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Acharn Waterfalls & Hermit's Cave from Acharn on South Loch Tay Road

Start/FinishThe tiny village of Acharn on the South Loch Tay road about 2 km from Kenmore at the eastern end of Loch Tay. The South Loch Tay road is very narrow with many ups and downs so the quickest access is nearly always from Kenmore even if coming from Killin when the main road on the north side of Loch Tay is much faster. The number of “no parking” cones suggests that the villagers may have had past issues with the number of visitors so park sensibly which usually means just to the west of the bridge.

Distance/Time

3 km       About 1 – 2 hours

Peaks

No peaks but the track up and path down are steep in places.     OS Sheet 51: Loch Tay.

Introduction

This is one of the best short walks in Scotland which is well signposted all the way. The gorge has steep drops which are not always protected so young children and dogs need to be watched carefully. The Hermit's Cave is essentially a tunnel but there is an excellent viewpoint opposite the highest waterfall. On the descent, this viewpoint can be seem from the other side of the gorge. This route may be best when the trees are not in leaf and more of the gorge can be seen. A torch will be needed for the cave.

Route

(1) Walk up the obvious and signed track to the west of the bridge. This is moderately steep for much of the way to the cave. There seem to be footpaths going off to the left but most of these are simply drainage channels for the track apart from the second one which looks different and, in August, leads to a small clump of toadstools. Retrace back to the track. Continue up until a sign for the Hermit's Cave sends you left into the cave which is a long tunnel with a side spur to a splendid viewpoint that looks across to the stream tumbling over a cliff. Continue through the cave and rejoin the track.

(2) Continue up the track. After the gradient has eased, there is another side path to the Viewing Platform where there are wooden walkways and a bridge over the stream. Exit the other side then walk uphill, away from Acharn, to look for views into the gorge. Once the track is reached, retrace back down the path and start the descent to Acharn. Keep looking across the gorge as there is a good spot to photograph the Hermit's Cave viewing platform from across the gorge. Continue down the path and reach Acharn.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 13^th August, 2023.