Black Rock Gorge

Last Update: 09.10.2026 by Daniel Sturm
Region: Scotland
Subregion: Highland
Town: Alness
v3 a5 IV
4h50
40min
4h
10min
120m
60m
60m
x
73m
1700m
on Foot
Rating:
★★★★★
5 (1)
Info:
★★★
0 ()
Belay:
★★★
0 ()
Summary:
A long, deep, narrow, drawn-out, cold and magnificent water gorge with numerous tree trunks. When the water level is high, it is only suitable for experienced teams; when the water level is low, it can still be strenuous.
Conglomerate
30.00km²
Summary:
A long, deep, narrow, drawn-out, cold and magnificent water gorge with numerous tree trunks. When the water level is high, it is only suitable for experienced teams; when the water level is low, it can still be strenuous.
Access:
Approach by Car: Park in one of the lay by's on the road, ensuring you don't obstruct gateways, footpaths and the road. Use the route card to see the best locations. from your vehicle, head towards the start of the canyon, We strongly recommend rigging escape ropes if you have any doubts about the weather / team ability as it is completely inescapable inside.
Approach (40 min):
Canyon entry: An abseil is required to enter the gorge, Use the shape ion the river to work out where you should enter, ideally you will enter at a bend on the river with a large bank be aware of the loose rock as you abseil in.
Tour (4 h):
The rock is conglomerate, all walls are very loose, rocks can easily be knocked into the gorge. several escape ropes (between 40-50m each) are recommended incase levels begin to rise. Anchor kit is required for a descent, pre-existing anchors in the canyon are likely to be missing or damaged. Canyon descent: All the drops are below 15m, expect around 10-11 pitches in total (some can be jumped). Features inside the canyon are always changing, some of the log jams will move after each flood. expect to find false floors and loose rock.
Return (10 min):
Exit: Canyon walls will end and you'll be able to climb the ladder on the TL to escape, climb out here and head back to wherever you parked. Escapes: not possible until the end, escape ropes are highly recommend.

Coordinates:

Canyon Start
57.666716°, -4.384192° ↓↑
DMS: 57° 40" 0.18', -5° 36" 56.91'

DM: 57° 40.003", -5° 36.948"

Google Maps
Parking at Entry
57.667628°, -4.379978° ↓↑
DMS: 57° 40" 3.46', -5° 37" 12.08'

DM: 57° 40.058", -5° 37.201"

Google Maps
Parking at Exit
57.669217°, -4.349713° ↓↑
DMS: 57° 40" 9.18', -5° 39" 1.03'

DM: 57° 40.153", -5° 39.017"

Google Maps
Canyon End
57.669735°, -4.354976° ↓↑
DMS: 57° 40" 11.05', -5° 38" 42.09'

DM: 57° 40.184", -5° 38.701"

Google Maps
Hydrology:
Only attempt at low flow, very committing trip. Dam up stream could release causing flash floods without prior warning.