Falls of Bruar

The Falls of Bruar are hidden in the woodland behind the House of Bruar, next to the A9. The paths are excellent all the way up to the upper falls, where a bridge passes over the Bruar Water, allowing you to walk down the other side of the gorge.

It is a fabulous place to stop off to stretch your legs and have a comfort break when travelling up to the Highlands. So much so, that it has been a regular haunt of ours since the mid 1990's.

The falls were formed during the glacial melt at the end of the last ice age. During the process, the water cut through the softer rock, leaving the falls cascading through the boulders of hard rock and leaving rock pools at several levels.

The walk to the falls follows the Bruar Water along a path behind the House of Bruar.

The path heads under a bridge before entering the woodland.

The trees in the surrounding woodland include Scots Pine mixed with Larch, Fir and Spruce. Along with the conifers are the native species of Ash, Willow, Aspen and Birch. The colours of the trees in Autumn make it a great time of year to visit.

The trees were planted after World War II, when unfortunately most of the trees were cut down.

Carry on along the path and before you know it you reach the lower falls.

These falls were the inspiration of the Robert Burns poem, 'The Humble Petition of Bruar Water to the Noble Duke of Atholl', which requests the Duke of Atholl to plant some trees in what was then a barren landscape.

Nearly a decade later in the late 1790's, John Murray the 4th Duke of Atholl, obliged and planted trees and shrubs around the falls, as well as building the two bridges that make such wonderful viewpoints today.

We have visited the falls many times over the years, and the landscape has been subject to some serious flooding and wind damage. Fortunately, both the paths and landscape are very well taken care of by the Atholl Estates, so that we can continue to enjoy this beautiful spot.

Before the bridge, don't miss the path on the left that leads to a viewpoint which gives superb views of more falls.

You can continue up to the upper falls on either side of the gorge, but we chose to stay on the left hand side of the gorge. The path steeply climbs through the woodland until it reaches the upper bridge.

From the upper bridge there are great views over the top of the falls and over to the hills opposite. It gives you a real perspective of how high you have climbed.

Once the bridge is crossed and you start to head back down the gorge, don't forget to look back to get glimpses of the upper falls through the tree.

Keep following the path down, enjoying the views on the way.

Before you know it you are back to the lower bridge, but don't forget to spend some time enjoying the falls before you leave.

There is plenty of parking at the House of Bruar. There are also the poshes loo's I think I've ever used, and an excellent restaurant and shop to peruse once you have completed your walk.

It is a 2.5km route with a 170m of ascent when you include visiting the top falls.

Follow the above route or find on OS Maps.