengers can visit the Falls of Foyers and walk along the hillside path beside Loch Ness. As bus routes and timetables can change, check the current timetable before travelling.

A public toilet block and a motorhome waste disposal point were officially opened at the Falls of Foyers car park on 16 June 2023. If you are planning to use either of these facilities during your visit, check in advance whether they are currently available.

For a different perspective on Loch Ness, the Loch Ness RIB Tour from Foyers takes you to remote stretches of shore and Ruined Urquhart Castle. It complements the shore walks and viewpoints with a visit to these places as part of the tour. Waterfalls, circular walks and the tour therefore give your trip planning a range of distinct, specifically named highlights.

Discover more destinations: Castletown, Tongue, Thurso, Inverness, Avoch, Glenelg, Beauly, Evanton.

Back to the regional travel overview: Highland.