Falls of Falloch: The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

The Falls of Falloch is one of the best waterfalls in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in Scotland. By doing a short walk, you can easily visit this charming waterfall. In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting the uber-picturesque Falls of Falloch.

Visiting the Falls of Falloch

The Falls of Falloch is a magnificent 10 metre single-drop waterfall. Sure, it’s not the highest waterfall in Scotland (that honour goes to Eas a’ Chual Aluinn); but, it’s still a breathtaking drop, especially after heavy periods of rainfall. The waterfall is located in the gorgeous Glen Falloch, which is why it’s also known as Glen Falloch Falls.

Also, the waterfall is known as Rob Roy’s Bathtub, as this is where the infamous Rob Roy Macgregor swam and bathed when he was on the run from the law. By the way, if you’re wanting to find out about other Rob Roy attractions, make sure to visit Loch Ard so you can scope out Rob Roy’s Cave.

Anyway, the popular beauty spot is a well-known place in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Indeed, this waterfall is one of the star attractions of the national park. Formed by the River Falloch, the waterfall is easily reachable by doing an easy and quick walk. Additionally, the waterfall is an attraction along the well-known West Highland Way. In this guide, we’ll focus on the short walk to reach the Falls of Falloch. Afterwards, we’ll briefly talk about seeing the waterfall during the multi-day West Highland Way.

Falloch definition: the name ‘Falls of Falloch’ comes from the Gaelic name ‘Eas Falach’, which loosely translates to hidden waterfall or valley of concealment.

Where Are the Falls of Falloch?

The waterfall is located near Crianlarich, in the county of ​​Stirling in the southern highlands of Scotland. To help get your bearings, please click on the image below to access an interactive map of the area.

Falls of Falloch Walk: Statistics

Below, you’ll find trail specs for the short walk to the waterfall.

• Type: Out & Back with Loop
• Distance: 0.6km (0.38 miles)
• Time: 15–30 minutes
• Accumulated elevation gain: 20m
• Difficulty: Very easy
• Trailhead: Falls of Falloch Car Park

A Loch Lomond cruise is a truly memorable experience. Make sure to do a Loch Lomond Cruise during your visit to the national park.

Falls of Falloch Maps (GPS and OS)

In reality, you won’t need a map given how short and easy the walk is to do. But, just in case, here are some maps below, for your reference.

• GPS-Guided Map with GPX File to download: Wikiloc
• Ordnance Survey Map to buy: The Trossachs, Callander, Aberfoyle & Lochearnhead, Balquhidder & Strathyre OS Map

Falls of Falloch Walk: Terrain and Profile

As mentioned, the walk to the Falls of Falloch is very straightforward. You’ll follow a well-defined forest path that is mildly uneven and sometimes muddy in parts. There are relatively steep drops on the river’s edge, so care must be taken when approaching.

Overall, the walk is quite flat, with some gentle undulation. In total, the accumulated elevation gain is basically negligible at around 20 metres.

Falls of Falloch: Walk Description

Below, we’ll briefly describe the tranquil walk to the Falls of Falloch.

Where to Start: Falls of Falloch Parking

The walk starts from the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority car park located here. At the car park, you’ll find a sign pointing you in the direction of the falls. You’ll simply follow along this forest trail with the River Falloch in the distance to your right and the nearby A82 road to your left.

Reaching the Falls of Falloch

The trail gently undulates and weaves through dense woodland for around 300 metres. You’ll soon arrive at an exposed area, which is the main viewing platform for the Falls of Falloch. From this lookout, you’ll enjoy unimpeded views of the marvellous waterfall.

Beck and I visited early in the morning before doing the Ben Lui and Beinn a’ Chleibh Walk. Given our early start, we enjoyed the waterfall to ourselves, which made the experience all the more relaxing and peaceful. We recommend you do the same!

Falls of Falloch Swimming

Other than admiring the Falls of Falloch, many people choose to swim in the natural pool at the waterfall’s base. Personally, we didn’t swim. But, certainly, this waterfall is one of the most popular places for wild swimming in Scotland. Keep in mind, there is a warning sign at the car park warning you of the hazards of swimming at the waterfall. So, proceed with caution.

Please read ‘Is it Safe to Swim in the Falls of Falloch?‘ to find out more information.

