Killiecrankie, near Pitlochry, Perthshire

Pass of Killiecrankie

Valley

Place photograph

8.1

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Dramatic

Feel

WoodlandRiversideValleyWalkersPhotographersHistory loversWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

8.1

On 27 July 1689, the Battle of Killiecrankie began in this steep-sided gorge. Today, the River Garry runs beneath wooded slopes where visitors can see the place associated with the famous Soldier’s Leap.

The Pass brings together a dramatic wooded gorge, the rushing River Garry and a tangible Jacobite history. Follow the paths to the green footbridge and Soldier’s Leap, then look out for wildlife and the fungi that make the gorge notable.

Dramatic · Atmospheric · Wild

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Killiecrankie, near Pitlochry, Perthshire

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The experience

Start at the visitor centre to get context on the gorge’s geology, wildlife and Jacobite history. Follow the paths to the green footbridge and Soldier’s Leap, pausing for the wooded river views and a closer look at the gorge’s natural details.

Things to do

View the gorge from the green footbridge

Take in the wooded slopes and River Garry from the green footbridge; the National Trust for Scotland highlights the autumn colours here.

Find Soldier’s Leap

Visit the place associated with the Redcoat soldier said to have leapt 18 feet across the River Garry while fleeing the Jacobites.

Look for gorge wildlife

Keep watch for red squirrels, woodpeckers and pine martens among the wooded slopes.

Watch for unusual fungi

The National Trust for Scotland describes the Pass as a hotspot for rare mushrooms and toadstools. Look without picking.

Explore the visitor-centre interpretation

Learn about the gorge’s geology, wildlife and Jacobite history at the visitor centre; check current opening information before visiting.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours; exact walk duration not verified.

Quick Escape: Green bridge and Soldier’s Leap

01
Begin at the visitor centre and, if open, use its displays to learn about the gorge, wildlife and Jacobite history.
02
Follow the paths to the green footbridge for a view along the wooded gorge.
03
Continue to the spot associated with Soldier’s Leap, then return by the paths.

Half day · Half day; exact walking duration not verified.

Make a half day of it: Gorge, history and wildlife

01
Start at the visitor centre to find out about the gorge’s geology, wildlife and the Battle of Killiecrankie.
02
Explore the paths and take in the view from the green footbridge.
03
Visit the spot associated with Soldier’s Leap and look for signs of the gorge’s wildlife and unusual fungi.
04
If it is open, finish with food or a drink at the visitor-centre café.

Verified history

The National Trust for Scotland dates the first shots of the Battle of Killiecrankie to 27 July 1689 and describes it as one of the goriest battles in Scottish history. The gorge is also associated with the story of a Redcoat soldier who escaped the Jacobites by leaping 18 feet across the River Garry. The leap is a site story; the supplied evidence does not independently establish the details of the event.

Folklore & legend

The Soldier’s Leap is a local historical story: a Redcoat soldier is said to have jumped about 18 feet across the River Garry while escaping the Jacobites. The supplied sources associate the story with the place but do not verify it independently.

Hidden details

The leap is measured in feet — The National Trust for Scotland describes the Soldier’s Leap as an 18-foot jump across the River Garry. Use the named spot to connect the landscape to the story, while remembering the account is presented as a site story.

Look closely for fungi — The gorge is identified by the National Trust for Scotland as a hotspot for rare mushrooms and toadstools—an easily missed natural-history dimension to a visit focused on the river and battle story.

When to go

· Not specified in the supplied sources; check local conditions before visiting.

The National Trust for Scotland specifically recommends the green footbridge view in autumn for its spectacular colours. The supplied evidence does not establish exact peak weeks or other seasonal timings.

Check local weather and path conditions before setting out; the supplied sources do not specify weather-related access advice.

Worth pairing with

Killiecrankie Visitor Centre café

A practical end-of-walk pairing if open: the National Trust for Scotland says the independently run café serves hot food, cakes and sandwiches. Check current availability.

Pitlochry

The source row locates the pass near Pitlochry. It may suit a wider day out, but the supplied sources do not establish specific worthwhile stops there.

What to look for

Find the green footbridge viewpoint and the spot associated with Soldier’s Leap. Watch for red squirrels, woodpeckers and pine martens, and keep an eye out for unusual fungi.

The story

Battle of Killiecrankie (1689); Jacobite history

Best time to go

Autumn for the colours around the gorge; wildlife and fungi are also among the site’s highlights.

Autumn is singled out for the spectacular colours viewed from the green footbridge. Check conditions before setting out.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers · Wildlife lovers

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

Pitlochry PH16 5LE

Google rating

4.3 · 12 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A wooded gorge with paths to explore the pass. Check current access, opening and entry information with the National Trust for Scotland before visiting.

Check before visiting

Parking

Check current parking arrangements with the National Trust for Scotland before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

The National Trust for Scotland lists a café at the visitor centre, independently run and offering hot food, cakes and sandwiches. Check current availability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check current dog rules with the National Trust for Scotland before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Check path conditions and accessibility with the National Trust for Scotland before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

River