Falls of Bruar: A Walker’s Guide

Thunder boomed in my ears as I approached the viewing platform, the continuous roaring reaching its much anticipated crescendo as I was gifted with my first view of the lower falls.

An ancient stone bridge stretched over the top of the falls and I watched in awe as an endless torrent of striking blue water raced over the side of the cliff, free-falling down into the steep gorge below.

It was a spectacular sight. Little did I know, this was the first of numerous cascades that I would encounter on my walk round the Falls of Bruar.

It was plain to me why the Falls of Bruar are one of the most sought-after sights in Perthshire.

In this guide I aim to tell you everything you need to know about a visit to the Falls of Bruar.

Falls of Bruar Map

What are The Falls of Bruar?

The Falls of Bruar are a series of waterfalls located within a forest-coated gorge near Blair Atholl in Perthshire. The sight is managed by Atholl Estates who also manage the picturesque Blair Castle which looks like the setting of a fairytale.

There is a circular walk which you can take around the Falls of Bruar which takes roughly 1 and a half hours to complete.

Beside the start of the walk is a small but striking shopping centre called the House of Bruar which houses eateries and a variety of shops.

How Were The Falls of Bruar Made? 

The Falls are a product of the last Ice Age, which shaped much of the topography of Scotland.

Sometime around ten thousand years ago, the glaciers – which had dominated much of the island of Great Britain – retreated, and in their wake the landforms which we see today developed.

As the glaciers departed and the climate grew warmer, the water left behind in the Scottish Highland mountains cut a path through the softer parts of the natural rock. For the Falls of Bruar this has led to the creation of deep pools, rocky outcrops and even a natural rock arch which can be viewed at the lower falls.

Robert Burns and The Falls of Bruar

Writing in 1787, Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, brought focus to the Falls in his poem The Humble Petition Of Bruar Water.

This elegant tribute to nature is quite topical in its aims and intentions as it focuses on reforestation.

As well as describing the area, it is written as an appeal to the local landowner, the Duke of Athole, to plant trees around the Falls. The Duke responded with a replantation scheme and within a decade the bare landscape surrounding the falls was beautifully transformed in appearance as 100,000 trees were planted.

Only the first trees were in fact planted by the Duke himself. Sadly he passed away before the scheme could be completed. Fortunately the fourth Duke took the replanting seriously and saw the growth of hundreds of thousands of trees in the area. In fact it is said that he replanted 15 million trees across all of his estates.

Unfortunately most of these trees were cut down in World War II. They were then once again replanted.

However, this isn’t the end of the story. The landscape at the Falls of Bruar is ever-changing. Recently an unfortunate outbreak of disease amongst trees – a European Larch disease an algae-like organism known as water mould – has led to the felling of a large area. Replanting has begun so that the area can maintain the beauty that Robert Burns once envisioned.

“Would then my noble master please

To grant my highest wishes,

He’ll shade my banks wi’ tow’ring trees,

And bonie spreading bushes.

Delighted doubly then, my lord,

You’ll wander on my banks,

And listen mony a grateful bird

Return you tuneful thanks.”

– Robert Burns, The Humble Petition Of Bruar Water, 1787

Planning Your Visit to The Falls of Bruar

The Falls of Bruar are located in the Atholl Glens region of Perthshire, which is about an hour and a half’s drive from Edinburgh and a mere thirty minute drive from the town of Pitlochry.

There are strict speed limits enforced by speed cameras on the roads to reach the falls so you should allow plenty of time for your journey.

Below we’ll detail everything you need to know about planning your visit to the Falls of Bruar.

Where are The Falls of Bruar Located?

The Falls of Bruar can be found in a region of Scotland known as the Grampians, just outside the village of Pitagowan in Blair Atholl, Perthshire.

The falls are at the southern end of Cairngorms National Park, a great expanse of protected Scottish Highlands spanning over 1,748 sq. miles. The bulk of the park was officially declared a national park in 2003. However it wasn’t until five years later that the region of Blair Atholl (and with it the Falls of Bruar) were included as part of the national park.

The nearest town is Pitlochry, which is around 8 miles (a 30 minute drive) away from the Falls.

Good to Know! The postcode of the Falls of Bruar is PH18 5TW

How to Get to The Falls of Bruar

By far the easiest way to visit the Falls of Bruar is by car. Public transport in this area of Scotland runs at infrequent intervals and takes considerably longer than a journey by car.

There are two buses to the falls. The 87 from Pitlochry and the M91 from Edinburgh both pass the Falls of Bruar.

