The Falls of Dochart is a spectacular cascade located in the village of Killin in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about the stunning Falls of Dochart.
A Loch Lomond cruise is a memorable thing to do in the national park. Make sure to do a Loch Lomond Cruise during your visit to the area.
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About Falls of Dochart: History
The Falls of Dochart (AKA Dochart Falls) is a collection of cascades and falls found on the River Dohcart. This concentration of breathtaking frothy falls is found near the Bridge of Dochart near the western end of Loch Tay.
The elegant and charming Bridge of Dochart was first built in 1760. From the bridge, you’ll enjoy the most wondrous views of the falls. Indeed, it’s one of the best places to enjoy the falls.
Interestingly, just north of the bridge, you’ll find the Clan Macnab Burial Grounds. This ancient burial place is found on the rocky islet of Inch Bhuidhe (AKA Inchbuie). The last members of the original Clan MacNab are buried there. The site likely dates back to the 18th century.
So, other than enjoying the beauty of the cascades, you can also visit this historical site during a visit.
FYI – there is a nearby loch in Crianlarich bearing the same name as the falls – Loch Dochart.
Where Are the Falls of Dochart?
The Falls of Dochart are located in Killin, Perthshire, at the northeastern tip of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. To help get your bearings, please click on the image below to access an interactive map of the location.
Visiting the Falls of Dochart in Killin
Honestly speaking, when it comes to things to do in Falls of Dochart, it’s really all about exploring the cascades. Sure, there are other things to see and enjoy during a visit to the cascades. This includes walking along the Bridge of Dochart and enjoying views of the falls from this vantage point. You can also scope out the Clan MacNab Burial Grounds, which are accessible from the bridge. Additionally, The Falls of Dochart Inn is the perfect place to visit after exploring the falls. But, really, after all, it’s all about the majestic cascades.
FYI – there isn’t a Falls of Dochart Walk as such. You simply park in the village of Killin and it’s only a short walk to the Bridge and Falls of Dochart.
Falls of Dochart
Once you’ve parked in Killin, you’ll simply follow along River Dochart, towards the Bridge of Dochart. Along the river’s edge, there are many different access points for exploring the various cascades. Personally, Beck and I visited the falls during summer. So, the river wasn’t in spate or flowing too heavily. This meant we could skip along dry rocks, getting up close and personal with many of the various falls and cascades. Indeed, there isn’t a trail to follow. You’re free to chase and explore the falls as you see fit!
Bridge of Dochart
Once you’ve scoped out the falls, we recommend heading to the Bridge of Dochart. As mentioned previously, from the bridge, you’ll enjoy a sensational view of the falls from an elevated position. Beck and I spent a few minutes on the bridge admiring the views from above.
But, soon enough, our curiosity got the better of us as we returned down to River Dochart. For the next little while, we continued to skip along different rocks and explore other falls. Certainly, you could easily spend a couple of hours skipping along the rocks, finding different spots to sit, relax and admire the cascades.
Falls of Dochart Inn
Once you’ve scoped out the cascades, it’s time to visit the appropriately named Falls of Dochart Inn (AKA Falls of Dochart Hotel). Certainly, The Falls of Dochart Inn is a great choice for accommodation if you want to stay in Killin. Otherwise, the inn is a fine place to visit if you’re just after some food or a pint. Indeed, the inn has a decent restaurant site, serving up all of the usual pub grub.
Of course, Killin is a reasonably-sized village with a few more accommodation options. Below, we’ll have a look at some other accommodation options in the area, including details about the best budget, mid-range and luxury options in and near Killin.
- Budget – Ben Lawers Hotel: this reasonably priced hotel sits in the shadow of Ben Lawers and right on the banks of Loch Tay. Guests at the Ben Lawers Hotel can enjoy homecooked meals and a well-earned drink in the bar after a day out exploring.
- Mid-range – The Courie Inn: this delightful B&B serves up a cracking breakfast, right in the heart of Killin. Additionally, The Courie Inn offers water sports facilities, so you can really make the most of staying next to Loch Tay.
