15 Stunning Waterfalls Near Stirling, Scotland

Stirling is in a stunning location in the central belt of Scotland, where the Highlands meet the Lowlands. Due to the town’s central location, there are some stunning waterfalls near Stirling which are only a stone’s throw away. 

Waterfalls are best viewed after a period of high rainfall. However, the seasons changing can make each waterfall appear very different depending on the time of year.

During the October and November months, you can watch the salmon leap, as they make their way upstream to spawn. This post lists some of the best waterfalls near Stirling. 

Carline Waterfall

Carline Waterfall is located in an enchanted, moss-covered secluded glen. It is one of the closest waterfalls near Stirling.

This is a hidden gem which has not been visited by many. Nature is definitely taking over the site, with falling trees in front of the falls. Also, it is perfect for photographers.

However, the path to the falls is not great, and there are no signposts to get to the destination. The best place to park to get here will be at Garshellach Forest just off Touch Road.

You will have to walk for about twenty minutes. This waterfall is no longer accessible to the public.

Gilmour Linn and Charlie’s Cave

Gilmour Linn is also known as Touch Glen waterfall (Scots pronounce Touch as took!) and is located on the Touch Burn.

Gilmour Linn is a beautiful hidden gem and it is worth going for the tranquillity. Also, it is an absolutely stunning place and the scenery is spectacular. 

Charlie’s Cave is named after Charles Edward Stuart who was hiding in the cave following a failed Jacobite Rebellion in 1745.

As you can imagine the cave was not comfortable with drips of water from the waterfall coming down all the time. However, it would have been an enchanting experience. 

Also, despite the amazing views it is very hard to find parking and to get to the waterfall. Be prepared for steep sections, sudden drops and a big challenge.

The walk itself is not that long and will maybe take you just under an hour. However, be aware you might get lost a few times. 

To get to the waterfall I would park at Garshellach Forest and walk half a mile towards Cambusbarron on Touch Road.

Alternatively, you can park in Touch Business Centre. You will have to walk through fields of sheep or angry bulls so this destination is not suitable if you want to take your dog. 

Downie’s Loup, Gargunnock

Downie’s Loup is a waterfall cascading over a cliff. The route involves a short climb to below the impressive crags of the Gargunnock Hills escarpment.

The route from Gargunnock is 2.5 miles long and takes one hour.

The track from Gargunnock to disused quarry. Also, the paths beyond the quarry are faint, boggy and rocky.

To get to the falls you can walk in Gargunnock. Also, once you have finished your walk you can get a lovely pub meal from the Gargunnock Inn. 

Alva Glen, Alva

Alva Glen is an extremely popular glen which is located north of the small village called Alva. Alva Glen is the location of many waterfalls near Stirling.

The waterfalls are located on Alva Burn and is a run off from the Orchill Hills.

It is a beautiful walk up to see the waterfall, and can be quite steep in some places. However, it is worth the climb to get to the top as the landscape is extremely pretty. 

Overall, the walk should take one hour. Once you get to the viewpoint at the top you can admire Smugglers Cave and the rest of the gorge.

Interestingly, the waterfalls in the glen used to power nine mills in the area. 

The Alva Glen has its own car park which is signposted on the northern fringe of Alva. The car park is free.

Dollar Glen, Dollar

Dollar Glen is a stunning moss covered glen located just outside of Dollar. Inside the glen you can walk over old bridges, get up close to dramatic waterfalls and make your way to visit the historic Castle Campbell.

In addition, you can continue up to King’s Seat for spectacular views of the surrounding areas.

The whole circular route from the Quarry car park will take approximately one hour and a half. Some more spectacular things to look out for include Burns of Dollar, Care and Sorrow.

Also, make sure you visit the Sochie Falls, John Knox’s Pulpit and Hempy’s Falls. In addition, there is a chance to admire a variety of wildlife including long-eared bats, pied flycatchers, green and great spotted woodpeckers. 

Loup of Fintry, Fintry

The Loup of Fintry is located on the River Endrick and is just two miles from the Fintry village. It is one of the most visited waterfalls near Stirling.

Overall, the falls are 94 foot high and it is regarded as one of the most scenic spots in the central belt. Also, the waterfalls are even more stunning after a bit of rain.

Be careful if you go when there has been rainfall as it can get wet and muddy. 

There is limited parking on the B818 and there is only room for four car parking spaces. The walk to the falls is short and should only take five minutes. 

Bracklinn Falls, Callander

Bracklinn Falls is located in the woods just behind the magnificent town of Callander. The falls step down and wind through massive boulders and rock formations.

You can admire the falls from an amazing vantage point on the wooden bridge. Also, it is a narrow gorder, therefore the falls are even more dramatic after a period of heavy rainfall. 

To get to the falls you can park in either Callander Crags Car Park or Bracklinn Falls Car Park and walk for twenty to thirty minutes along the steady flat path.

