The Waterfall Diaries, Part 6 The Falls of Dochart
Here we are again with number 6 of The Waterfall Diaries and today we are in deepest Perthshire(though officially now Stirling due to boundary changes) in the little village of Killin…
Killin itself is a strange little place, more of location than looks in that it is in the middle of nowhere and I keep asking myself why here when Loch Tay isn’t far away and is the more likely place for a settlement ? Whatever the reason was I like it and it is dominated by the extremely fast moving Falls of Dochart.
Falls of Dochart
The Dochart River itself flows down from Ben Lui and makes it’s way to Loch Tay but just before it gets there it passes through the very rocky village of Killin culminating in the spectacular falls that pass under a narrow stone bridge wide enough for one car at a time (not to mention having to avoid tourists taking photographs) and this bridge was very well situated as it takes in the point where 2 halves of the river converge(after separating for a mid river island) in a mass of very fast moving white water rapids. A word of caution at this point, whilst there is an opportunity to walk out onto the rocks to view the falls more closely bear in mind that the rocks may well be slippery so careful footing is essential and correct footwear would be an advantage in aiding you not to fall in.
Another note of interest in Killin is the burial ground of the Clan McNab situated on an Island in the Dochart River called Inchbuie and the entrance can be seen from the stone bridge previously mentioned, and while the burial ground is gated and locked the key is available from the tourist information office and is a very interesting walk for those interested in Scottish Clan history, containing many monuments including late medieval effigy of a warrior in the West Highland Style which is one of only 2 known outside of the Hebrides and Argyll.
There isn’t an abundance of things to do in Killin aside the falls, McNab burial ground and tourist centre but it is a nice place to stop and have something to eat in the cafe’s and restaurants which sell traditional Scottish fair to tempt you (And they do tempt you, the hand battered fish and chips are delicious).
As always for more photographs of the Highlands of Scotland please visit my website at www.daviehudsonphotography.biz
Falls of Dochart
December 5, 2011 at 20:22
The Falls of Dochart and the Loch Tay area generally are a beautiful part of Perthshire (and being a Perthshire lad, it will never be Stirling). The area is known as Breadalbane, meaning the ‘Heights of Scotland’ and it is a hidden part of the country, and well worth visiting. The River Dochart forms the main source of the River Tay, which is the longest river in Scotland, and carries twice as much water than any other British river – watching these falls in the spring snow melt, it’s no wonder.
Thanks for a great article.
David
December 5, 2011 at 20:35
wow david you should be a tour guide for scotland : )
December 7, 2011 at 01:11
Ha ha, that gave me the grins.
December 5, 2011 at 22:13
Hi David , as a Dundee lad I agree it will always be Perthshire and never Stirling, I love the fact Killin is off the beaten track and the whole surrounding area with loch tay etc is a great place to visit
December 7, 2011 at 19:32
Hello. Lovely photos. More things to do? Don’t forget the Killin Golf club which is open all year with an honesty box, Breadalbane Folklore centre in the old Mill at the falls, hire bikes and canoes from the outdoor centre in summer, cycle from Killin to Lochearnhead along the Sustrans old railway cycle path going through Glen ogle and there is a putting green in the park plus folk singers in one of the local hotels. I am sure the locals could come up with more.