When it comes to nature walks, they become even more exciting when it involves waterfalls. So, we’ve summoned up a list of the most gorgeous waterfalls not too far from Edinburgh for you to discover and have the best day trip ever with plenty of photo ops.
1. Cramond Falls
While Cramond Falls is still technically within Edinburgh, it’s still worth mentioning. A popular attraction not too far from Cramond Beach, the waterfalls boast a lovely nature walk or cycle to get there. What is more, there is a café near the waterfall, unsurprisingly called Cramond Falls Cafe where nature lovers can enjoy a quiet coffee and a cake.
2. Stichill Linn
For those looking for more hidden nature spots, counterintuitively head down South to the Scottish Borders to search for Scotland’s secret waterfall. Just about an hour away lies the Stichill Linn Waterfall, tucked away in the woodland. They say it’s best to go see the majestic waterfall after it has just been raining, as that is when it looks its most beautiful. The walking route is 2.6km and takes just over half an hour to complete, with muddy parts throughout. Because of the spot’s hidden nature, it is unlikely to encounter many people on the walk, so probably this shouldn’t be considered as a first date idea.
3. Kemback Waterfalls
Kemback Waterfalls are located in Cupar, Fife, and should take just over an hour to drive over. Not only a picturesque drive crossing the bridge, but the walk itself offers easy access and lovely views. The waterfalls can be found next to the road across from Kemback Church Hall, where there is a small car park. On top of the gorgeous waterfalls tripling over the hill, the area also offers plenty of nature walks for visitors.
4. Bilsdean Waterfall
Bilsdean Waterfall is located on the East Coast near the old A1 about a 50-minute drive South of Edinburgh. The waterfall is not as well known, yet worth the wee trip for a walk. Most people park just under an arch of the railway viaduct, that can be entered through the old section of the A1. It won’t be too hard to find the waterfall by following GPS, and be sure not to forget hiking shoes and warm clothes as always. If your sense of adventure is present on the day, walk along the John Muir Link path where you can reach the shore and its shingle beach.
5. Loup of Fintry
Loup of Fintry is located in Stirling, and is a complete stunner when it comes to waterfall walks: it’s around an hour and a half away from Edinburgh. Visitors will have to locate a parking spot along the little country lane nearby, and the spot cannot be accessed via public transport. While it’s an easy five-minute walk to the waterfall itself, frequent muddy patches are common, so we recommend not forgetting those hiking boots at home.
6. Linn Jaw Falls
Okay. This one’s for the adventurous souls out there: probably the most picturesque nature spot in all of West Lothian, Linn Jaw Falls is also the hardest to get to, and we mean it. Before we say anything else, hikers should NOT bother embarking on the walk without decent waterproof hiking boots or, at least, a pair of wellies. As the usual access to the waterfall has been blocked due to the wee bridge being taken down over the river, we had to look out for alternative paths. As the views will be worth the muddy trek, visitors should start at the end of the road junction near Morton Reservoir, where you can park your car, given there are no other cars parked there already. Then, hikers should hit the dirt track in the direction of the waterfall until they reach its end through a gate, before going through the gate and go towards the river. Once at the river, walk downhill until you see Linn Jaw Falls. You can read about getting there even more in detail here.