The Falls of Shin is a waterfall on the River Shin near Lairg in the Scottish Highlands, known for viewing Atlantic salmon leaping upstream. This guide covers opening hours, parking charges, access routes, accessibility and practical tips for planning your visit.
It’s possible to visit the Falls of Shin on North Highland day tour from Invergordon.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours daily, year-round |
| Entry price | Free admission. Car parking charge applies |
| Address | Achany Glen, near Lairg, Sutherland, IV27 4EE |
| Nearest town | Lairg (4 miles south), Bonar Bridge (5 miles southeast) |
| Time needed | 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on chosen trail |
| Distance from Inverness | Approximately 45 miles (1 hour 10 minutes’ drive) |
Falls of Shin opening hours
The waterfall and walking trails are open 24 hours a day, year-round. There are no gates or restricted access times.
The Falls of Shin Visitor Centre café operates with seasonal opening hours. Contact the Salt and Salmon Company directly or check their social media for current café opening times.
Falls of Shin ticket prices
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in January 2026.
Entry to the Falls of Shin is free. There are no admission charges.
Car parking charges apply:
- Standard parking: £2 (minimum 2 hours)
- Payment required within 10 minutes of arrival via phone (0141 404 0000, site code 4144), Phone & Pay app, or contactless payment machine near the play park entrance
- Parking can be refunded if you purchase food or drink at the café (register your vehicle at the till)
Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras enforce parking payment. Failure to pay within 10 minutes may result in penalty charges.
Why book the North Highland tour with Dunrobin Castle from Invergordon?
- Scenic Highland sights: Travel through dramatic countryside with stops at viewpoints like Dornoch Firth and Struie Hill for sweeping landscapes.
- Visit Dunrobin Castle: Explore the fairy-tale castle’s gardens and impressive exterior — a highlight of Scotland’s northern heritage.
- Highland culture & wildlife: See quaint Dornoch village and enjoy a short stop at Loch Fleet where seals and seabirds can be spotted.
- Whisky tasting option: Sample a dram at the Clynelish Distillery to experience one of Scotland’s famous spirits (pay-as-you-go on site).
- Comfortable guided day trip: Includes live commentary, snacks, bottled water and air-conditioned transport for an easy, informative excursion from Invergordon.
How to get to the Falls of Shin
From Bonar Bridge: Take the A836 northwest for 4 miles (6.4 km), turn left onto the A837 towards Lochinver. After 0.75 miles (800 metres), turn right onto the B864. The car park is on your left after 1.25 miles (2 km).
From Lairg: Follow the A839 southwest for 0.75 miles (1.2 km) and turn left onto the B864. The car park is on your right after 4 miles (6.4 km).
From Inverness: Follow the A9 north along the coast, then take the A836 west towards Bonar Bridge. Journey time to this British waterfall is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
The postcode IV27 4EE will bring you to the visitor centre car park.
Public transport: An infrequent bus service between Tain and Lairg stops at the Falls of Shin. Visit Traveline Scotland for current timetables. Service availability is limited, particularly outside summer months. Taking a Northern Highlands day tour from Invergordon is probably an easier bet.
Parking at the Falls of Shin
A large car park with spaces for approximately 40–50 vehicles is located at the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre. Parking charges apply (see ticket prices section above).
Payment methods:
- Phone: 0141 404 0000 (enter site code 4144)
- Phone & Pay app (download from App Store or Google Play)
- Contactless payment machine opposite the play park entrance
- Register at the café to receive a refund on purchases
Payment must be completed within 10 minutes of arrival. ANPR cameras monitor compliance. Mobile phone signal can be weak in the area, so downloading the Phone & Pay app before arrival is recommended.
Facilities include motorhome waste disposal, electric vehicle charging and water points.
How long to spend at the Falls of Shin
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at the Falls of Shin, depending on which trail they choose.
The walk to the viewing platform takes approximately 5–10 minutes down a short, steep path with zigzags. Allow 10–15 minutes to watch for salmon (sightings depend on season and water conditions).
Three waymarked trails are available:
- Riverside Trail: 0.5 miles (1 km), 30 minutes
- Pond and Play Trail: 0.75 miles (1.3 km), 30 minutes
- Woodland Trail: 1.25 miles (2 km), 45 minutes
Adding café time or children’s play park visits will extend your stay to 1.5–2 hours.
