Bracklinn Falls Walk

Route Description for Bracklinn Falls Walk

The 5.25km Bracklinn Falls Walk near the small town of Callander in Stirling, Scotland, is a great opportunity to soak up the scenery of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with the whole family in a safe and enjoyable way. The walk unfolds on a good path, and the section that leads to the series of falls is suitable for most child buggies. When near the falls, stick to the trail, especially with young children, as this section does have slippery rocks and some significant drops beyond the path.

The sound of a flowing waterfall is one of nature’s greatest gifts of organic music, and that, combed with brilliant green forest and awe-inspiring views of the countryside, makes this a top-notch walk! Towards the end of the walk, you’re likely to encounter some cordial cows along the trail, which is always a fun experience, especially for the wee ones!

From the Bracklinn Falls Car Park, pick up the trail marked clearly with signage for Bracklinn Falls. Enjoy this first stretch that leads you past some pretty woodlands and provides great views over the sprawling countryside of Stirling. When you reach a fork on the trail, follow the sign for the newer path that allows you to bypass the steps ahead. You’ll soon hear the rushing waters of the Keltie Burn, inviting you to continue riverside towards the footbridge up ahead.

From the Bracklinn Bridge, you’ll get your first views of a series of falls on the walk. After crossing the bridge, keep left on the path that opens to a patch of dense, enchanting woods. It then opens to gorgeous views of the upper glen where the Keltie Water flows. When the track forks, veer left as you prepare to take in the falls.

A gentle descent leads to another bridge suspended over the river, and it’s here that some more falls come into view. Enjoy the views for as long as you’d like, snapping photos and listening to the song of the falls before crossing the bridge and pursuing the uphill track that leads to a minor road.

Turn left and follow the road back to the Bracklinn Falls car park, where the walk began. The final stretch on this road is where you’re likely to spot some bovine friends meandering along. The trail closes with great views of the Central Belt, topping off a splendid walk!

Trail highlights

Keltie Water

The Keltie Water is a 16km river that foams and flows from the mountains east of Loch Lubnaig, later joining the River Teith just south of Callander. The river rushes over the Bracklinn Falls through a deep gorge formed over several years.

Bracklinn Falls

The Bracklinn Falls are a series of waterfalls northeast of Callander, Stirling. The falls have attracted tourists and adventurers since Victorian times. They have been formed over several years by the flow of the Keltie Water eroding the gorge’s malleable puddingstone. Bracklinn derives its name from a Gaelic word, Breac, which means “speckled” and refers to the colour of the peat-tinged falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bracklinn Falls Walk suitable for people with mobility difficulties?

The Bracklinn Falls Walk is suitable for people in a wheelchair up until the point on the bridge where the falls come into view. Beyond the bridge, the trail is rougher and not suitable for wheelchairs.

Are there fees for parking or viewing Bracklinn Falls?

There are no fees required to view the falls or complete the walk, and parking at the Bracklinn Falls car park is free.

How long is the section of the walk that leads to the first view of Bracklinn Falls?

The section of the Bracklinn Falls Walk that leads to the series of falls should take around 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

Insider Hints for Bracklinn Falls Walk

• If the Bracklinn Falls car park is full (which it may be in high tourist season), park in the Crags car park, which appears just slightly before the Bracklinn Falls car park
• The nearest toilets to the trail are in the town center of Callander just south of the falls
• To avoid peak crowds, embark on this walk early in the morning or avoid peak summer months when the attraction is popular with tourists
• You can bike to the falls following the National Cycle Network Route 7, which passes right through Callander