Achness Falls, also known as the Achness Waterfall or Cassley Falls, is a waterfall located on the River Cassley in Sutherland, Scotland, near Rosehall and Invercassley.[1] Its name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic Ach-an-eas, the "field of the waterfall".[2]
The falls descend a narrow gorge with the upper fall being a 6-metre (20 ft) drop. The lower fall is a thin broken sheet of water down about 12 metres (39 ft) of rock and when in spate this becomes a torrent which has several pools providing a means for salmon to ascend.[3] The location is the type locality and best-studied area of the Achness Thrust, a thrust fault which dips 40 to 50° to the south at the falls.[4] Present nearby are the ruins of a broch and a more modern chapel.[2] By the side of the river is an old cemetery and there are woodland walks.[3]
Atlantic salmon fishing on the River Cassley has a long history. Achness Falls is a temporary barrier to the fish each spring; they do not advance beyond it until the water warms above 10 °C (50 °F).[5] In the late 19th century, plans to destroy the waterfall to improve the salmon run were considered.[6]
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