Plodda Falls is the highest and most spectacular waterfall in the area, over forty metres high; the falls are a great finale to this pleasant walk through a magnificent forest of Douglas Fir.
Waymarked paths, rugged with steps in places and some steep sections.
None to start.
Plodda Falls car park; follow the signed, rough road from Tomich.
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 Trail' and 'Plodda Falls Trail' passed the gate. The track heads downhill passing some magnificent 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.
After about 0.5km, look out for a path leading off to the left - there is a green and white marker post. Turn down this path, and after some stone steps turn right indicated by the green marker post. The path heads downhill through the forest, eventually emerging on a drive near Plodda Cottage, turn left here. This whole area was once part of the grand estates of Lord Tweedmouth; he planted the Douglas Firs and built the old carriage drive. Just before the track reaches the water turn right before the picnic table to follow the green waymarked path uphill. As the path climbs there is a first distant view of the falls from a wooden platform. They don't appear too grand from here, but are seen much better further on.
You'll soon reach a path junction; turn right downhill here to visit the base of Plodda Falls (viewpoint indicator). The Falls are truly impressive from the bottom of this path, plunging vertically for around forty metres into a twisting gorge. The falls are so close that they are difficult to fit into a photograph, and if the falls are in spate then anyone on the path can become sodden with spray. Note the rather scary-looking viewing platform suspended above the top of the falls. Return to the path junction.
Turn sharp right here, following the green/white marker posts up steps. Soon you'll be at the top of the falls. A bridge was built out over the top of the falls by Lord Tweedmouth in 1880 - an impressive showpiece for guests. The original bridge became unsafe but a new replacement cantilevered viewing platform has been built out over the very lip of the falls. This gives an amazing and dizzying view down the foaming cascade. From here, continue on the green/white waymarked main trail to return to the car park.
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