Rivers, Lochs and Linns are all a huge part of what makes Dumfries and Galloway so special for visitors and locals alike. The area is rich in variety when it comes to exploring our waterways, and we like to think there’s something for everyone! One thing we get asked about regularly is waterfalls, and we’re always happy to point our guests in the right direction for some spectacular sights.
So, if you’re looking for the best-kept waterfall secrets of Dumfries and Galloway, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of our favourite spots; some are public and easy to find, while others are a little more well-hidden.
If we haven’t published an exact location, it’s because we’d like to help preserve the tranquillity of these spots. However, if you’re staying with us at Auchenbrack or the BQA Hotel, ask Ralph for and he’ll be happy to oblige. All we ask is that you respect the locations and enjoy them responsibly.
1 – The Grey Mare’s Tail & Loch Skeen – Moffat
Not only is the Grey Mare’s Tail one of Dumfries and Galloway’s finest waterfalls, it’s one of the tallest in the UK! With an astonishing 60-metre drop, it’s a sight not to be missed.
The 5km trail starts at the Gray Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve car park and winds up alongside the falls, all the way to the breathtaking Loch Skeen right at the top. Some sections of this walk are very steep and follow the contour of the ravine, so we would advise keeping dogs on a lead at all times for their safety (and yours).
Keep an eye out for wild goats, Peregrine Falcons, and nesting Ospreys hunting on the loch. For more information and directions to the car park, please visit this link.
Best For: Spectacular views, Long Walks, Picnic Spots, Wildlife
2 – Crichope Linn – Cample
No visit to Thornhill is complete without a visit to the beautiful Crichope Linn. It’s a little trickier to find, and there’s not a lot of parking available nearby, so we’d suggest visiting early in the morning or in the quiet, sunset hours before it gets too dark. If you want to make a day of it, why not park in Thornhill and walk up? It’s also easy to access by bike, although you’ll need to lock your bikes up at the bottom and walk up the glen.
It’s very much like stepping back in time. Crichope Linn is filled with ancient trees and lush foliage, featuring a winding path that follows the contours of the sandstone gulley, carved out of the smooth rocks by the river over centuries. The path can be very thin and slippery in places, so wear sturdy shoes and watch your step! As you climb further up the gulley, you’ll hear the waterfall and start to catch glimpses of it through the stunning, natural rock formations.
Crichope Linn is so spectacular that it was even used as a filming location in the TV series Outlander! Find Crichope Linn here
Best For: A mini-adventure, Film-set scenery, Wild Garlic, natural rock formations
3 – Holy Linn – St John’s Town of Dalry
Not only is this an amazing place to visit, but it also has a fascinating history to accompany it. During the 17th century, Covenanters would meet here in secret to carry out illegal baptisms and practice their religious freedoms which had been taken away from them by law, when you find it. You’ll understand why they chose this place. It’s extremely secluded! The waterfall has formed a large, natural pool in the Garple Burn, which, if you’re not in the market for a baptism, is an amazing spot for an icy-cold wild swim! The pool itself is extremely deep, and the water is extremely cold; please take care. There are plenty of rocks and trees surrounding the pool, perfect for sitting, drying off, having a picnic, or enjoying a warm drink.
A short walk down the river will also treat you to a further series of smaller falls and pools, full of crystal-clear water. It’s about a ten-minute walk from the layby up on the Dalry-Moniaive road and is not suitable for pushchairs. Top tip – there is often livestock in the fields on either side of the footpath, and trust us when we tell you that the electric fence is almost certainly on and packs a serious punch!
Park up here and follow the footpath signs for a circular walk.
Best For: Wild Swimming, Covenanter history, picnic spots
4 – The Viking Shower – Scaur Glen
If you’ve ever been to a spa with a cold water bucket shower or a plunge pool, you’ll love this! The first of our secret locations, the Viking Shower, is tucked away up the Scaur Glen and is a short drive from our cottages on the Auchenbrack Estate.
This place has it all, a series of smaller waterfalls (Linns) and a deep pool, just big enough for a swim. A climb down the rocky slope to the bottom pool will reveal a thin gulley, carved into the rocks by the river. It’s just big enough for one person to climb into and stand up under a cascade of ice-cold Scaur Glen water. Unless you’re a battle-hardened cold water swimmer, we would recommend a wetsuit for this one – it’s cold all year round!
There’s a gorgeous little stone beach at the water’s edge, which is the perfect spot for a picnic and to let yourself dry off and warm up after a dip. We’ll be happy to share the location with our residents, and there’s a small parking area just a short walk up the lane. Please refrain from parking in front of any gates, as this is a working farming area and all access points are in constant use. Please leave all gates as you find them, and take your litter home.
Best For: Secret spots, Wild Swimming, Picnics,
5 – The Plunge Pool – Near Thornhill
The second of our top-secret locations is very well hidden. Accessible on foot only, it’s a 10-15 minute walk from the nearest parking spot. This waterfall can be heard from the hiking trail above, which leads to Queensberry Hill and a remote bothy, but is accessed from a different track.
The waterfall itself is approximately 3 metres tall and is carved deeply into a gorge in the valley. It has created a small but very deep, natural plunge pool. It’s not quite big enough for a swim, but it is ideal for a cold dip! This is a very remote location and is usually very quiet, so we’d advise against going down here alone. The peaceful location, however, makes it a great spot for a picnic on a warm day and a great place to paddle in the shallower pools. It’s also a great place to take the dogs, but please keep an eye out for curious sheep, as it’s located on a working farm.
We’re happy to share the location of this little gem with our residents at Auchenbrack and the BQA hotel. Please ask your host for the details.
Best For: Secret spots, Wild Swimming, Insta-worthy location