8 Best Waterfall Walks in Scotland to Explore by Campervan

There’s something about the sound of falling water that makes Scotland’s wildest corners feel even wilder. From thundering gorges in the Highlands to hidden falls tucked into the Borders, a good waterfall walk is one of the best excuses to point your campervan somewhere new — rain or shine (and let’s be honest, in Scotland it’s often both).

We’ve picked out eight of our favourite waterfall walks in Scotland, all of them within easy reach of a road and, just as importantly, a proper car park where a motorhome or campervan can actually fit. Here’s where to go, what to expect, and how to get there.

1. Falls of Bruar, Perthshire

Tucked behind the famous House of Bruar shopping stop just off the A9, the Falls of Bruar are a firm favourite for a reason: two dramatic waterfalls linked by a looping woodland path, with a stone bridge at the top giving you a bird’s-eye view straight down into the gorge.

• Distance: 2.5km circular, around 1-1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Short but surprisingly steep in places, with some sheer drops at the gorge edge — worth keeping a close eye on kids and dogs
• Parking: The large House of Bruar car park off the B8079, with plenty of room for larger vehicles, plus toilets and a cafe for afterwards

2. Corrieshalloch Gorge, near Ullapool

This National Trust for Scotland reserve is one of the most dramatic short walks on the North Coast 500 route. A short, steep path from the car park leads to a suspension bridge slung 25 metres above the gorge, with the 45-metre Falls of Measach thundering below.

• Distance: Just a few hundred metres from the car park, but steep underfoot
• Difficulty: Easy walking distance, though the gradient and drops mean it’s not one for wandering off the path
• Parking: A dedicated car park with a motorhome tariff (around £10 at time of writing) and an overflow area — check current NTS opening times before you set off

3. Plodda Falls, Glen Affric

Reached via a quiet single-track road out of Tomich, Plodda Falls drops over 40 metres through a magnificent stand of Douglas firs. A viewing platform is built right out over the lip of the falls, which is not for the faint-hearted but gives an unbeatable view straight down.

• Distance: 2.5km circular, around an hour
• Difficulty: Waymarked paths with some steps and steeper sections
• Parking: Signed car park at the end of the road from Tomich — a lovely, quiet spot to arrive in a campervan out of season

4. Steall Falls, Glen Nevis

One of Scotland’s most spectacular waterfall walks, and one of its tallest falls at around 120 metres. The route through the Nevis Gorge is a highlight in itself, opening out into a wide grassy meadow with Steall Falls tumbling down the cliffs ahead of you. Brave walkers can cross the river on the infamous three-wire bridge for an even closer look.

• Distance: 3.5km each way, 1.5-2 hours return
• Difficulty: Moderate — a rough, rocky path with some steep drops, so good footwear matters here
• Parking: Car park at the very end of the Glen Nevis road; it can fill up on busy summer days, so an early start pays off

5. Grey Mare’s Tail, near Moffat

In the Southern Uplands rather than the Highlands, this National Trust for Scotland reserve has one of the UK’s highest waterfalls — a 60-metre plunge down the hillside above Moffat. It’s also home to peregrine falcons, feral goats and, in the loch above the falls, the vendace, one of Britain’s rarest freshwater fish.

• Distance: A short walk to the main viewpoint, with longer routes up towards Loch Skeen for the more adventurous
• Difficulty: Easy to the lower viewpoint; steep and exposed if you continue higher
• Parking: NTS car park right on the A708 (small fee applies)

6. Rogie Falls, near Contin

A gentle, family-friendly option in Easter Ross, where a short forest trail and a springy suspension bridge take you right over the Black Water as it churns through a series of rocky falls. Visit in autumn and you’ve a good chance of spotting salmon leaping upstream.

• Distance: A short circular trail suitable for most abilities
• Difficulty: Easy — one of the more relaxed walks on this list
• Parking: Forestry and Land Scotland car park just off the A835

7. Reekie Linn, near Alyth

A lesser-known gem in Angus, Reekie Linn is a striking two-tier waterfall dropping around 24 metres into a deep, dark plunge pool — its name comes from the “reeking” spray thrown up when the River Isla is in spate. A short woodland path from the car park brings you to a viewpoint right on the gorge edge.

• Distance: 1km return, around 40 minutes
• Difficulty: Short, but with an unprotected drop at the viewpoint — take care with children
• Parking: Car park at Bridge of Craigisla, with picnic tables if you fancy lunch with a view

Tips for waterfall walking in your campervan

• Check the vehicle height and parking fees before you set off — some Highland car parks are compact, and a few charge a specific motorhome rate.
• Waterfalls are best after rain — which, happily, is rarely in short supply in Scotland. A dry spell can leave some falls looking a little shy.
• Wear proper footwear. Gorge paths get wet, mossy and slippery underfoot, whatever the grade of the walk.
• Keep a safe distance from the edge, especially with children or dogs — several of these viewpoints have unfenced drops.
• Pack a flask. There’s nothing quite like a hot cup of tea with a waterfall for company.

Fancy chasing a few of these for yourself? Explore our range of campervans for hire and start planning your own waterfall road trip around Scotland.