14 Awesome Waterfalls Near Edinburgh & Scottish Borders

There are plenty of popular beauty spots in the city and waterfalls near Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders.

When the weather is good, there is nothing better than exploring your natural surroundings. Edinburgh is located on the east coast of Scotland on the banks of the Firth of Forth.

Below are 14 stunning spots which are perfect for a walk and have picturesque views to go with.

Waterfalls are wonderful at any time of the year. Also, all waterfalls listed are within a two-hour drive away from Edinburgh. 

Cramond Falls, Cramond

Cramond Falls is nestled away at the River Almond Walkway. It is great for a calm, pleasant walk, cycle or jog.

Also, there is a cafe nearby which offers a view overlooking the picturesque falls. In addition, the walk to Cramond Beach is not too far. 

Most surprisingly, the ruins of Fair-a-Far Mill are right beside the waterfall. The mill was originally a waulkmill built back in 1676, before it turned into an ironworks forge in 1773.

Interestingly, the weir was built in 1790 to give a water source to the ironworks. So, previously this area was bustling with industrial activity. Now it brings peace and tranquillity. 

Dean Gardens, Edinburgh

Dean Gardens is located at the back of bucolic Dean Village by a tranquil stream.

The area is filled with history with stunning restored architecture. Also, the gardens are a beautiful place tucked away in the heart of the city.

There are a few small waterfalls to look out for. The waterfalls themselves are not the most impressive in Edinburgh. Yet, they make a lovely relaxing walk.

Pentland Hills Regional Park 

The Pentland Hills are crammed with beautiful scenery and landscape. The hills and its small waterfalls near Edinburgh offer many outstanding panoramic views.

With the roaring hills comes plenty of hidden nooks and crannies for several waterfalls. You can spend a day here to admire and capture the full extremes of Scottish nature.

There are shorter walks that take one hour or you can get lost on a five hour wander. The car park does get busy so go early if you can. 

East Calder Waterfall, Livingston

East Calder waterfall is a small waterfall which looks best after a large amount of rain.

There are two good pools which are great for swimming. The waterfall is located behind Almondell and Calderwood Country Park. 

Bilsdean Waterfall

Bilsdean Waterfall is a secret hidden location tucked away under the A1. Also, it is located near the amazing sandstone arches which have been carved by the sea.

Also, you can walk parts of John Muir Link path. This route will take you to scenic areas of the coast including the shingle beaches. There is a parking spot just under an arch of the railway viaduct, accessed from the old section of the A1.

Dollar Glen, Dollar

Dollar Glen is located in the shadows of the Ochil Hills, creating scenery which is just stunning.

Exploring the area of Dollar Glen has been popular since the Victorian times. Dollar Glen is home to a series of small waterfalls near Edinburgh.

This small area is perfect for exploring the deep gorges and Castle Campbell. Also, you can keep an eye out for a range of wildlife habitats including many species of birds.

Also, the area has become a nationally important area for lichens and ferns. You can park in Dollar or the Quarry Car Park.

There is a circular route which has an overall distance of 2.9 kilometres.

Approximately, it can take an hour and 40 minutes to complete the route. If you wish to visit the castle make sure to add 40 minutes. 

Alva Glen, Alloa

Alva Glen is also located at the foot of Ochil Hills. It is a perfect place for a lovely walk up the glen.

The walk can be quite steep in places but, it is completely worth it. It is hard to believe that this walk is part of Scotland. 

Alva Glen is magical and the forest floor is covered in wildflowers. There is a variety of wildlife such as kestrel and long-tailed wagtail.

There are five waterfalls to look out. You can see Craighorn Falls, Big Falls and a hidden waterfall which cascades into the Smugglers Cave. 

The car parking is free. Overall, the walk should take one and a half hours, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. 

Falls of Clyde, Lanark

To get to the Falls of Clyde you have to park in the large car park that sits above the historic village of New Lanark. New Lanark was established in 1786 during the industrial revolution.

Also, New Lanark is a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site. From New Lanark, a path follows through the woodland and over boardwalks. Along the way is the most amazing falls in the region. 

Also, the Falls Of Clyde can be seen along the Clyde Valley Tourist Route. It is a series of four cascades and are popular waterfalls near Edinburgh and Glasgow.

