Falls of Garbh Allt

Falls of Garbh Allt is a series of cascades on the Garbh Allt burn in Ballochbuie Forest near Braemar, Aberdeenshire, inside the Cairngorms National Park. The Gaelic name means "rough stream", and the water tumbles in several steps towards the River Dee across land belonging to the Balmoral Estate.

Where are the falls?

They sit at roughly 400 m above sea level in the Dee valley between Crathie and Braemar. Ballochbuie is one of the largest surviving stretches of native Caledonian pinewood in Scotland. The burn drains slopes of the Lochnagar massif and forms a string of waterfalls on its way down.

How do you get to the Falls of Garbh Allt?

The usual start is the Keiloch car park beside the A93. From there you cross the old Invercauld Bridge over the Dee and follow forest tracks into Ballochbuie. Loop options range from about 6.5 to 8.3 km with 100 to 160 m of climbing, and most people need between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. Routes are graded easy to moderate and mostly follow wide tracks. Gravel cyclists also reach the falls, since the approach uses unsurfaced estate roads.

What will you see?

Water drops over rocky ledges among pine and birch. An arched iron bridge crosses the burn at the falls; one source dates it to 1878 and links it to Queen Victoria, who liked to sketch here. It keeps your feet dry, though paths right beside the cascade are narrow. Wildlife is common in the forest. The walk is the main draw: the falls are a rewarding end point for the loop rather than a developed attraction with facilities.

When should you go?

The forest is open all year. The burn runs fullest after rain and spring snowmelt, and autumn colour is at its best in the woods. In winter the tracks can ice over and temperatures fall below freezing, so wear proper footwear.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee?

No charge applies to see the falls. The land belongs to the Balmoral Estate and lies in a national park, so follow local access rules, signs and any closures.

How long does the walk take?

The shortest loop from Keiloch is about 6.5 km and takes under two hours. Longer variants run past two hours, and guided festival walks in the area take around four.

Is the route difficult?

No. It is a forest-road walk with modest climbing. Only the narrow paths next to the cascade need extra care.

Is there another waterfall with a similar name nearby?

Yes. Do not confuse it with the Falls of Glas Allt at Loch Muick, which is in a different part of Deeside. This one is in Ballochbuie near Braemar.