Grey Mare's Tail, Moffat Hills
Waterfall Spectacular Scottish waterfall and surrounding nature reserve
A dramatic 60‑metre waterfall and gorge in the Moffat Hills, part of a national nature reserve; walkers come for trails, cliff views and highland scenery.
Grey Mare’s Tail is a dramatic waterfall and protected upland nature site in the Moffat Hills of southern Scotland, noted for its roughly 60-metre single drop. The fall lies within a steep glacial valley and is part of a designated nature reserve.
A short but steep walk leads from the roadside car park to viewpoints overlooking the fall; the reserve includes waymarked paths that continue up-valley toward the upland loch which feeds the waterfall. The site is valued for upland flora, breeding birds and the stark cliff scenery rather than large facilities.
The waterfall and surrounding hanging valley were shaped by Pleistocene glaciation; there is no major built heritage on the site. Conservation management has focused on protecting the upland habitats and maintaining footpaths for public access.
The fall sits in the Moffat Hills above the valley of the River Annan, near the town of Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway, southern Scotland. The site is reached by road from Moffat and other nearby towns.
- Height: 60 metres (approximately 200 feet) single-drop waterfall; one of the tallest in southern Scotland.
- Best time / conditions: flows strongest after heavy rain and during spring snowmelt; paths can be muddy and steep so wear stout footwear.
How to Get to Grey Mare's Tail, Moffat Hills #
The Grey Mare’s Tail (Moffat Hills) lies a short drive north of the town of Moffat in Dumfries & Galloway. From Moffat town centre it is roughly a 10-15 minute drive on local roads to the nature‑reserve car park; from the car park waymarked trails lead to viewpoints and the waterfall with walking distances of about 1-3 km depending on the route chosen.
Tips for Visiting Grey Mare's Tail, Moffat Hills #
- Use the main trailhead car park at the foot of the Grey Mare's Tail reserve and start early-mornings often provide clearer views and avoid the local weekend crowds that gather at the roadside viewpoint.
- Carry a map and follow the path up to Loch Skeen rather than staying at the roadside falls viewpoint; the walk to the loch and along the ridge yields quieter scenery and panoramic views that many visitors miss.
- Check the mountain and weather forecast before setting out-visibility can change rapidly, and the summit and upland trails are markedly different in winter; midges can be an issue in calm summer conditions, so time your walk accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Grey Mare's Tail, Moffat Hills #
Visit from late spring through early autumn for the easiest access, longest daylight and best walking conditions; take care on busy summer weekends.
Weather & Climate near Grey Mare's Tail, Moffat Hills #
Grey Mare's Tail, Moffat Hills's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1568 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (176 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
