Falls of the Braan

Falls of the Braan is a series of cascades on the River Braan in Perthshire, right beside Dunkeld in central Scotland (our data lists the nearby village of Trochry). The falls sit inside The Hermitage, a woodland run by the National Trust for Scotland, and are best seen from Ossian's Hall, a historic viewing pavilion perched above the gorge.

What will you see at the Falls of the Braan?

The river drops over several rock ledges, and the best known is the Black Linn. Water squeezes through a narrow, wooded gorge, and after heavy rain you can hear the roar from the forest path before you see anything. The site is part of a designed landscape on Scotland's inventory of gardens, so besides the falls you pass veteran trees, a small bridge and other features of an old pleasure ground.

What is Ossian's Hall?

A stone pavilion jutting out over the rock edge. The Murray family, Dukes of Atholl, had it built in the 1750s as a simple view house above the river. In 1783 the interior was remade as a tribute to the legendary bard Ossian. You step into a small dark room, a sliding panel opens, and the waterfall appears framed and mirrored in front of you. Visitors of the era included the poet William Wordsworth. Vandals damaged the building in 1869 and it stood derelict for decades. The National Trust for Scotland took over in 1943 and finished restoring the pavilion in 2007.

How do you get there, and what does it cost?

Entry to The Hermitage is free and the site is open all year. Parking usually carries a small charge per car (check the Trust's website for the current rate). The car park is off the A9, under 2 km from Dunkeld town centre, so you can also walk in from the village. An easy woodland path leads to the pavilion. The route suits wheelchairs, though the hall itself is reached by a few steps.

When should you visit?

The falls look good year-round, but autumn is the highlight. Salmon head upstream to spawn and can be seen leaping the ledges just below the pavilion. Flow is strongest after rain, and paths can be slippery in winter, so wear sturdy shoes.

What else is nearby?

The woodland covers about 33 acres along the river, and a walk combines well with Dunkeld itself: its medieval cathedral, riverside streets and trails across the Atholl estate. Near the hall you can also find Ossian's Cave, a rocky recess in the gorge.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Hermitage free to enter? Yes, entry is free. The charge normally applies to parking.

Are the falls in Trochry or Dunkeld? They are beside Dunkeld in Perth and Kinross. Trochry is a nearby village used in our database.

Is it suitable for children or wheelchairs? The path is easy and wheelchair-friendly, but a few steps lead up into Ossian's Hall.

When can you watch the salmon jump? Autumn is the best time, during the fish run to the spawning grounds.