United Kingdom · Scottish Borders
Grey Mare's Tail
Meltwater from a hanging glacial valley drops in a long silvery streak visible from the main road below, with resident wild goats often grazing the steep slopes beside it. A steep path climbs alongside the falls to Loch Skeen, the lake that feeds it.
Meltwater from a hanging glacial valley drops in a long silvery streak visible from the main road below, with resident wild goats often grazing the steep slopes beside it. A steep path climbs alongside the falls to Loch Skeen, the lake that feeds it.
Grey Mare's Tail drops 60 metres (197 ft) on the Tail Burn, inside Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve. It is a horsetail-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Moffat, with EDI the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Spring and autumn rains keep the hanging-valley falls at their fullest.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
Wildlife & safari
Falls that sit inside serious wildlife country, where the water is only half the reason to come.
When to go
Spring and autumn rains keep the hanging-valley falls at their fullest.
Entry: Free; NTS car park charge
Getting there
- Base townMoffat
- AirportEDI
- CountryUnited Kingdom
- RegionScottish Borders, Europe
- AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
On the map
55.4419, -3.2711
Quick answers
How tall is Grey Mare's Tail?
Grey Mare's Tail drops 60 metres (197 feet). It is a horsetail-type waterfall on the Tail Burn.
When is the best time to visit Grey Mare's Tail?
Peak flow is April to May and September to October. Spring and autumn rains keep the hanging-valley falls at their fullest.
What can you do at Grey Mare's Tail?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking, photography and wildlife & safari. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
How do you get to Grey Mare's Tail?
The usual base is Moffat, and the closest airport is EDI. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Free; NTS car park charge.
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