Nick Drainey's Extra Mile

Two hidden gems of nature, only a few steps from the roadside.

Waterfalls are in no short supply in Scotland, but many of the more spectacular ones are difficult to get to without full mountaineering gear and a long trek. Similarly, rock pinnacles abound. Again, these are hard to reach, as they often stand either right at the top of high mountains or along remote stretches of coastline.

There is one place where it easy to see both these things only a few minutes from the side of an A road. Drive three and a quarter miles south of Kylesku on the A894 and park in an unmarked layby on the east (left) side of the road. Follow a rough path starting from a small quarry along the north side of a burn - Allt Chranaidh.

Almost immediately you will see the rock pinnacle. Then, if you go a couple of hundred yards further on, you will see a spectacular waterfall plunging straight down into the burn. Just less than five miles from this spot, over the rough moorland, is Eas a'Chual Aluinn, reputed to be Britain's highest waterfall but far harder to reach.

Tens of thousands of tourists pass this way without realising these natural wonders exist so if you do find yourself in the north west of Scotland be sure to take a few minutes out of your day to have a look.

You may want to take the Ordnance Survey Explorer 442 to help you find the start (the burn is not marked on the Landranger series).

Remember, however, that although you are extremely close to the road, this walk can be dangerous, especially after rain when there will be a lot of water in the burn. If it is in spate you may only get as far as the pinnacle and if you are in any doubt turn back.

Young children should always be kept under control as there are many places where they could easily trip or fall if not supervised.