Falls of Bruar

Falls of Bruar is a chain of waterfalls on the Bruar Water in Perth and Kinross, central Scotland, close to the village of Blair Atholl and roughly 8 miles from Pitlochry. The river tumbles through a narrow, wooded gorge, and the falls make one of the best short outings in the southern Highlands, starting right beside the House of Bruar shopping complex.

What will you see along the Bruar Water?

The stream drops through several rocky steps, forming lower and upper falls linked by rapids and deep, dark pools. A path follows the gorge, and the best views of the water come from two bridges, the Lower and Upper. After heavy rain or snowmelt the flow is powerful; in drier weather it softens but stays picturesque.

Why is the place linked to poetry?

Visitors have come here since the 18th century. Robert Burns visited the area in the late 1700s and wrote "The Humble Petition of Bruar Water to the Noble Duke of Atholl", in which the river itself pleads with the duke to plant trees along its then bare banks. Trees now cover the gorge, so the walk feels almost like a woodland stroll.

How do you get to the falls?

Park at the House of Bruar, where there is plenty of space. The trail begins at Bruar Bridge at the eastern end of the complex and heads upstream. The short loop over the Lower and Upper bridges is about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) with around 150 m of climbing, and takes one to one and a half hours. A longer route of about 8 km (5 miles) and some 3 hours continues up into Glen Banvie.

Some sections are steep and the path runs close to the gorge edge in places, so wear shoes with good grip and keep children close.

When is the best time to visit?

The falls are worth seeing in any season. Spring and autumn usually bring more water, and autumn colour along the gorge adds to the scene. In winter the path can be icy. Allow about two hours in total, including a coffee stop at the House of Bruar.

What else can you combine with the visit?

Blair Atholl and its castle, Blair Castle, are nearby, and Pitlochry makes a handy base for overnight stays. The surrounding land belongs to the Atholl estate, and parts of the area around the falls are cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.

Frequently asked questions

Where do you park for the Falls of Bruar? In the large car park at the House of Bruar. The trail starts from Bruar Bridge next to it.

How long does the walk take? The short loop of about 2.5 km takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. The longer route into Glen Banvie takes around 3 hours.

Is the walk difficult? It needs no mountaineering fitness, but it has steep stretches and drops beside the path, so sturdy footwear is advised.

Who wrote the poem about the Bruar Water? Robert Burns, in the voice of the river asking the Duke of Atholl to plant trees on its banks.