5 walks exploring Highland Perthshire waterfalls

Black Linn Falls and the Falls of the Braan

Located on the outskirts of the quaint village of Dunkeld, the Black Linn Falls and Falls of the Braan can be visited as part of the Hermitage walk. 

These Hermitage woodlands were once the private pleasure grounds for the 18th-century Dukes of Atholl. It’s now one of Perthshire’s most charming and sought-after walks.

Despite its popularity, it’s still possible to enjoy this walk without being too crowded. Visiting later in the day or during the quieter seasons will mean fewer folk visiting the area.

Most people start the walk at the Hermitage car park, but it can also be started from Dunkeld town centre or train station which are only 1.5 miles away. 

As you stroll through this captivating forest, you’ll be surrounded by magnificent Douglas firs that border the River Braan.

Your first stop along the trail is the dramatic Black Linn Falls, which can be viewed from the enchanting folly, known as Ossian’s Hall. This stone pavilion, constructed in 1757, adds a touch of romance to the woodland and is a favourite spot for couples to exchange vows.

However, the purpose of the folly was to provide a spectacular viewpoint over the Black Linn Falls, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. As you walk out onto the balcony you’ll be able to view the falls close up as they tumble over the huge rocks.

After Ossian’s Hall, the walk continues along the river, ultimately leading you to the Rumbling Bridge and the Falls of Braan. These striking falls have a more rugged charm. You can view them from the bridge or various vantage points along the water’s edge.

This walk is great to do any time of year, thanks to its easily accessible and well-maintained trails, but it’s especially spectacular in the autumn when the woodlands burst into a riot of colours.

Hermitage and River Braan map

Falls of Moness – Birks of Aberfeldy Walk

The Falls of Moness, located on the outskirts of Aberfeldy, is a spectacular 150-meter waterfall and a series of smaller falls that flow into Moness Burn.

The circular walk is aptly named The Birks of Aberfeldy after Scotland’s much-loved poet Robert Burns, who wrote song lyrics about the Birks of Aberfeldy back in the 1700s.

You can start the walk from Aberfeldy town centre or at the Birks car park. To start, follow the trail from the car park and take the first bridge on the left.

Tip: although this is a circular walk, I would recommend crossing the bridge first and following the path on the east side of the burn as you get the best viewpoints approaching each of the falls as you make your way up to the top.

Along the first section of the walk, you’ll encounter two wonderful tributes to Robert Burns. The first is the Burns statue which portrays Burns perching on the edge of the stream reading one of his poems. The second is Burns’s cave, which is supposedly where he sat to write the Birks of Aberfeldy.

As you continue walking up this side of the gorge, you’ll pass lots of beautiful cascading waterfalls which you can easily view from the wooden walkways that form part of the trail.

At the top there is an excellent viewpoint that looks out across to the main waterfall as is plummets into the abyss.

Continue following the path that will lead you to the other side and to a wooden bridge where you can walk across the top of the waterfall itself. Viewing the waterfall from above is particularly impressive when there’s been a lot of rain and the stream is bursting. The force of the water is so strong that it can be quite breathtaking!

There are two ways to return down the hill. After the bridge either turn right and follow the woodland path down the west side of the gorge. Or turn left and continue walking uphill for a few minutes, and follow the trail out onto the road, which will lead you ]down to the bottom of the hill where you’ll see the car park. This is a slightly longer way back, but there are great views of Aberfeldy town and Schiehallion in the distance.

Enjoy this beautiful walk any time of year. But one of my favourite seasons is in winter, when there’s been a fresh dusting of snow and the woodland becomes a magical winter wonderland.

Birks of Aberfeldy map

Falls of Bruar

In total, the series of waterfalls drop an impressive 60m (almost 200ft)!

The circular walk starts next to the House of Bruar department store and follows a woodland path that runs on the right-hand side of the gorge.

There are so many great viewpoints along this walk, some to view the falls themselves, and others that take in the stunning surrounding landscape and hills.

The walk is especially pretty in autumn when the trees turn vibrant colors, or after heavy rainfall when the falls are at their fullest.

Falls of Bruar walking map

Black Spout Waterfall

The Black Spout waterfall walk is a 3-mile loop that can be started from the center of Pitlochry town, or at the Black Spout Wood car park.

The 190-foot waterfall takes its name from the beautiful surrounding Black Spout woods and forms part of Eradour Burn.

Starting from the car park follow the woodland path and signs to the Black Spout Falls. At the top of the hill, a wooden viewing platform looks across to the falls. This is undoubtedly the best spot to view the waterfall as it plunges into the gorge. 

You can also make your way down to the top of the falls where you can explore the pools. Just follow the trail that forks off to the right after the viewing platform, but take care walking down this path as it can be slippy and steep in places. 

The rest of the walk eventually leads you out of the woods where you’ll have wonderful views of Ben Vrackie and Pitlochry’s surrounding hills. It then passes Eradour Distillery, Scotland’s smallest distillery, and loops back to the start.

This walk is a great addition to any itinerary when visiting Pitlochry. Also extend it into a longer walk, such as the 9-mile Pitlochry Four Waters walk.

Black Spout Waterfall map

Falls of Acharn Walk