Once you get to the banks of the river there is a drop which can be difficult to climb back up again. Alternatively, you can park in Callander and walk a longer route if you wish. 

Queen Victoria famously visited the falls in the 19th century and an iron cast bridge was built for the visit. However, the bridge was destroyed in 2004 after a period of flooding. 

Rumbling Bridge Gorge/ Devil’s Mill, Kinross

Rumbling Bridge Gorge is a dramatic box canyon in the gentle countryside. The falls sit on the River Devon.

The name of the gorge, Rumbling Bridge, is an intriguing one. There is a new bridge built over the old bridge which causes a distinct rumbling noise when a car passes over the top. 

There is a circular walk you can follow through the village of Crook of Devon, into the woodland and visiting viewing platforms above the gorge. The circular walk is 3.5 miles long and takes approximately two hours.

Alternatively, you can park in a rough lay by space for a few cars immediately south east of the bridge over River Devon. 

Little Fawn Falls, Aberfoyle

To get to the falls you can park at the Lodge, near Aberfoyle. The Little Fawn Waterfall is an impressive double waterfall in a wooded setting not far from the lodge.

The waterfalls trail is a relaxing short trail which can be extended on to other forest and hills walks. 

Campsie Glen Waterfall

Campsie Waterfall is a series of waterfalls, this is a good place to go if you are looking for waterfalls near Stirling. This is a wonderful place to explore nature.

The bottom waterfall is truly a magnificent one to explore as you can creep behind the falls. There is car parking in Campsie Glen Waterfall Car Park which is just off Crow Road.

A quick stroll from the bottom car park leads to the lower section of the rapids.

The upper car park on Crow Road is reached by a steep, 300 metres walk or a 3 mile winding drive. Car parking is free. 

Pots of Gartness, Killearn

Pots of Gartness is a series of rocky waterfall pools with a natural ladder for salmon jumping. The falls are located to the west of Killearn.

In October and November, it is a spectacular place to watch the salmon jump. 

Also, the Pots of Gartness is featured in a number of poems and songs and has even inspired a famous mathematician, John Napier.

In addition, the waterfalls used to power a mill which is still visible in ruins alongside the former mill-workers dwellings. 

To get to the falls follow signs for the Wishing Well on the A81 Glasgow -Aberfoyle Road. There is roadside parking just before the bridge. 

Deli’s Cauldron, Comrie

Deli’s Cauldron is a spectacular waterfall near Comrie which flows over the River Lednock.

There is a great circular walk which takes you through the attractive village of Comrie, the Cauldron as well as an optional ascent to Melville Monument.

Also, there is a great viewing platform over the falls. To get to the falls you can park at the west end of Comrie, you can look for the signposts for Glen Lednock circular.

You can follow the pass through the woodland and down into a rocky gorge. Or alternatively, you can park at the Laggan Car Park at the east end of Comrie and complete the circular walk in reverse.

Overall, the circular walk will take two to three hours. 

John Knox’s Pulpit, Kinross

John Knox’s Pulpit is a lovely waterfall located on the slopes of Lomond Hills near Kinross. The location is stunning and there are fantastic views.

To get to the falls you can park at Glen Vale car park. Overall, the walk takes half an hour to get to the falls and it is not too strenuous.

Inversnaid Falls, Loch Lomond

Inversnaid Falls is located in the spectacular hamlet of Invernaid, on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. Inversnaid Falls is also known as Arklet Falls.

The water flows from Loch Arklet above into the still waters of Loch Lomond.

Also, the West Highland Way runs through this area. It is a very tranquil spot in the national park. 

Parking is available at the Inversnaid car park where you can complete a circular route that takes 50 minutes. Or alternatively, you can park at Rob Roy Car Park.

Falls of Dochart, Killin

The stunning Falls of Dochart runs through the small village of Killin, which is located in the north east of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

The famous white waters can be viewed from the village’s bridge. Although the falls are not particularly high or wide, it is a very picturesque area. 

There is a small car park on the banks of the river. While you are in Killin you can stop at Falls of Dochart Inn for a cosy hearty pub meal. 

Final Note

There are plenty of waterfalls near Stirling. Stirling is in a prime location, as it sits at the border of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Also, you can drive to other parts of the country pretty easily such as Fife. Therefore, there are plenty of waterfalls to explore from Stirling.

In addition, Make sure you pack a water bottle, wear comfy footwear and your phone has got full battery. So you can take some amazing photos.

Also, remember if you visit after a period of rainfall, the water will be more immense. Please make sure you respect these environments and leave them the way you found them.

There are plenty of waterfalls in Scotland especially in the Highlands and on the Isle of Skye. You can find waterfalls near Dundee, and waterfalls near Perth.

Also, head further out and explore Northumberland National Park, Northern Ireland or the Lake District where you can find lots of lovely waterfalls.