Tucked away in woodland, close to the seaside village of Golspie in Scotland, is the stunning Big Burn Walk. Here is a complete guide to this hidden gem.
How To Get To Big Burn Walk
Located at the northern end of the village of Golspie and just off the A9 road on the east coast of Scotland, Big Burn Walk really is a hidden gem.
On Foot
There are many different walks to choose from that will take you to Big Burn Walk. Some are easier than others so we recommend checking out the terrain for each walk.
Car
Driving north from the village of Golspie on the A9, it’s just under 2 miles to reach the main carpark for the falls.
You will see a sign on your left, about a mile from Golspie directing you left off the A9 to Big Burn Walk.
This is a free car park and you will see a clear footpath leading from the car park to the falls.
There are actually many different parking spots along here with paths that will take you take to the falls.
Tour
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
Big Burn Walk Entrance Fee
It is free to visit Big Burn Walk.
Big Burn Walk Opening Times
Big Burn Walk is open all day, every day.
Best Time To Visit Big Burn Walk
The falls are beautiful at any time of year but after rainfall they are at their cascading best!
If you visit during the spring months the ground will be beautifully covered with wild garlic and bluebells.
You are quite sheltered under the trees if you visit on a rainy day.
Sensible shoes are recommended due to the somewhat muddy and sloping terrain.
Don’t forget your camera as there are some great photo opportunities.
What To Pack
What To Expect At Big Burn Walk
There are various walks to the falls with varying degrees of length and difficulty. We chose the easier path that took us through some beautiful Scottish woodland on the North Coast 500.
The terrain can be a little muddy with some steep slopes in places but this is a pleasant walk that is not too strenuous. Furthermore, the scenic woodland that you walk through is an enjoyable distraction.
Following the burn, which you cross over and back a few times via footbridges, this well maintained pathway will walk you past towering trees, beautiful ferns, fields of wildflowers and mossy embankments.
There are some good information boards on the walk and also signs to keep you on the right track, as well as benches here and there, to allow you to relax or picnic along the way.
You actually hear the roar of the falls before you see them and they really do look spectacular as you walk round the corner and suddenly see the the water gushing over the jagged, grey rock formations.,
There is a platform that provides a great view of the waterfall. As well as another footbridge that you can cross to get a view down the falls.
This is a great little stop off to stretch your legs on a scenic walk and also get to see the beautiful Big Burn Walk. A proper hidden gem!
We visited after hitting Dornoch Beach in the morning and before heading out towards Whaligoe Steps on our NC500 itinerary.
Where To Stay In Scotland
Luxury
Offering free WiFi and free private parking, exploreNESS Apartment is located in Inverness, just 0.8 miles from Inverness Castle.
The property is less than 0.6 miles from Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and 1.6 miles from Caledonian Thistle.
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided.
A buffet breakfast is available daily at the apartment.
Mid-Budget
Located 1.7 miles from Inverness Castle, Loch Earn provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
There is also a kitchen in some of the units with a dishwasher, a fridge, and an oven.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the bed and breakfast.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Budget
Just 10 minutes’ walk from Inverness Rail Station, Inverness Youth Hostel offers free private parking and bicycle storage.
Eastgate shopping centre is a 10-minute walk from this hostel. Hootananny, a popular music venue, is just 15 minutes’ walk away.
Culloden Battlefield and its visitor centre is just a 10-minute drive away. The banks of Loch Ness and the country village of Dores are both a 20-minute drive away.
All rooms have a shared bathroom. Packed lunch and luggage storage is available on request.
For more places to stay in Scotland, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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