Corrieshalloch Gorge

Corrieshalloch Gorge

As one leaves the treeless wilderness of the Dirrie More, and heads into the wooded shelter of the strath that contains Loch Broom and Ullapool, a sign announces the approach of Corrieshalloch Gorge. This spectacular natural chasm is well worth a visit.

Corrieshalloch, pronounced, Corry-ha-loch, was cut into the local grey schists by glacial meltwater as the last Scottish ice sheet retreated back into the hills some 14,000 years ago. The gorge is almost a mile long and some 200 ft deep, yet in places is only 40 ft across at the top.  A narrow strip of woodland, comprising mainly native species such as rowan, alder, wych elm, aspen, hazel and birch, fringes the ravine. While clinging precariously to fissures and clefts along the sheer sides, trees and other plant species live out their lives with apparent lack of concern for the dramatic drop beneath them. Towards the head of the gorge, the Abhainn Droma plunges ferociously over the 120ft high Falls of Measach, and thence tumbles and cascades among the boulders of the river bed on its way down valley to join the River Broom.

The iron suspension bridge over the Falls of Measach was built in 1867 by Sir John Fowler, co-builder of the famous Forth Railway Bridge. Standing on it one obtains a breathtaking view along the length of the gorge, and it is an exhilarating point from which to view the waterfall. A couple of hundred yards down valley, a platform has been constructed to enhance the view of the falls and the upper part of the ravine.

The gorge supports a rich and varied flora containing a number of rare species. Of particular note are the bryophytes, mosses and liverworts, and various fern species, which flourish in the high humidity. Britain's smallest fern, Wilson's filmy fern (Hymenophyllum wilsonii), is found here, together with other rarities such as Sphenolobus hellaranus and Tritomaria exsecta. A large number of wild flowers are also found here.