The traditional home of the Dukes of Atholl, it boasts Britain's only private army - the famous Atholl Highlanders. First built around Comyn's Tower in 1269 it had, by the time of Mary Queen of Scots' visit in 1564, been extended southwards to include the Great Hall. During the Civil War, Cromwell's troops captured the castle and in 1703 Queen Anne rewarded the family's loyalty to the crown by creating the second Marquess as Duke of Atholl.

During the Jacobite rebellion in the eighteenth century, the Hanoverians held the castle when it became the last private castle besieged in Britain, and General Lord George Murray, who had forfeited his inheritance by supporting Bonnie Prince Charlie, laid siege to what had been his own house.

The castle was restyled as a Georgian mansion in the middle of the eighteenth century then in 1868 the architect Sir David Bryce carried out further work when he remodelled the castle to reinstate its earlier appearance.

A short distance north of the village is the House of Bruar Visitor Centre with its array of shops, a restaurant and food hall, toilet facilities and ample parking for visitors and walkers alike.

Route: Walk across the central courtyard of the complex, through the alley at the southeast corner between the shop and restaurant buildings, turn left onto the rough path and follow the sign for the Falls of Bruar.

Head northwards up the path with the Water of Bruar on the right. Continue for approximately 150 yards (137 metres) passing through a simple gate beside a small cottage, then under the main Perth to Inverness railway by means of a short underpass and through a second – ‘kissing’ - gate. Continue on this path as it climbs gently through the sparse forest on the west bank of the river gorge.

There is an excellent opportunity to view the lower falls from where the path negotiates a dip via some wooden steps. Continue a further 50-60 yards (46-55 metres) to the lower bridge where there are even more impressive views of the lower and middle falls, the pool and a cave to be savoured.

Continue up the west bank onto the upper bridge and take time to appreciate the full splendour of the deep gorge. Cross the bridge and follow the footpath left as it zigzags a short distance up the bank before descending again southwards through the trees to a junction on a ‘hairpin’ bend in the wide forest track. Beside the path here is a prominent viewpoint affording more impressive views of the upper falls and upper bridge.

Note: Take care approaching the viewpoint as the ground drops away very steeply into the gorge and river below.

Leave this junction following the wide forest track to the left, northwards, past one junction on the left and to a second junction situated on a left-hand bend (Grid Ref. NN826666). Turn sharp left and up a steady rise through the (now) open hillside.

The path re-enters the trees. Keep left, and left again at two junctions in the path, a short distance apart, out to the edge of Glen Banvie Wood (Grid Ref. NN826927) and then follow the path on the left - north then northwest - out over the open heather-clad moor. Less than half a mile (800 metres) on, the track descends towards the Water of Bruar in Glen Bruar past the ruin of Ruichlachrie.

Should the river be in spate it will, more than likely, not be possible to negotiate a safe crossing, so turn about and retrace the route back to the start. There will be other days to complete the circuit. If it is safe to cross the river, do so carefully and walk up to the restored bothy that stands at Cuilltemhuc on the east side of the Minigaig Pass.

The Minigaig pass, forerunner of the present A9 route over Drumochter, stretches between Ruthven Barracks near Kingussie in the north through 26 miles of wild, spectacularly scenic and relatively unspoiled country to Blair Atholl. The barracks were built in 1718 for troops brought in to control Highlanders after the 1715 rebellion. Highlanders captured it in 1746 and later blew it up to stop English using it again.

From here it is a relatively straightforward route back to the start. Follow the wide path to the left, southwards, as it rises steadily for 350 feet (106 metres) from here then descends again for some 4 miles (6.4 km) to double gates that lie a short distance apart. Go through the first gate and turn immediately left (eastwards). Go through a high gate in the deer fence and continue for 0.9 of a mile (1.4 km) along the wide track that parallels the route of the old Wade military road to meet the inward part of the route, near where it passes under the main Perth to Inverness railway, and back to the start.
 

WALK FACTS

Distance: 9.3 miles (15 km)
Map: OS Landranger 1:50,000 sheet 43

Start/Parking: The car park to the north side of the House of Bruar Visitor Centre, on the east side of the A9 Perth to Inverness trunk road (Grid Ref. NN 821656)

Ascent: Initially 743 feet (227 metres) then a further 350 feet (106 metres) to a maximum height of 1,550 feet (472 metres)

Grading: This is a relatively straightforward walk, suitable for most abilities through some fairly remote countryside. There are good tracks and paths throughout and one river crossing with no bridge.

Should the river be in spate it will, more than likely, not be possible to negotiate a safe crossing, so turn about and retrace the route back to the start. Sheep graze Glen Bruar therefore dogs will need to be on a lead. Stout footwear is recommended.

The footpath alongside the Falls of Bruar can be uneven and slippy when wet.

Care should be taken with young children, as the banks are hazardous in places.