Getting to The Falls of Bruar by Car

Because of its relatively remote location, most people rely on a car to get to the Falls of Bruar. Below I will detail the route to the Falls of Bruar from key towns.

From Pitlochry: The journey is about 13 miles and takes 25 minutes.

The A9 runs from Pitlochry until you get very close to the Falls of Bruar. Once you have passed the village called Bridge of Tilt, look for a sign-posted exit to your right and take a minor road (B8079). If you have reached Calvine, you have stayed on the A9 too long.

From Aviemore: The 51-mile journey takes around an hour.

The A9 runs south from Aviemore to the Falls through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Once you pass Calvine, the exit to a minor road (B8079) for the last few miles will be visible on your left.

From Fort William: The whole journey will take about 1.45 hours and is around 70 miles.

Head for the A82 then this connects with the A86 and then the A889 before you connect with the A9. Follow the A9 to Calvine, then take the B8079 exit to the Falls.

Tip! If you are visiting the Falls of Bruar from a location that is more than an hour away then you may wish to combine your visit with a visit to the stunning Blair Castle or the laid-back town of Pitlochry in order to get the most from your journey.

Is There Parking at The Falls of Bruar? 

The Falls of Bruar are only a short walk away from the House of Bruar. The closest parking to the falls therefore is at the House of Bruar.

The good news is that there is ample parking at the House of Bruar. Not only that but there is no charge for parking.

There are several eateries to be found at the House of Bruar as well as toilet facilities which are well-maintained and pretty luxurious.

Getting to The Falls of Bruar by Bus 

There are two buses to the falls: the 87 from Pitlochry and the M91 from Edinburgh

From Pitlochry: A local bus company called Elizabeth Yule connects the small town of Pitlochry with the House of Bruar. The ride takes around 30 minutes and is as direct as can be.

Departure times vary by season. You can view up-to-date bus timetables here.

From Edinburgh: The M91 bus to Inverness leaves once daily from Edinburgh and will take you to the House of Bruar. The bus makes numerous stops on the way including in Aviemore, so would be the bus of choice if you were starting your journey here. The bus stops at the House of Bruar at 11:32am.

The return bus (also once daily) arrives at the House of Bruar at 17:45.

You can view the bus timetable here.

Do You Need to Pay to Visit the Falls of Bruar?

No, there is no entrance fee to walk the Falls of Bruar and also no parking fee either at the House of Bruar.

Should you Visit the Falls of Bruar Independently or via Tour?

Personally, I don’t think a tour is really necessary in order to enjoy your visit to the Falls of Bruar. The footpath is clearly laid-out and a detailed map of the walk is located near the start of the trail.

However, many people enjoy guided tours for the extra information they receive about the area. Whilst on my visit I passed a couple who had a private tour guide with them, giving out frequent facts about the falls.

You can find a list of tour and walking guides in the Pitlochry region here.

The Falls of Bruar Walks

There are two key walks that you can complete at the Falls of Bruar.

The first is a walk to the lower falls and back on an uphill wide gravel path.

The second walk is slightly more challenging, and includes the walk to the lower falls plus a circular route around the higher falls on very uneven and at times steep ground.

I will detail both walks below.

Walk to The Lower Falls of Bruar

This accessible walk follows the Bruar Water on a wide gravel track, gradually gaining an elevation of a total of 55 metres until you reach the lower falls. Here you can wander over the stone bridge which arches over the falls, marvelling at the majestic cascade below and the crystal clear lagoon at the top of the falls.

Stage 1: House of Bruar to the Railway Bridge

From the car park head to the back of the House of Bruar, alongside the road. Just before you reach the bridge that crosses the river, you’ll see a sign on your left saying ‘to the falls’.

Turn left here and you will find yourself walking behind the House of Bruar on a tarred path with the brown, peat-filled river flowing on your right, behind a row of trees.

The path slopes gradually upwards, narrowing slightly as you approach a small tunnel which passes under the Perth to Inverness railway line.

Stage 2: The Forest to the Lower Falls Viewing Platform

You then pass under the railway line, appearing at the other side of the tunnel in a dense swathe of woodland.

Much of the trees here have been planted since Robert Burn’s time, including aspen, pine, willow, rowan and birch. It’s almost hard to believe that back in the eighteenth century there were no trees here at all.

The gravel path takes you through the forest, following the upstream course of the Bruar Water.

Through the trees to the right of the path you may be able to spy snippets of the sheer gorge which borders the river, its chalky face worn with crevices like creases in ancient skin.

The path continues to travel uphill until you reach a wooden bench with a flight of steps to the right of it.

