Downie's Loup waterfall, Gargunnock

A short climb to below the impressive crags of the Gargunnock Hills escarpment where a waterfall cascades over the cliff. Gargunnock is an attractive village with a pub serving food.

Terrain

Road, track and rough path near waterfall.

Public Transport

Bus to Gargunnock.

Start

Gargunnock, off A811. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is usually on-street parking near the Gargunnock Inn in the centre of the village. From here walk east to where the roads meet, cross the Gargunnock Burn and go straight across the cross roads to head up Manse Brae. Follow this road until the edge of the village and turn right after the last house on the right (dog bin opposite) to follow a surfaced road.

Stage 2

Soon go through a gate, passing a house with free range chickens and peacocks wandering about and follow the track through the wood. Go over a stile and follow the stony track as it bends left and climb another stile into a grazing field. At a T junction just after a gate turn left. The rocky bands of the escarpment of the Gargunnock hills can be seen ahead.

Stage 3

When the track bends left continue ahead onto a path between gorse bushes heading directly for an old quarry. At the fence go over the stile and turn immediately right to follow a faint path alongside the fence and just before the gorse-filled dip turn left to pass the metal cover of a well and follow the rough path up to the right.

Stage 4

After negotiating boulders and the narrow path a fine waterfall is reached. The water cascades over the lowest band of rock in the escarpment. There is also a small cave to explore amongst the ferns and gorse. The waterfall is often referred to as Downie's Loup, although the name may originally have applied to another smaller falls further down the burn. The easiest way to return is to retrace the outward route back to the start.

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