Rumbling Bridge Gorge and Crook of Devon

Summary

Rumbling Bridge gorge is a dramatic box canyon in seemingly otherwise gentle countryside. This circular walk follows the south side of the river to the village of Crook of Devon before following paths through woods and fields to return on the north side - before visiting viewing platforms above the gorge.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Woodland and field paths, short sections on pavement and road.

Getting there

Start

Layby at Rumbling Bridge.

Public Transport

Walk can be started from Crook of Devon which has a bus service.

Start Grid Ref

NT016994

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.75km / 3.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 65m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (7)

Stage 1

Park in the layby on the A823 immediately south of the Rumbling Bridge itself, in the village of the same name. Begin the walk by heading along the path into the woods on this side of the river, with glimpses down into the steep-sided gorge on the left. There are also views back to the bridge, revealing an older, lower arch where the road would originally have had a steep dip to cross. At a path junction steps on the left lead down to a footbridge over the gorge - ignore this for now, and continue on the higher path ahead - signed for Crook of Devon.

Stage 2

When a gate is reached the path avoids it by keeping left. It then descends steps and keeps by the river - passing a viewing area with a last look back to the gorge behind. The path continues by the riverside, passing a weir (part of a community hydro scheme) and eventually climbing a flight of steps to reach the busy A977 road. Turn left along the pavement, soon entering the village of Crook of Devon.

Stage 3

The village has a pub and shop further along the road, but unless visiting these the walk turns left before reaching these, heading down Naemoor Road - also signed as a path to Rumbling Bridge and Yetts of Muckhart. This minor road crosses a bridge over the river. Shortly afterwards look out for a footpath heading off to the right - again signed. The path runs between fences and eventually descends to reach the River Devon. Do not cross the footbridge, instead turning left on a riverside path.

Stage 4

The path is boggy in places, and leads through a pedestrian gate, remaining by the river on the edge of the woods. After around 400m a sign (for Rumbling Bridge) indicates where to turn left into the woods (care is needed as the sign is sometimes missing, if so, use the map for this walk or the Walkhighlands app). Follow the main, broad path, turning right after 150m. Ignoring any further turnings on the right, left and another on the right. Eventually a gate is reached, and a t-junction with a tarred lane. Turn left along this lane to reach a minor road. Turn right along the road, then take a path on the left signed for Rumbling Bridge Gorge.

Stage 5

The path soon leads past the footbridge mentioned near the start - ignore this and continue on the path. Just beyond steps down on the left lead to a viewing platform for the Devil's Mill where the water rushes through a particularly narrow passage.

Stage 6

Return to the path and keep left; another flight of steps leads down to a second platform, this time built out right across the gorge itself, adjacent to a cave. Back on the path, ignore branches off to the right and keep to the route nearest the gorge. There is a final detour to a viewing platform immediately below the road bridge. After enjoying this, head through a gate back onto the road and cross over the bridge to return to the start.

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