If you walk to the top of the steps you will find yourself with a panoramic view of the lower Falls of Bruar that will simply take your breath away. Watch as they cascade down into the gorge below at a power that is almost intimidating to witness. The torrent then dives behind a natural rock arch just a little further down from the stone bridge.

As you can anticipate, heavier rainfall in previous days will produce more flow for the falls as they cascade into the river below.

Stage 3: The Lower Falls of Acharn

Return to the path and continue the walk towards the stone bridge. Just before you step onto the bridge you’ll notice the remains of the old Victorian viewing house on the left which looks a very similar structure to the Hermit’s Cave at the Falls of Acharn, also in Perthshire.

You can wander through the remains for an intimate view of the large natural pool at the top of the lower falls which glows a striking deep blue colour on a clear day.

There are benches and seating points at the lower falls to help you relax and take in the breath-taking views from designated and safe viewing points.

Walk onto the stone bridge for a striking view of the falls gushing out from underneath where you stand, tumbling perilously towards the natural rock arch.

Stage 3: Retrace your Steps to The House of Bruar

To return, you simply retrace your steps back down the path – it is much easier on the return trip as you are journeying downhill.

Circular Walk to The Higher Falls of Bruar

Depending on your fitness, this walk is around ninety minutes there and back, and is under two miles in total length.

This walk is a continuation of the walk to the lower Falls of Bruar, taking an uneven and at times challenging trail that loops around the river, passing over the higher Falls of Bruar. The loop yields stunning views of the gorge and takes you through lush areas of forest.

Stage 1: House of Bruar to the Lower Falls of Bruar

Follow stages 1, 2 and 3 in the previous walk to the lower Falls of Bruar.

Stage 2: Route to the Higher Falls of Bruar

When you reach the lower Falls of Bruar cross over the stone bridge which takes you over the river, and begin your ascent to the higher falls via this anti-clockwise route round the river.

Alternatively, you can begin your ascent just before the remains of the viewing house but it is worth noting that the terrain on this side of the falls is in bad condition so it may be better to take the anti-clockwise route and thus tackle the challenging terrain during your descent.

The path here is still made of gravel but it’s a lot steeper than the path to the lower falls so be prepared to be challenged. The trail weaves between trees, an area where trees have unfortunately had to be felled on your right. To the left is the gorge, providing ample opportunities for you to marvel at its natural beauty.

You’ll pass by areas thick with shrubs. Keep an eye out for the scotch broom plant. In spring and early summer these evergreen shrubs will be alive with vibrant yellow flowers. By late summer their flowers have vanished, replaced by pea-like seedlings in pods covered with fine hairs.

As you follow the path be aware that there are no barriers between the path and the gorge. The path is however set back slightly from the edge though not considerably in some places.

Before long you’ll get your first glimpse of the upper bridge and falls, just visible behind another great cascade.

You will soon encounter a picnic area with benches looking over the gorge. This is the ideal spot to catch your breath and to marvel at the scenery.

Continue the walk upwards. The path will reach its maximum elevation before dipping down slightly as it heads towards the upper bridge.

Stage 3: The Upper to the Lower Falls

Walk across the sturdy upper falls bridge, admiring being surrounded by dense clusters of trees. The view downriver is simply breathtaking, water gushing out from under you before disappearing behind a tumble of rocks which have been smoothed by centuries of erosion.

You will then make your way down the trail which is now little more than a narrow dirt path. You will find yourself contending with jutting tree roots and rocks. It isn’t the easiest terrain to navigate but that’s part of the fun of the walk.

This path will take you back down to the lower falls where you will find yourself on familiar ground beside the old viewing house.

Stage 4: The Walk Back

For the final stretch of the walk you will retrace your steps back to the carpark, following the wide graven park which tracks to the right of the river.

Final Thoughts

The Falls of Bruar are a sight of outstanding natural beauty that I would highly recommend adding to your to-do list if you are in the Perthshire area.

I’ll admit I was apprehensive about the walk at first as I thought it would be teeming with visitors but was actually pleasantly surprised. The walk itself wasn’t too busy and the area was well-maintained.

I was less impressed however with the House of Bruar. I’m a sucker for natural food products and so was delighted at the prospect of visiting the highly-raved-about Food Hall which claims to have natural, local produce. I was disappointed to find lots of additives in the fresh food so it really didn’t seem worth the high price tag to me personally (and trust me there is a high price tag!).

On a lighter note the Food Hall sells a range of Scottish shortbreads and I was very impressed with the one I purchased which was made using a traditional Scottish recipe.

To summarise the walk is wonderful but I think the shopping centre is overpriced for what it sells.

Have you been to the Falls of Bruar before? Tell me about your experience below!

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