Woven Sound

Recently, another vantage point has been added at the Falls of Falloch. Designed by John Kennedy, the Woven Sound installation features an entry from Dorothy Wordsworth’s diary. Made from steel rods, the installation provides another excellent view of the waterfall. Although, personally, our views of the waterfall were slightly impeded by some trees.

After exploring the waterfall, you can either retrace your steps or briefly follow a different path along the River Falloch. We recommend following this small loop trail to enjoy other small cascades, before re-joining the main trail to finish the walk.

How to Get to the Falls of Falloch

To do this walk, you’ll first need to get to the Falls of Falloch Car Park via the A82 road. The quickest and easiest way to get there is to drive there yourself. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, we recommend hiring a car.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Public Transport

Public transport doesn’t stop directly at the Falls of Falloch Car Park. But, it may still be possible to use public transport to get to the falls as buses do run along the A82 road. From Glasgow, you can get a Citlink bus to Crianlarich, which passes the turn-off for the car park on the A82 road. The driver may stop at their discretion.

Otherwise, you could get the bus to Inverarnan and either walk 3.2km (2 miles) to the waterfall or catch a taxi (less than five minutes). Although, your chances of catching a taxi are probably better from the larger village of Crianlarich. So, if you’re planning to catch a taxi to reach the waterfall, it may be best to go all the way to Crianlarich. With this in mind, it’s also possible to catch a train from Glasgow to Crianlarich. We recommend using Google Maps and Trainline to help plan your journey using trains.

With all this in mind, it’s much simpler and straightforward if you can drive to the Falls of Falloch yourself.

Accommodation​​

If you want to stay nearby the Falls of Falloch, we recommend staying in the lovely village of Crianlarich. Beck and I really enjoyed spending time in the small quaint village. Below, we’ll reveal the best budget, mid-range and luxurious accommodation options in Crianlarich.

What to Do Nearby: Plan Your Visit

What next, after chasing waterfalls? There are plenty of great walks to do nearby. If you’re keen on a more challenging walk, there are plenty of Munros to bag nearby. We recommend hiking Ben Lui and Beinn a’ Chleibh or Ben More and Stob Binnein.

Otherwise, not far from the Falls of Falloch, you’ve got the impressive Falls of Dochart. You can find this waterfall near Killin just inside the northeast border of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Read more: Loch Lomond Walks – The 26 Best Walks in Loch Lomond

Seeing Waterfalls on the West Highland Way

As mentioned, the Falls of Falloch is one of the main attractions along the multi-day West Highland Way. But, that’s not the only waterfall you’ll see on the West Highland Way. You’ll also see Inversnaid Falls and Allt Auchtertyre Falls.

Also, there are other awesome waterfalls in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. These include Bracklinn Falls and Little Fawn Waterfall in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park amongst many others.

FAQs

Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about the Falls of Falloch.

How High Is the Falls of Falloch?

They are about 10 metres (30 feet) high.

How Deep Is the Falls of Falloch?

The deepest part of the natural pool at the base of the waterfall is roughly 8 metres (25 feet).

Where Do You Park For the Falls of Falloch?

You’ll park at the Falls of Falloch Car Park. Please read ‘Where to Start: Falls of Falloch Parking‘ for more information.

Is It Safe to Swim in the Falls of Falloch?

There is a warning sign at the car park which reads, ‘Hazards are present here’. The sign then displays warnings about deep and cold water with strong currents. Sadly, there has been a death reported at the falls, whilst numerous rescues have taken place to save people from the water. Please only swim if you’re a competent swimmer and the conditions are favourable. Otherwise, it’s not worth the risk.

What to Wear and Take

Below, you’ll find some of our gear essentials for the Falls of Falloch Walk.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Bonus Tips

• The best time to visit: sure, the weather in Scotland is best around May and June. But, the Falls of Falloch is best seen after rainfall. So, this attraction should be best visited after a heavy bout of rain; which, is more likely to occur in winter.
• There is another waterfall with a similar name: don’t be confused by the similarly named Falloch Falls in Knoydart.
• Other awesome waterfalls in Scotland to chase: Rogie Falls, Wailing Widow Falls, Falls of Kirkaig, Steall Falls, Falls of Glomach, Falls of Shin and Falls of Clyde.

Have a question? Please leave us a comment below.