Falls of Acharn and the stone circle, near Kenmore

Summary

This very beautiful walk, short but steep, heads through a Victorian 'Hermit's Cave' to view the dramatic Falls of Acharn. The walk makes a loop around a lovely gorge, but also includes a detour to a stone circle with great views over Loch Tay.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good tracks and paths; care is needed near the edges of the gorge if the path is left. A fair amount of up and down is involved; this can be halved if omitting the detour to the stone circle.

Getting there

Start

Acharn village.

Public Transport

There are usually a couple of buses a day linking Acharn with Kenmore and Aberfeldy, and a single bus to Killin.

Start Grid Ref

NN761439

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.5km / 3.5 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 260m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (8)

Stage 1

Park in Acharn village; there is space for around 4 to 5 cars on the west side of the burn, along the left side of the track that is the beginning of the walk, opposite a beautiful old stone cottage. A sign indicates this is the 'Falls of Acharn circular walk'. Head up the lane - part of the Rob Roy Way - past the pretty gardens.

Stage 2

As the track gains height there are good views back down to Loch Tay and also to the peaks of Ben Lawers and the neighbouring and nearer Meall Greigh. Continue uphill for around half a kilometre, looking out for a little fenced path off to the left.

Stage 3

The path immediately leads into the Hermit's Cave. Enter this artificial stone-built cave, constructed in 1760s (when such things were fashionable) by the 3rd Earl of Breadalbane to give the most dramatic introduction to the falls. Visitors included Robert Burns and William Wordsworth. The cave is fairly dark inside but a torch isn't usually necessary; part way in take the passage off to the left.

Stage 4

This leads out through an archway to a balcony giving a fine view of the falls - falling over 20 metres in a single leap. Head back into the cave and turn left to leave via the upper exit and return to the track. Continue uphill, ignoring a sign off to the left for a viewing platform (this is more easily reached on the walk back down from the other side of the gorge). A short distance higher up the track crosses above the ravine on a stone bridge.

Stage 5

The route back to Acharn is downhill to the left - but first, if you have the energy, it is worth detouring to visit a fine stone circle. To do this, pass through the gate and follow the main track which swings right, keeping left of the burn. After 200m the track bends left and contours the hillside. Pass below Queen's Wood (on your right).

Stage 6

Once beyond the wood a four-way track junction is reached. Turn right here, following a grassy track that climbs through open pastures. After 600m it passes through a gate in a drystone wall - the stone circle is now immediately on your right. Occupying a spectacular location overlooking the loch and the Ben Lawers ranges, there are four standing stones and two that have fallen. It is known as Greenland Stone Circle, though in recent years it has often been referred to as the Acharn Falls circle.

Stage 7

Retrace your steps down the grassy track and all the way back to the bridge over the Acharn. Turn right before crossing it to begin the walk down the near side of the gorge. Don't miss the detour onto the wooden bridge suspended over the burn to the left. These give views of the pretty upper falls as well as the weirdly sculpted rocks and potholes of the river bed.

Stage 8

Return from the bridge to continue the descent through fine woodland. At one point you can see the hermit's cave viewing platform across the other side, backed by the Ben Lawers ranges. The path now leads back down to the village of Acharn, eventually reaching the main road. Turn left to return to the start across the bridge.

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