Special Places

The Falls of Acharn

Nearest Postcode: PH15 2HT

The Falls of Acharn are a series of waterfalls with a total height of 25.5 m/ 80 ft. Famous visitors that have enjoyed the spectacular views have included Robert Burns and Dorothy Wordsworth and her poet brother, William. There is a small man made cavern, believed to be a Victorian folly, known as the ‘Hermit’s Cave’ that, in the past was filled with stuffed animals and leather-bound books as unfortunately the 3rd Earl of Breadalbane, the owner, was unable to recruit a hermit to live in it. Later in the 19th century, a guide was employed, dressed in animal skins, to inhabit the folly for the amusement of visitors.

The Falls of Acharn, a wonderful sight to behold, is approximately only 1 mile from the Village of Acharn.

The walk takes you up a farm track, which is steep in places, but it is definitely well worth the walk. When you arrive at the dark Hermit's Cave, enter and walk through the cave to reach this impressive wooded amphitheatre with viewpoint for the lower Falls, follow the signs to reach the upper gorge, with its own viewing platform, and finally the Upper Bridge. From the viewing platform you can see views north to Drummond Hill above Kenmore and the majestic Ben Lawers range. The total height of The Falls of Acharn is 25.5m/80ft.

The best time to visit the Falls of Acharn is after heavy rainfall when the burn is in full spate, the sound is impressive to say the least. Algae and Mosses grow on the stone slopes of the waterfall.