Accessibility at the Falls of Shin
The path to the viewing platform is not wheelchair accessible. The route includes a short, steep descent with zigzag steps and uneven terrain.
All three woodland trails are graded as moderate difficulty and include uneven gravel and grassy surfaces, slopes and potentially muddy sections. None are suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
The car park surface is level. Accessible toilets are available at the visitor centre (when the café is open).
Visitors with limited mobility may view the River Shin from the car park area, though this does not provide views of the falls themselves.
What to see at the Falls of Shin
The Falls of Shin is a series of cascades and rapids on the River Shin, known for the volume and force of water rather than height. The falls are one of the best locations in Scotland to observe Atlantic salmon leaping upstream during their spawning migration.
Salmon viewing season: Mid-May to late autumn (June to September is peak season). Sightings depend on water levels and rainfall. Salmon are most active after heavy rain when water flow increases.
A viewing platform overlooks the main falls, positioned to watch salmon attempt the leap. The River Shin was historically dynamited to create easier passage for fish, though many still fail their attempts and must try repeatedly.
The surrounding forest includes aspen, larch, fir and pine woodland. The area is one of only 14 UK locations where the endangered aspen hoverfly survives. Wildlife includes red squirrels, buzzards and woodpeckers.
The Riverside Trail follows the River Shin through native woodland where aspen trees grow. The Pond and Play Trail includes natural play areas with wildlife carvings and dragonfly ponds. The Woodland Trail climbs through conifer forest with views across Achany Glen.
Practical tips for visiting the Falls of Shin
| Tip |
|---|
| Download the Phone & Pay app and register your account before travelling, as mobile phone signal is weak at the site. This ensures you can pay for parking within the required 10 minutes. |
| Visit between June and September for the best chance of seeing salmon leaping. Salmon activity increases after heavy rainfall. |
| If using the café, register your vehicle number plate at the till to receive a parking refund on your purchase. |
| Wear waterproof footwear, as trails can be muddy, particularly after rain. The path to the viewing platform includes steep, uneven steps. |
| The children’s play park includes natural woodland play equipment and is suitable for children of all ages. |
| Public toilets and additional food options are available in Lairg (4 miles) and Bonar Bridge (5 miles) if the visitor centre café is closed. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Falls of Shin suitable for children? | Yes. The short walk to the viewing platform takes 5–10 minutes and is manageable for most children. A woodland play park with natural play equipment is located near the car park. Trails are graded as moderate difficulty. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No. The falls and trails are open to all visitors without booking. However, parking must be paid for within 10 minutes of arrival. |
| Is the Falls of Shin open in winter? | Yes. The site is open year-round, though salmon are not present in winter. The café may have reduced opening hours or close during winter months. |
| Are dogs allowed? | Yes. Dogs are permitted on all trails but must be kept under control. The area is managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, which welcomes responsible dog walkers. |
| When is the best time to see salmon? | June to September is the main salmon migration season. Salmon are most active after heavy rainfall when water levels rise. Sightings are not guaranteed. |
| Is parking free? | No. Parking costs £2 (minimum 2 hours). This charge can be refunded if you purchase food or drink at the café and register your vehicle at the till. |
Things to do near the Falls of Shin
Ferrycroft Visitor Centre (2.8 miles south): A community-run visitor centre in Lairg with exhibitions on local history and wildlife, lochside trails, ancient monuments and a children’s play park. Toilets and picnic facilities available. Free parking.
Dunrobin Castle (12 miles southeast): The largest house in the Highlands, with 189 rooms, formal gardens and falconry displays. Operated as a historic house attraction with admission charge. Open seasonally (April to October).
Dornoch Cathedral (17 miles southeast): A 13th-century Gothic cathedral in the historic town of Dornoch, known for its elegant architecture and stained glass.
Loch Shin (4 miles north): Sutherland’s largest loch at 17 miles long, created as part of a 1950s hydroelectric project. Scenic driving route with mountain views and fishing opportunities.
Raven’s Rock Gorge (4.6 miles southwest): A dramatic gorge with woodland trails managed by Forestry and Land Scotland. Free parking and picnic facilities.
More Scottish Highlands travel
Other Scottish Highlands travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan your visit to Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness.
- Live out your Outlander fantasies at Beauly Priory and the Clava Cairns.
- Explore Scottish history on Culloden Battlefield.
- How – and why – to get to the Commando Memorial in the Scottish Highlands.
- The logistics of stopping at the Loch Tulla Viewpoint.
