Plodda Falls is the highest and most spectacular waterfall in the area, over forty metres high; they form the climax to this pleasant walk through a magnficient forest of Douglas Fir.
Summary
Good waymarked paths throughout.
Terrain
NH216242
Grid ref
2.5km/1.5 miles
Distance
Grade
Plodda Falls car park; follow the rough road from Tomich
Start
Maps
GPS Waypoints
View in 3D
1. Continue up the road from Tomich, following the signs for Plodda Falls; the surface is quite rough for the last few kilometres to the car park. From here, don't head straight for the falls, but keep them for a dramatic climax. Follow the green and white markers down the main track signed for 'Tweedmouth walk' and 'Falls walk'. The track heads downhill passing some magnficient Douglas Fir trees, some of the highest in Scotland. Trees from this wood were used for the masts of Captain Scott's ship Discovery, now berthed in Dundee.
2. After a short distance, look out for a path leading off to the left - there is a green and white marker post. Turn down this path, and when it forks take the right fork, which is indicated by the green marker post. The path heads downhill through the forest, eventually emerging on a drive by the pretty Plodda Cottage. This whole area was once part of the grand estates of Lord Tweedmouth; he planted the Douglas Fir's and built the old carriage drive; turn left along it. When the drive crosses the stream at a ford (picnic table), don't cross the stream but instead turn left up the path (green waymarker).
3. The path climbs uphill, and there is a first distant view of the falls from a wooden platform. They don't appear too grand from here, but are seen to much greater advantage further on. You'll soon reach a path junction; turn left downhill here to visit the base of Plodda Falls. The Falls are truly impressive from the bottom of this path, plunging vertically for around forty metres into a twisting gorge, and difficult to fit into a photograph. You can see a viewing platform above the top of the falls. Return to the path junction.
4. Turn sharp right here, following the green/white marker posts uphill. Soon you'll be at the top of the falls. The viewing platform over to the right was built by Lord Tweedmouth in 1880 and restored by the Forestry Commission in 1984; it was taped off when we last visited, but if accessible has a magnificent view down from the lip of the falls. From here, continue on the green/white waymarked main trail to return to the car park.
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