There is a complete Falls of Clyde circuit to follow, which takes three hours. Also, there are several magnificent waterfalls and some wildlife. 

Talla Waterfall, Biggar

Talla Reservoir is located a mile southeast of Tweedsmuir in the Scottish Borders. The Gameshope circuit from Talla Linfoots has several hidden waterfalls. 

Grey Mares Tail Nature Reserve, Moffat

Grey Mare’s Tail is one of the UK’s highest waterfalls. The water plunges from 60 metres high into the Moffat Water Valley below.

Located in Dumfries & Galloway, this is one of the more popular cascades for people visiting from England. Also, it is one of the popular waterfalls near Edinburgh and Glasgow.

There is a path which is set in the dramatic upland landscape. This path follows along close to the falls.

The initial twenty minute climb is quite challenging but the rest of the walk is fairly easy. You will need at least three hours to climb to the top to see the waterfall. 

Also, there are plenty of walks to choose in the area. You can admire the most spectacular views across the Scottish lowlands and Moffat Hills.

If you continue to walk past the waterfall you will be rewarded with stunning views across Loch Skeen. Loch Skeen is located in a natural amphitheatre, surrounded by dramatic peaks of Lochcriag Head, Mid Craig and the Corbett of White Coomb.

Grey Mares is an enchanting place. The famous Scottish historical novelist, Sir Walter Scott wrote about the falls in the well-known poem, Marmion.

Loup of Fintry, Stirling

Loup of Fintry is a beautiful waterfall which you can visit in any season to see it in full flow.

The falls include an incredible 94-foot drop. Also, you can get a wonderful photo of standing at the top of the falls.

There is limited car parking off the side of the road where there is space for approximately four cars. Once you are parked you will need to walk for about five minutes through a field of ferns to get to the falls. 

Bracklinn Falls, Callander

Bracklinn Falls is tucked away behind Callander in the stunning Trossachs National Park. Although the falls are not the steepest it still provides pretty good views.

There is a tight road to follow to get to a small car park which will overflow quite easily.

From the car park, the falls are only a fifteen to twenty-minute walk. Also, the route to the falls is gentle and enjoyable and is not too steep. 

The Bracklinn Falls have famously been visited by Queen Victoria. Once you are there you can admire the rapid waters waving through the big rocks.

Visitors can get amazing views from standing on the edge of the boulders. Also, you can try to get the perfect picture of the run down wooden bridge which is currently out of use. 

Bracklinn Falls is a popular waterfall near Stirling and Glasgow.

Craigie Linn Waterfall

Craigielinn Waterfall is also known as Gleniffer Braes. The waterfall is located south of the urban area of Paisley.

Also, the waterfall is only a five minute walk east of Braehead Road car park. Alternatively, you can walk up to the ‘Car Park in the Sky’ which is also known as the Robertsons car park.

Stichill Linn

Stichill Linn is tucked away near Kelso in the Scottish Borders. This waterfall is one of Scotland’s most closely kept secrets. This majestic and unexpected waterfall tumbles down 40 feet in Eden Water.

However, the waterfall is difficult to get to. The privacy of the residents needs to be respected, make sure you do not cross any fields with crops.

The easiest way to get to the falls is to take a 2 miles route which begins on a busy route from Stichill. Look out for a gap in the wall and follow the narrow (and possibly muddy) woodland path to get to the falls.  

Final Note

I hope you now have several ideas of what waterfall you are going to explore next. There are many awesome waterfalls near Edinburgh & Scottish Borders.

Searching for waterfalls is a great way to spend a morning, afternoon or day. Make sure you are well prepared with proper outdoor shoes. Also, bring plenty of water and a great camera to capture what you find.

If you are up for a bigger adventure you can go to the Northumberland National Park. The small but stunning waterfalls are the perfect destination for a peaceful walk. 

There are lovely waterfalls in the Scottish Borders along the Borders Historic Route.

There are great waterfalls in the Highlands and Isle of Skye. There are many lovely waterfalls near Aberdeen, Perth and Dundee.

There are plenty of other things to do near Edinburgh. You can visit castles, country parks, Munros and hills. Also, there is a good selection of free museums and attractions in Edinburgh.