18 Best Waterfalls near Glasgow (2023)

Like waterfalls? Like Glasgow?

Sounds to me like you’re the type of person who might be interested in learning about the best waterfalls near Glasgow.

Well, lucky for you, I’ve covered them all in this list. I’ve brought you an H20-packed combo of close-to-city falls, middle-of-nowhere funspots, family-friendly adventures, and plenty more.

Quick note: all the waterfalls in this list are within a 2-hour drive of Glasgow… and I’ve listed them in closest-to-Glasgow to furthest-from-Glasgow order. Convenient eh.

Okay, enough of all the introductions—pack some sandwiches, slip on your goggles, and come join the fall-finding fun!

1. Linn Park Waterfall

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing special about this place…

… but if you’re looking for an easy-to-access waterfall close to central Glasgow, you’ve found it.

Linn Park Waterfall sits inside Linn Park, along the White Cart Water river. Also sitting along this pocket of the White Cart Water, you’ll find a bunch of family-friendly stuff, including Holmwood House, a golf course, a kids’ play area, plenty of picnic spots, and loads more places to eat and drink. The Derby Cafe is always a tasty choice for a great no-fuss munch.

So… yep… Linn Park Waterfall itself is nothing special, but it’s worth checking out as part of a bigger adventure in and around the area.

How to get to Linn Park Waterfall from central Glasgow: Drive to the southern outskirts of the city, along the A77. Or take a train to Muirend station. Or just walk!

2. Craigie Linn

Sitting in and among the trees of Gleniffer Braes Country Park, Craigie Linn (just like Linn Park Waterfall) isn’t particularly special. It’s basically just a thin trickle that drops unimpressively into a little stream.

So if you’re exclusively looking for mind-blowingly impressive waterfalls, don’t bother with it.

But if you’re happy with a close-to-Glasgow waterfall that’s surrounded by other excitement (and some family-friendly stuff) it’s a decent option. Close-by adventures include wanders to a load of reservoirs (Glenburn and Harelaw are the closest), some wooded trails, and a couple of golf courses.

When you’re done, there are loads of places to eat and drink in the nearby town of Paisley. Hip and happening Cafe 77 is a big favorite.

How to get to Craigie Linn from Glasgow: if you’re driving, head west on the A761 towards Paisley, then south towards the falls. If you’re using public transport, you can take a train to Barrhead railway station, then walk from there.

3. Campsie Waterfall

One of the best waterfall-based swimming spots near Glasgow, you’ll often find people splashing around here (well, in summer).

It’s made up of several small waterfalls; some big, some small. They form a few different drops, and a few different plunge pools.

Kids love the waterfall, families love the waterfall, and because it sits right off a main road close to Glasgow, it’s a handy choice for a fuss-free family day out.

If you want something a bit more adventurous when you’re done, I recommend hiking in the nearby area. You have loads of choices for low-level hills… but my favorite is the ascent up to the strange trig point of Holehead. You get great valley views, an easy stroll, and a monument that looks like it was ripped from a Steven Spielberg movie.

How to get to Campsie Waterfall from Glasgow: by car, head north past Lennoxtown. If you’re using public transport, take the X85 bus to Lennoxtown instead.

4. The Devil’s Pulpit

Another of these entries where I’m gonna tell you this isn’t necessarily one of the best waterfalls near Glasgow (much more impressive falls are coming up soon, I promise)…

… but, as I feel like I’ve said a few times already, this place is vaguely interesting, and (more importantly) it’s close to great stuff.

The Devil’s Pulpit is only a small waterfall, but it’s famous for its weird red tinge (which is really just a result of the red sandstone lying beneath the gorge it runs through). The gorge itself is mossy, pretty and otherworldly, and it’s a decent place for a stroll.

When you’re done, tackle some nearby adventures at the southern end of Loch Lomond. Balloch is a good place to start, while Balmaha offers enticing boat trips.

How to get to The Devil’s Pulpit from Glasgow: if you’re driving, head northwest on the A809. The trip is possible with public transport… but a one-way ride takes more than two hours.

