Killiecrankie, near Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland
Soldier’s Leap
Battle & memorial
Place photograph
7.0
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.0At the wooded River Garry gorge, a Redcoat soldier is said to have made an 18-foot leap while fleeing Jacobite forces during the 1689 Battle of Killiecrankie.
Soldier’s Leap sits within a dramatic wooded gorge where the River Garry, wildlife and the story of a Jacobite battle come together. It offers more than a historical marker: follow the paths through the Pass, look out from the green footbridge and explore a landscape where the river and steep tree-lined slopes remain the main event.
Atmospheric · Wild
Find your way
Open mapKilliecrankie, near Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland
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The experience
Explore the Pass of Killiecrankie on foot, taking in Soldier’s Leap, the River Garry gorge and the green footbridge. Allow time to notice the woodland and watch for wildlife; a visitor centre café is also described by the National Trust for Scotland.
Things to do
See Soldier’s Leap
Find the spot associated with the Redcoat soldier’s reported 18-foot leap across the River Garry while fleeing Jacobite forces.
Part of a gorge walk
Walk through the wooded gorge
Follow the paths through the Pass of Killiecrankie, where tree-lined slopes rise above the River Garry.
Around 1½ hours according to the supplied guide
Admire the gorge from the green footbridge
Take in the river and wooded slopes from the green footbridge; the National Trust for Scotland particularly recommends it in autumn.
Look for woodland wildlife and fungi
Watch and listen for red squirrels, woodpeckers and pine martens, and keep an eye out for unusual fungi. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Explore the story at the visitor centre
The National Trust for Scotland says visitors can learn about the area’s geology, wildlife and history at the visitor centre.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 1–2 hours
Quick gorge escape
- 01
Start from the Killiecrankie visitor-centre area.
- 02
Follow the paths through the wooded Pass towards Soldier’s Leap.
- 03
Take in the River Garry gorge and the leap viewpoint, then return by the route you came.
Half day · Around half a day
Make a half day of Killiecrankie
- 01
Explore the Pass of Killiecrankie on foot, allowing time for Soldier’s Leap and the gorge views.
- 02
Pause at the green footbridge, noted by the National Trust for Scotland as a particularly good place to admire the river and autumn colour.
- 03
Visit the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre to learn about the area’s geology, wildlife and history, then consider the café if open.
Verified history
The National Trust for Scotland states that the first shots of the Battle of Killiecrankie were fired on 27 July 1689. It describes the battle as one of the bloodiest in Scottish history. Soldier’s Leap is associated with the story of a Redcoat soldier escaping the Jacobites by jumping 18 feet across the River Garry.
Folklore & legend
The leap is presented in the supplied National Trust for Scotland account as the story of a Redcoat soldier’s escape. The provided material does not identify a separate folklore tradition; the leap account should be understood as the site’s historical story, not embellished beyond the sourced account.
Hidden details
A gorge with more than one kind of wildlife — The National Trust for Scotland names red squirrels, woodpeckers and pine martens among the area’s wildlife, and notes unusual fungi in the Pass.
The green footbridge in autumn — The footbridge is specifically highlighted as a place to admire the view, particularly when autumn colours are at their best.
When to go
September · October · November · Earlier in the day may offer a quieter walk; the supplied sources do not verify specific quiet periods.
The National Trust for Scotland particularly recommends the green footbridge view in autumn, when the gorge’s tree colours are spectacular. Wildlife and fungi are also highlighted, but no specific seasonal sighting window is confirmed in the supplied sources.
Check the forecast and current path conditions before walking. The route is reported to include steep or uneven steps; take care on gorge paths and near the river.
Worth pairing with
Killiecrankie Visitor Centre café
A useful stop alongside a gorge visit: the National Trust for Scotland describes an independently run café serving hot food, cakes and sandwiches. Check current opening details.
What to look for
Look for the point associated with the Redcoat soldier’s leap, the river far below, the green footbridge and wildlife such as red squirrels, woodpeckers and pine martens. The National Trust for Scotland also recommends looking for unusual fungi.
The story
War & battle
Best time to go
Autumn, when the National Trust for Scotland highlights the gorge’s spectacular colours; wildlife and the river landscape make other seasons rewarding too.
Autumn is particularly rewarding for the gorge’s tree colours. For a quieter visit, consider going earlier in the day, but check current visitor-centre and access information first.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A named landmark in the Pass of Killiecrankie, reached by paths through the wooded gorge. The route includes steep or uneven steps according to visitor reports; check current access conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
A wheelchair-accessible car park is listed in the source row. Check current parking arrangements and route access before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The National Trust for Scotland describes a café at Killiecrankie Visitor Centre serving hot food, cakes and sandwiches. Check current opening details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row lists a wheelchair-accessible car park. This does not confirm that the gorge paths or Soldier’s Leap viewpoint are wheelchair accessible; reports describe steep or uneven steps. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Water
River Garry
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Soldier’s Leap
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