- Luxury – Auchmore Apartments: the Auchmore Apartments is a delightful four-bedroom holiday home that’s in great proximity to the falls. Sitting out on the balcony with views over Loch Tay is particularly relaxing.
Plan Your Visit: Things to Do Nearby
There are plenty of great things to do nearby in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. From Killin, you’re not too far away from the Falls of Falloch, which is the most popular waterfall in the national park.
In terms of walks, there are plenty of nearby Munros to bag in the national park. We recommend the Ben More and Stob Binnein Walk, the Ben Lui and Beinn a’ Chleibh Walk and the Ben Vorlich and Stuc a’ Chroin Walk. Just outside of the national park, nearby, you’ve got the magnificent Tarmachan Ridge and Ben Lawers Walk.
Otherwise, if you want to explore some lochs, you should definitely visit the nearby Loch Tay and Loch Earn.
How to Get to the Falls of Dochart
The quickest and easiest way to get to the Falls of Dochart is to drive there yourself. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, then we recommend hiring a car using Discover Cars. You’ll find a wide variety of cars on Discover Cars for reasonable prices. The website is user-friendly and booking online is super easy.
Car Hire
If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.
To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.
Falls of Dochart Parking
There is free roadside parking here in Killin. Basically, the street joining the Bridge of Dochart, from the south, is Gray Street. You can’t park on Gray Street as it has double yellow lines. But, Dochart Road (A827), which connects to Gray Street is void of these lines. So, you can park there for free!
Killin postcode (parking): FK21 8SN
Public Transport
It’s possible to get public transport to Killin. It’s best to get to Stirling and then to Callander. From Callander, you can catch a bus to Killin. We recommend using Google Maps and Trainline to help plan your journey using public transport.
Booking Trains
Trainline is one of the best online platforms for booking trains. By using Trainline, you can easily find the best available prices and times for your journey. We always use Trainline to book our train journeys in the UK and in Europe.
Although, be mindful that connections between these towns may be quite limited. So, using public transport may involve a very tedious and long-winded journey. Certainly, it’s best to drive to Killin yourself, if possible.
Other Loch Lomond Waterfalls
There are many great waterfalls in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Bracklinn Falls and Scouts Pool are both mesmerising falls located near Callander. Whilst, the Falls of Leny is another charming cascade northwest of Callander, near the village of Kilmahog.
Otherwise, near Aberfoyle, you’ve got the underrated Little Fawn Waterfall in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. This spectacular waterfall can be seen during a short walk from the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre.
Also, along the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, you’ll find Invernsaid (Arklet) Falls. Personally, I saw these falls during the West Highland Way.
Whilst, just outside of the national park, you’ll find breathtaking cascades at Devil’s Pulpit (Finnich Glen).
Read more: Loch Lomond Walks – The 26 Best Walks in Loch Lomond
FAQs
Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about the Falls of Dochart.
What Are the Falls of Dochart?
They are a series of cascades, formed by River Dochart, near the village of Killin.
Where Do You Park For Falls of Dochart?
You’ll find free roadside parking on Dochart Road (A827) in Killin. For more information, read Falls of Dochart Parking.
What Are the Falls of Dochart Opening Times?
This is a natural attraction, so there are no opening or closing times.
Falls of Dochart Visitor’s Tips
- Peace and quiet: to avoid the crowds, arrive early in the morning or later in the evening!
- Best season to visit: usually, the best weather in Scotland is in May and June. So, most visitors head to Scotland in summer or at the end of spring for warmer and dryer weather. Although, the falls are much more powerful and voluminous in winter. Additionally, there are fewer visitors in the wetter months. So, perhaps, the best time to visit the falls is during winter! Of course, at the end of the day, it comes down to your personal preference.
- Falls of Dochart swimming: it’s possible to paddle and wade in some sections. But, given the shallowness of the falls, it’s not really the best place to swim. Plus, a river can be a dangerous place to swim, especially if you’re not an experienced wild swimmer.
- Other waterfalls in Scotland: there are many breathtaking waterfalls in Scotland. We recommend visiting Rogie Falls, Wailing Widow Falls, Falls of Kirkaig, Steall Falls and Falls of Glomach.
For more Scotland content, read our NC500 guides.
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