5. Calder Mill Waterfall

For sheer variety, this is the best waterfall close to Glasgow (well, within a 30-minute drive).

It sits inside Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, one of the most underrated outdoor adventure spots in Scotland. Again, the waterfall is nothing massively impressive but it’s wide and loud, it’s a great spot for a picnic, and it’s surrounded by loads of fun.

When you’re done at the waterfall, you should also wander over to the weird medieval tower house of Barr Castle, the twin waters of Barr Loch and Castle Semple Loch, the binocular-boggling RSPB Center at Lochwinnoch, and all the nearby trails.

And when you’re finished with all the outdoor adventures, head to the great family-friendly Cucina Minucci at the Junction (a weirdly-named cafe located inside an old pub).

How to get to Calder Mill Waterfall from Glasgow: by car, follow the A737 to Lochwinnoch. If you’re not driving, catch a direct train from Glasgow to Lochwinnoch.

6. Loup of Fintry

The charmingly-named Loup of Fintry is bigger than most people expect… and it’s one of the best close-to-Glasgow waterfalls.

One larger fall made up of a bunch of short falls, there are loads of little plunge pools here… so it’s a decent place for a dip.

Sitting in a mini valley along the thin but impressive Endrick Water (in quite a remote spot, for this part of the world), you can wander to the falls from two separate car parks along the B818.

There are loads of outdoor adventures surrounding the Loup of Fintry. Highlights include the shores of both Loch Walton and Carron Valley Reservoir (the reservoir is a popular hiking and mountain-biking spot), the mysterious Machar Stones (if you’re into all that ancient stones stuff), and a bunch of low-level hikes (Meikle Bin is the best of them).

How to get to the Loup of Fintry from Glasgow: the shortest way to drive is via Bishopbriggs and Lennoxtown. There’s no public transport option.

7. Lynn Falls

Because they sit just on the outskirts of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, you can combine a trip to Lynn Falls with a trip to Calder Mill Waterfall.

The falls themselves here are more impressive than the falls at Calder Mill.

I recommend tackling the little circular walk here, which measures in at a small but pretty 1.2 miles (2 km). Starting and ending at the Lynn Bridge car park, you pass the main waterfall (known as Lynn Spout), along with a couple more smaller falls. It’s a popular choice for people with kids—there are some cute little fairy-themed structures dotted along the route.

And if you are with kids, head to MACS Softplay and Coffee Shop when you’re done.

How to get to Lynn Falls from Glasgow: by car, head west along the M8 and A737. If you’re using public transport, take a direct train to Dalry, before walking from there.

8. Inversnaid Waterfall

This one sits right on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond (one of the most famous lochs in Scotland… and the biggest loch in Scotland, if you measure by surface area).

One of the most well-known waterfalls in the nation, it drops directly in the loch, and it’s popular for swimming, picnicking, and family days out. Other nearby fun includes hikes (the ascents up Ben Vorlich and Ben Lomond are great), loch-visiting (get yourself to Loch Katrine and Loch Vorlich) and visits to some Scottish towns and villages (I recommend Aberfoyle, Callander, or Balloch).

You can also combine a trip to Inversnaid Waterfall with a trip to the Falls of Falloch (which I’ve detailed soon) for one big fat day of waterfall-mixing mayhem.

How to get to Inversnaid Waterfall from Glasgow: if you’re driving, follow the A81 and the B829. If you’re relying on public transport, there’s no feasible route.

9. Cramond Falls

Okay, I’ll be honest with you… this one really isn’t particularly impressive… so it’s not really one of the best waterfalls near Glasgow.

That said, you’re probably keen to combine your Glasgow trip with an Edinburgh trip. And this waterfall sits just on the outskirts of Edinburgh (and—as a lovely bonus—next to some nice beaches).

So here’s what I recommend: wander to Granton Beach, before following the coastal path to both Silverknowes Beach and Cramond Beach. When the shoreline then meets the river, follow the river to Cramond Falls. You’ll get lots of great views, and a juicy combo of varied landscapes.

