Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, Isle of Skye | A Very Helpful Visitor’s Guide
A very helpful visitor's guide to Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls on the Isle of Skye. Everything you need to know, from parking fees to paths and the best waterfall viewpoints.
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are one of the easiest and most dramatic roadside stops on the Isle of Skye. Towering basalt cliffs plunge straight into the sea, with a slender waterfall tumbling from the top - you can see the falls vanish into the Sound of Raasay far beneath your feet.
Located on the northeastern edge of the Trotternish Peninsula, this is a short, low-effort stop that fits neatly into a scenic drive around northern Skye.
Its easy access and dramatic payoff make it especially popular with first-time visitors keen to experience the island’s headline landscapes, and for good reason - this is one of the most visually striking places on Skye
Kilt Rock itself is a striking geological feature, with pleated basalt columns forming a cliff face said to resemble the folds of a traditional Scottish kilt.
But the real showstopper is Mealt Falls: a slender ribbon of water plunging around 55 metres from the clifftop into the open Atlantic Ocean below. After heavy rain, the combination of crashing water, exposed cliffs, and open sea is at its most dramatic - and a memorable introduction to Skye’s raw coastal scenery.
Where Are Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls?
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls sit just south of the village of Staffin, around a 15-minute drive north of Portree, directly off the A855 road that loops around the Trotternish Peninsula.
If you’re driving north from Portree towards Staffin, you’ll see brown tourist signs for Kilt Rock shortly after passing the turn-off for the Quiraing.
The viewpoint is well signed and easy to access, making it one of the simplest stops on this side of the island.
Parking At Kilt Rock
There is a dedicated car park directly opposite the viewpoint.
Pay-and-display parking (£3).
Contactless payment is available.
Coaches regularly stop here, so the car park can feel busy despite the short visit time.
Once parked, the viewpoint is reached via a short, flat, well-maintained path.
About Kilt Rock
Kilt Rock is a sheer cliff face made up of striking vertical basalt columns. These tall, ribbed rock formations resemble the pleats of a traditional Scottish kilt - hence the name.
The cliffs rise dramatically from the sea below, and on clear days you’ll have open views across the water to the island of Raasay. The geology and coastal views alone make this stop worthwhile.
About Mealt Falls
Mealt Falls is a slender waterfall that drops from the clifftop down into the sea. As with all Skye’s waterfalls, this one is best after heavy rain to see it in full effect.
When conditions are right, the contrast between the dark basalt rock, white water, and open sea makes for a memorable view, particularly if you catch it without crowds.
Good to Know Before You Visit
There’s a viewing platform with panoramic vistas of the sea and coastline.
Safety railings are in place, but the cliffs are extremely high, so be careful.
The walk from the car park to the viewpoint takes under 2 minutes.
The path is wide, flat, and suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Wind can be very strong here, even on calm days elsewhere on Skye
There are no toilets or facilities on site.
This is a popular spot and can be busy; arrive before 9am to avoid the crowds.
Allow 5 to 15 minutes in total, depending on crowds and weather.
Is Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls Worth Stopping For?
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls are very much worth stopping for, especially if you’re already exploring the Trotternish Peninsula.
This is not a hike or a hidden gem, but it is one of Skye’s most accessible dramatic viewpoints. If you’re driving between Portree, the Quiraing, Staffin, or the northern end of the peninsula, it’s an easy stop that delivers big scenery for very little effort.
It works particularly well as a quick pause between longer walks, or as a weather-proof option when low cloud limits higher viewpoints elsewhere.
How does Kilt Rock fit into a Skye itinerary?
Short stops like Kilt Rock work best when they’re added into a wider driving route, rather than treated as destinations in their own right. Knowing which quick stops to include - and which to skip - can make a noticeable difference to how relaxed your Skye days feel.
If you’re still planning your route, the main Skye guide on the site pulls together regions, driving loops, and key sights across the island.
For travellers who want something more structured, my Skye itinerary download includes ready-to-follow routes, realistic timings, and clear guidance on where brief stops like this genuinely make sense — so you’re not constantly second-guessing your plan once you’re on the road.
