Mealt Falls: Where Water Meets Sky on the Isle of Skye
In August 2019, during my journey through the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye, I stumbled upon one of the islandâs most breathtaking natural spectaclesâMealt Falls. Located near the village of Staffin on the Trotternish Peninsula, this dramatic waterfall plunges straight off a cliff into the sea, offering a view that feels like the edge of the world.
đ A Waterfall with a Sea View
Mealt Falls is fed by Loch Mealt, a freshwater loch that sits just inland from the coast. The water flows gently from the loch before suddenly cascading 55 meters (180 feet) over the cliffs of Kilt Rock and into the Sound of Raasay below. The sight is mesmerizing: a ribbon of water tumbling into the ocean, framed by the vertical basalt columns of Kilt Rock, which resemble the pleats of a Scottish kilt.
The viewing platform just off the A855 road offers a perfect vantage point. On clear days, you can see across the water to the Isle of Raasay and even the mainland Highlands. The sound of the falls, the sea breeze, and the cries of seabirds overhead create an atmosphere thatâs both wild and serene.
đïž Kilt Rock and the Trotternish Landscape
Mealt Falls shares its dramatic setting with Kilt Rock, one of Skyeâs most iconic geological formations. The cliff face is made of alternating layers of dolerite and sandstone, giving it a striped appearance that resembles a tartan. This natural wonder is part of the Trotternish Ridge, a landscape shaped by ancient landslides and volcanic activity.
The surrounding area is rich in walking trails, fossil sites, and panoramic viewpoints. Staffin Beach, just a short drive away, is famous for dinosaur footprints preserved in the rocksâevidence of Skyeâs prehistoric past.
đ§ History and Folklore
While Mealt Falls itself isnât tied to a specific legend, the Isle of Skye is steeped in folklore. The nearby Quiraing and Fairy Glen are said to be home to the fair folk, and tales of selkies, giants, and warrior clans echo through the hills.
Staffin and the Trotternish Peninsula were historically home to members of Clan MacDonald and Clan MacLeod, two of the most powerful Highland clans. The area was deeply affected by the Highland Clearances, when many crofting families were evicted in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the land still bears traces of abandoned settlements and stone walls that once marked family holdings.
đž A Must-See Stop on Skye
Mealt Falls is one of those places that doesnât need embellishment. Itâs raw, elemental, and unforgettable. Whether youâre a photographer chasing the perfect shot, a traveler seeking solitude, or a nature lover drawn to dramatic landscapes, Mealt Falls delivers.
If youâre driving the Trotternish Loop, make sure to pull over at the Mealt Falls viewpoint. Itâs more than a waterfallâitâs a moment where land, sea, and sky converge in perfect harmony. And like much of Skye, it leaves you with the feeling that youâve touched something ancient, powerful, and deeply Scottish.
Leave a reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.