A truly beautiful place to visit
Plodda Falls – or Eas Ploda in Gaelic – is an incredibly beautiful waterfall in the Highlands and is a hidden gem. With a wooden viewing platform and stunning greenery dotted along the top of the dramatic cliff faces, the falls are truly a stunning sight. Though no one is quite sure when Plodda Falls was first discovered, records indicate that it was first mentioned in the 14th century by Iain Moncreiffe of Moncreiffe. Plodda Falls has become a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the centuries.
Just half an hour in the car from Eagle Brae Log Cabins, this is a must-visit when you stay with us. Anyone considering the trip to Plodda Falls should stop and just go! It’s easily worth the journey. And here are some of the reasons that it’s worth it.
Plodda Falls is a designated nature reserve
The area surrounding Plodda Falls is a designated nature reserve, home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, foxes, and red squirrels. It is also a popular walking spot, with a number of trails winding through the reserve.
One thing that makes Plodda Falls such an impressive sight is not just the waterfall, but the simply stunning scenery surrounding it. On every side, when you reach the falls, you’ll see trees towering over you and the waterfall. These trees are incredibly tall and equally as old, with many of them having been planted in the 1800s. The trees surrounding Plodda Falls are some of, if not the, tallest trees in Scotland and are certainly impressive.
The falls changed the course of a river
The water at Plodda Falls flows from the Allt na Boadachan, but that wasn’t always the case! This river was actually rerouted, meaning that its course was physically changed, all to make the sights here more impressive. This was done in the 1800s, when many of the now impressive trees were planted around the falls. And did you know that, at 46 metres, Plodda Falls is the tallest cascade of its type in the United Kingdom? It is also the fourth tallest single-drop waterfall in Scotland.
Plodda Falls is one of the few areas in Glen Affric that has non-native trees
The impressive trees surrounding Plodda Falls are some of the only non-native species in the area. In other areas, the Forestry Commission is working to remove non-native species. However, the non-native species are part of the attraction around the falls!
Whilst the waterfall is stunning, the incredibly dense forest of firs surrounding it is made even more impressive. Without them, the experience of viewing the Plodda Falls would be completely different. Therefore, the Forestry Commission has allowed these towering beauties to remain where they have been for over 200 years.
The link between Plodda Falls and Golden Retrievers
Now, this fact is a little strange. Nevertheless, it’s true! The falls and other parts of the Glen Affric Nature Reserve once formed a large part of Lord Tweedmouth’s Guisachan estate. Lord Tweedmouth was a title that first belonged to Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, a liberal politician and businessman. It then passed to his two sons, until the death of the 3rd baron in 1935.
As well as working in politics and owning waterfalls, Sir Dudley Marjoribanks is also credited for another pretty interesting feat. He is the creator of the Golden Retriever, one of the world’s most famous and beloved dog breeds. He did so by breeding a wavy-coated retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel; the rest, they say, is history.
Plodda Falls was once owned by the famous Fraser Clan
Steeped in history, the falls have been the site of numerous archaeological discoveries, including Bronze Age artefacts and a 12th-century stone cross. The area has been the backdrop for a number of events. In the 19th century, the local church held baptisms at the base of the falls. During the 20th century, the falls were used as a filming location for a number of movies, including the cult classic, Highlander.
Any Outlander fans will be thrilled to know that the beautiful falls, before they fell into the hands of the Tweedmouths, belonged to the 800-year-old Highland family, the Fraser Clan. With roots in Inverness-shire, the clan is real and features in the show Outlander frequently.
The clan lived around Plodda and Guisachan (which is Gaelic for “pine”) for many years. It was their stronghold up until 1854 when the very first Lord Tweedmouth purchased the land.
A visit to the falls is an unforgettable experience. Combined with a stay in one of our uber-luxe, eco-friendly cabins, you’ll have a truly unique break. Book your stay in one of our luxury log cabins today. And when you come to visit, don’t forget to chat to us so we can help you find more hidden gems like Plodda Falls.
