Golspie: Big Burn

A short burnside walk to a waterfall.

Golspie’s Big Burn walk is a two mile circular route along a small river to an imposing waterfall. The start is on the opposite side of the village from the train station adding an extra mile each way either via Main Street or along the beach. Rudy stayed overnight in the town so had a head start for his visit!

Near the start of the Big Burn Walk the path goes under a very tall single arch bridge – this is the railway viaduct carrying the Far North Line more than 60 feet above the Golspie Burn. Rudy thinks it will look less scary-high when sitting on a warm train!

Beyond the viaduct the path meanders through trees and into a gorge where it crosses the burn back & forth on several wooden bridges. Rudy wasn’t a fan of some of the higher bridges – even though they are well built with solid handrails he could still see a long way down between the boards. A quick treat helped steady his nerves 😉

The main waterfall is viewed from a strong boardwalk platform but the route includes a couple extra falls to enjoy with our favourite being this fairytale fall over a high mossy bank. Rudy was a bit concerned that his photo-op was going to turn into a shower so this is as close as he would pose!

After seeing the big waterfall Rudy was very much ready to head back to his holiday home for lunch but he found plenty to explore on the way back by taking the paths on the opposite side of the burn and then onto the beach for his return route.

Rudy visited the Big Burn after a spell of heavy rain so the burn was full of fast moving water, the paths are well maintained and safe but of course a little muddy in places. The bridges are solid but a few are quite high – bring good boots and a hand to hold little ones.