The Falls of Acharn in Scotland

While staying at the Loch Tay Highland Lodges (in Perthshire, Scotland), one of the hidden gems we visited was the Falls of Acharn. Located in the village of the same name (Acharn), the Falls of Acharn are a series of waterfalls set in a beautiful and steep wooded gorge.

From the village, the walk to the waterfalls and back takes around an hour and the key points of interest on the trail include the Hermit's Cave, the Lower Falls, the Upper Falls and some wonderful views.

The starting point for the walk is the village of Acharn. As you drive through the village, you will come across a lovely old stone cottage and a signboard on the road indicating the location of the Falls of Acharn. There is space for parking a few cars at this point. We parked here, and headed up the lane that was the starting point of the circular waterfall walk.

The path is uphill and as you climb up, there are wonderful views of Loch Tay back down.

Continue on the path until you reach a marker directing you to the left towards the Hermit's Cave.

According to local folklore, the cave was built by a hermit and is also referred to as the Hermitage. Some say that it was constructed in the 1760s by an Earl. I am not very sure of the history of the cave, but if you head in, you will come to a viewing platform that offers lovely views of the Lower Falls of Acharn.

When we visited, the water from the falls had been diverted to a local hydro power station and so the water flow was down to a trickle. Nonetheless, the ambience and views were lovely.

Once you are done enjoying the views, head back into the cave and exit via the path on the left.

Continue uphill on the path and you will come across a sign for a viewing platform. Disregard this sign as the viewing platform can be reached on the way back (from the other side of the gorge). Continue ahead and you will reach a stone bridge. Cross the bridge and turn left to begin the descent back to the village.

As you continue along the path, you will reach a wooden viewing platform that takes you to the Upper Falls of Acharn.

This timber walkway was constructed by the 202 Field Squadron RE (V) of the British Army in June 1989 and allows you to see the upper falls from a close quarter. We loved this place. After spending some time taking in the beauty of nature, we continued our descent to the village, through the woodland.

Along the way, you reach a point from where you get a view of the Hermit's Cave viewing platform (can you spot the cave in the photo below?). Be careful as there is no fence or railing at this point and the terrain is uneven.

Continue on the path and you will reach the village of Acharn. 

Once you reach the road, turn left and you will arrive at the starting point (next to the Falls of Acharn board).

Falls of Acharn | Acharn, Aberfeldy PH15 2HS
Use the postcode listed above and it will take you to the village of Acharn. As you drive through the village, it is hard to miss the brightly coloured board welcoming visitors to the Falls of Acharn.