How to get to Cramond Falls from Glasgow: drive east along the M8 to get to Edinburgh—when you hit Hermiston, head north to Cramond. Or take a train to Edinburgh, before then walking the coastal route to the falls.

For more info on Scotland’s hilly capital, check out our guides on the most scenic road trips in and around Edinburgh, the most beautiful walks in and around Edinburgh, and our 2-day itinerary for the city.

11. Falls of Falloch

Not just one of the best waterfalls near Glasgow… but also among the best (and most popular) falls in all of Scotland.

Sitting just past the northern tip of Loch Lomond, these falls are home to an observation deck, some short walks, and places to swim. They’re pretty popular with families, and they’re a good spot for a day out.

When you’re done here, there’s loads of other fun stuff nearby. Top options include visits to the shores of Loch Katrine and Loch Voll, wanders up Ben More and Ben Lui, and a visit to Inversnaid Waterfall (sitting just a couple of entries above)…

… and make sure you also visit the always-charming village of Tyndrum (and munch at its Real Food Cafe).

Best of all, the drive here takes you along the western shores of Loch Lomond—it’s a lovely ride.

How to get to the Falls of Falloch from Glasgow: if you’re driving, head north along the A82. If you’re relying on public transport, you’re out of luck.

12. Stinchar Falls

The waterfalls here themselves aren’t massively impressive—they’re just a bunch of little drops inside a narrow stream.

That said, the place sits inside Galloway Forest Park, one of the most underrated outdoor adventure spots in all of Scotland. Full of low-level hills, easy but excellent hikes and bike rides, and a load of family-friendly stuff, there are endless adventures around here.

But since you’ll be visiting Stinchar Falls, here’s what I recommend: head to close-by Stinchar Bridge, before wandering southeast to Cornish Loch. Push past Cornish Loch to the peaks of Shiel Hill, Criagmasheenie, and Shalloch on Minnoch, then back to Stinchar Bridge. A brilliant but relatively easy loop, it clocks in at around 10 miles (16 km).

How to get to Stinchar Falls from Glasgow: if you’re driving, head south along the M77 and A77, before turning southeast when you hit Maybole. There’s no public transport option.

13. Easan Dubha Waterfall

Not so much one of the best waterfalls near Glasgow—more like ‘one of the most impressively tumultuous stretches of river near Glasgow.’

There’s not a whole load to do here, but the (very short) waterfall is pretty and impressive, and the area around it is super beautiful…

… and if you’re the type of person who likes looking at waterfalls (why else would you be here?), you’re also the type of person who’ll enjoy looking at places like this.

I recommend combining your trip with some nearby fun. My top suggestions are… the (pretty similar) falls at Eas Urchaidh, an ascent up Ben Cruachan (one of the most scenic summits in the nation), a trip to the town of Tyndrum, and visiting the shores of some nearby lochs (Tulla, Etive and Awe are three of the best).

How to get to Easan Dubha Waterfall from Glasgow: drive north along the A82, along the western side of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. There are no public transport options.

14. Kemback Waterfalls

I’ll be honest with you: Kemback Falls aren’t particularly impressive or interesting… but if you’re gonna be exploring Fife (that’s the area surrounding the coastal town of St Andrews), then you might be vaguely interested in giving them a look.

The falls are basically just a short muddy stream running into a shallow river. But they’re close to Dairsie Castle and St Andrews… and they’re not too far from the lovely lovely villages of Crail and Anstruther (I recommend visiting both—you’ll fall in love with the pair of them).

So, yeah, if you’re in the area and you just can’t get enough of waterfalls, head here. But if you’re hoping the waterfall is gonna be the highlight of your adventure to Fife, you better think again.

How to get to Kemback Waterfalls from Glasgow: If you’re driving, follow the M80 and A90 northeast. If you’re using public transport, it’s not worth the hassle.

15. Grey Mares Tail

One of the most famous waterfalls in Scotland, this massive monster clocks in at a hefty height of 60 meters (196 feet)—and it’s one of the longest waterfalls in the UK.

