Introduction

I often drive the A9 (Perth to Inverness) road on a Friday night simply to escape the hectic week in the city..... heading north for those essential 48 hours of fresh air and freedom.

But more than often, these drives are done on cold dark winter nights on the way to the Cairngorms for a couple of days of skiing. I had never really considered stopping en-route before..... until one journey south there just seemed to be a road full of infuriating caravans trundling along at 40 mph.

So, when you need a break and a bit of tranquility head for Bruar, a small hamlet approximately 8 miles north west of Pitlochry and 3 miles north west of Blair Atholl. Not only is there a visitor centre and toilet facilities but also the magnificent Falls of Bruar walk. This is a relaxing and easy "Sunday afternoon" walk ideal for those looking for a simple stroll in the fresh air.

Grade: This is a relatively easy walk, however, strong footwear is recommended as the footpath can be uneven and slippy when wet. Care should be taken with young children as the banks are hazardous in places.

Best time to visit: All year round, although the falls are most impressive after heavy rainfall.

Route

• The Walk is well signposted and starts from the car park behind the House of Bruar. Heading out of the car park onto the main road, walk around the building on the left and follow the sign for the Falls of Bruar.

• Head up the path with the visitor centre building on your left and the Water of Bruar on your right. Continue along for approximately 150 yards, passing through the first gate, before heading under the main Perth to Inverness railway by means of a short underpass.

• Shortly after exiting the underpass you will pass through a second gate. Continue to follow the path for approximately 400 yards, as it climb gently through the sparse forest along the West Bank of Bruar Water.

• The path eventually meets a set of wooden steps, which descend a few feet to a location that allows excellent views of the Lower Falls.

• Continue a further 50 -60 yards to the Lower Bridge where there are views of the Lower Falls, Middle Falls, Pool and a cave.

• From here the path continues in a circular route - you have the option of which way to go but we chose to head round in an anti clockwise direction.

• Just off the path there a prominent viewpoint approximately half way between the Lower and Upper Bridges with some impressive views of the Upper Falls and Upper Bridge. Note: take care approaching the viewpoint as the ground drops away to the river below.

• Before this view point, the main path leading to the Upper Bridge veers right up an embankment to a hairpin bend in a forestry track. The path is signposted "Upper Bridge". Follow this path. The path begins to level off after a further few hundred yards just before you reach Upper Bridge.

• From here, cross the bridge and descend the path along the west bank of Water of Bruar to the Lower Bridge, where the main path back to car park can be found.