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Downie's Loup

Waterfall

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Woodland, Riverside, Cliffs

Walking, Photography

Spring to Autumn

Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Downie's Loup is a waterfall on the Gargunnock Burn, about a mile south of Gargunnock village near Stirling, where the burn drops off the edge of the Gargunnock Hills. A walk of a couple of miles from near the village leads to it, on a path that grows faint and boggy near the falls. A small fern-lin...

5

Parking nearby

2

Food Spots nearby

1

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

1 day, 4 overnight

The Cross Keys – Kippen, The Lion and Unicorn – Thornhill

Chiffchaff Treehouse

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Downie's Loup?
Stirlingshire hosts this elusive spot just outside a nearby village. Walkers head towards the hills south of the houses to seek it out.

What type of place is Downie's Loup?
Downie's Loup is a waterfall near Gargunnock in Scotland.

When is the best time to visit Downie's Loup?
Spring to autumn generally provides the most reliable weather for a proper walk up the escarpment. Heavy downpours during these months completely transform the experience because dry spells reduce the flow to a disappointing trickle.

What can you do at Downie's Loup?
Scrambling up the faint, boggy trail past a disused quarry requires your full concentration but provides an engaging outdoor challenge. Anyone making the short walk to the horizon can enjoy expansive views across the Forth Valley toward the distant Wallace Monument.

How long should I spend at Downie's Loup?
Allowing roughly two hours gives you ample time to conquer the tricky hike and snap some great photographs. People frequently combine the trek with a longer ramble along the dramatic cliffs.

Where do I park at Downie's Loup?
Spaces for five vehicles wait near the trail, offering one day and four overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Downie's Loup?
The Cross Keys in Kippen and The Lion and Unicorn in Thornhill provide two options where you can grab a bite to eat. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Downie's Loup?
Chiffchaff Treehouse represents the single available option if you want to spend the night close by. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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