It sits inside Grey Mares Tail Nature Reserve, a remote (and hugely underrated) part of Scotland. It’s stuffed with low-level hills, excellent hikes, quiet landscapes, and loads of wildlife. If you’re lucky here, you might see falcons, ospreys, and (feral) goats.

After you park up and wander to the falls, I recommend pushing on to super-scenic Loch Skeen (which the fall comes from). The round-trip wander from the car park to the shores of Loch Skeen is a short and easy 3 miles (5km).

If you’re looking for the very best waterfall near Glasgow, you’ve found it.

How to get to Grey Mares Tail from Glasgow: if you’re driving, follow the M74 and A74 southeast, then head northeast after you reach Moffat. If you’re using public transport, don’t bother.

16. Black Linn Waterfall

Plopped right at the southern end of Tay Forest Park, Black Linn Waterfall is one of the most underrated entries on our list.

Created by the flow of three mini side-by-side falls, the place is home to a viewing platform (called ‘Ossian’s Hall of Mirrors,’ which makes it sound way more mysterious and alluring than it actually is), a short valley-based walk from the nearby car park, and loads of wildlife (expect birds, squirrels, and maybe even beavers and pine martens).

Because it’s fast and inaccessible, you can’t swim here… but it’s a decent base for a family day out… and there are lots of easy wooded walks nearby.

How to get to Black Linn Waterfall from Glasgow: if you’re driving, ride past Stirling and Perth, then continue north on the A9. Or by public transport, take a direct train to Dunkeld & Birnam, before walking from there.

17. Reekie Linn Waterfall

Reekie Linn is one of the most well-known falls in Scotland.

Made up of two tiers, it’s also one of the most popular waterfalls near Glasgow.

The wander from the car park (which has some wooden tables and benches—great for a picnic), is short and easy, and it’s popular with families.

That said, be careful when you’re walking and swimming here—the trail sometimes verges on the edge of a sheer drop, and the water can flow pretty fast after heavy rain.

When you’re done having fun here, head to nearby Loch of Lintrathen (you can even wander or cycle around its entirety for a decent adventure). And for some settlement-centric adventures, the twin towns of Blairgowrie and Rattray sit nearby.

How to get to Reekie Linn Waterfall from Glasgow: if you’re driving, head northeast towards (and beyond) Perth. If you’re using public transport, the trip’ll take around 5 hours—so don’t bother with it.

18. Steall Waterfall

For my last entry, I’m breaking my own rules. I hope you can forgive me, and I hope you can learn to trust me again one day in the future.

In the intro to this guide, I said I wasn’t including any waterfalls more than two hours from Glasgow… and this one is around 2.5 hours away.

But it’s the second-highest waterfall in Scotland, and measures in at a massive 120 meters (393 feet). So even though it’s a lengthy drive from Glasgow, it’s totally worth the trip.

Sitting between the peaks of Ben Nevis and Binnein Mòr (and surrounded by loads more lofty beasts), there are plenty of ways you can gawp at Steall Waterfall. But the best way is by following this short but brilliant trail, which takes you through a dramatic gorge.

When you’re finished (you might as well make a day of it, since you’ve come all this way), other nearby adventures include all the hikes lying between Glencoe and Fort William. There are plenty of them!

How to get to Steall Waterfall from Glasgow: if you’re driving, follow the A82 north all the way to Fort William—after Fort William, head east. There’s no public transport option.

Before You Go

That’s us done—they’re the 17 best waterfalls in Glasgow.

Since you won’t have time to visit them all, my top three recommendations are Campsie Waterfall (for swimming near Glasgow), Grey Mares Tail (for impressive and scenic) and Steall Waterfall (if you don’t mind driving far for a massive fall).

For more splishing and splashing, check out our guides to the best waterfalls near Edinburgh, the best waterfalls near Dundee, and the best waterfalls near Inverness.

Thanks for reading, thanks for coming along, and we’ll see you next time. Bye!