Golspie’s Hidden Gem

The Big Burn offers a very sheltered walk with an air of mystery.  The route passes over several bridges and through a secretive gorge.  A waterfall completes this picturesque route and several picnic sites offer respite to the tired and hungry.

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The walk to the waterfall takes about 20 minutes and passes through mixed deciduous woodland, rich in flora and fauna. The flowers in May and June are a spectacular mix of primroses, bluebells, celandines, wood sorrel, campion and wild garlic.

How to get there 

At the north end of Golspie look for the Sutherland Arms Hotel. Pass the hotel but instead of continuing the A9 veer left and take the track in front of Sutherland Stoneworks. Park at the end of this track. 

The Walk 

Follow the path up the side of the burn, cross the bridge and turn left at the viaduct.

Continue past the picnic area and at the junction of the paths keep to the lower track.  Follow the line of the burn and cross 5 bridges.   After crossing bridge 5 turn right and walk to the observation platform below the waterfall. Retrace your steps to the bridge, do not cross but turn right up the hill; this takes you to the bridge above the waterfall, cross this bridge and turn right. You will soon come to a path going to your right- take this path. 

Look for the path going down to your right – this takes you to a viewing point above the waterfall. If you go down this path retrace your steps to continue.

Continue along the top path to the picnic area and carry on to the old skating pond. You can walk round this pond if you wish.

Retrace your steps about 20 metres and you will find a downhill path on you left.

At the bottom of the hill turn  left and return to your car.

The walk to the waterfall takes about 20 minutes and passes through mixed deciduous woodland, rich in flora and fauna.  The flowers in May and June are a spectacular mix of primroses, bluebells, celandines, wood sorrel, campion and wild garlic.