Killiecrankie, near Pitlochry, Perthshire
The Pass of Killiecrankie National Trust Visitor Centre
Waterside landscape
Place photograph
7.5
Wildland
2–3 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.5A visitor centre above a wooded gorge where the River Garry cuts through the Pass of Killiecrankie—and where the Battle of Killiecrankie began on 27 July 1689.
This is more than a visitor centre: it is a practical starting point for exploring a dramatic wooded gorge whose natural history and Jacobite past meet at Soldier’s Leap. The river, steep tree-lined slopes and green footbridge give the visit a strong sense of place.
Dramatic · Atmospheric · Wild
Find your way
Open mapKilliecrankie, near Pitlochry, Perthshire
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Use the visitor centre to orient yourself, then follow the paths into the Pass and visit Soldier’s Leap. Allow around 2–3 hours according to the supplied visitor information; do not assume river access or swimming permission.
Things to do
Walk into the Pass towards Soldier’s Leap
Follow the paths from the visitor-centre area into the wooded gorge and visit the spot associated with the Redcoat soldier’s leap across the River Garry. Confirm current route conditions and access before setting out.
About 2–3 hours for the visit, as reported by Tripadvisor; walking time alone is not specified.
View the gorge from the green footbridge
Take in the wooded slopes and river from the green footbridge; the National Trust for Scotland particularly recommends the view in autumn.
Look for woodland wildlife and fungi
Watch and listen for red squirrels and woodpeckers, and look carefully for fungi. The National Trust for Scotland also identifies pine martens and unusual fungi among the area’s wildlife interest; sightings are not guaranteed.
Explore the visitor-centre interpretation
Use the visitor centre’s information about the site’s geology, wildlife and history to add context to a walk through the Pass.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 2–3 hours
Quick escape: gorge and Soldier’s Leap
- 01
Start at the visitor centre and use its information to orient yourself to the gorge and site history.
- 02
Follow the paths into the Pass towards Soldier’s Leap.
- 03
Pause at the leap and take in the wooded River Garry gorge.
- 04
Return to the visitor centre; check current path conditions and access before setting out.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: gorge, wildlife and a café stop
- 01
Begin at the visitor centre and find out about the gorge’s geology, wildlife and history.
- 02
Explore the Pass on its paths, including Soldier’s Leap and the green footbridge.
- 03
Look for woodland wildlife and unusual fungi without disturbing habitats.
- 04
Finish with food or a drink at the visitor-centre café if it is open; verify current service beforehand.
Verified history
The National Trust for Scotland records that the first shots in the Battle of Killiecrankie were fired on 27 July 1689 and describes it as one of the goriest battles in Scottish history. The site’s story also includes Soldier’s Leap: the Trust identifies the place where a Redcoat soldier reportedly leapt 18ft across the River Garry while fleeing the Jacobites. The supplied sources do not establish further detail about the soldier’s identity or independently verify the leap.
Folklore & legend
The supplied sources describe Soldier’s Leap as a historical event, not as folklore. No separate local legend is supported by the supplied evidence.
Hidden details
A leap measured in the site’s story — At Soldier’s Leap, the National Trust for Scotland gives the distance as 18ft. The spot connects the gorge’s physical landscape with its Jacobite history.
Look beyond the headline wildlife — The site is noted for unusual fungi as well as red squirrels, woodpeckers and pine martens. Wildlife encounters are possible, not guaranteed.
When to go
· Not specified in the supplied sources; check current conditions and visitor-centre details before travelling.
The National Trust for Scotland specifically highlights autumn colour from the green footbridge. The supplied evidence does not establish peak dates or other seasonal timings.
Check local weather and path conditions before visiting. The supplied sources do not provide specific weather guidance.
Worth pairing with
Killiecrankie village
A nearby settlement listed by Highland Discovery; consider pairing only if it suits your route and plans.
Faskally Wood
Highland Discovery lists Faskally Wood among nearby places. Check its current access and whether it fits the day you want.
Blair Castle
Listed by Highland Discovery as a nearby visitor attraction; verify opening and admission details before planning a combined visit.
What to look for
- 01
From the green footbridge, take in the wooded gorge and River Garry. At Soldier’s Leap, look for the spot associated with the Redcoat soldier’s reported escape across the river
- 02
the National Trust for Scotland gives the leap as 18ft. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, woodpeckers, pine martens and unusual fungi.
The story
Battle of Killiecrankie and Jacobite history
Best time to go
Autumn for the gorge’s tree colours; other seasonal highlights and current conditions should be checked before travelling.
Autumn is highlighted by the National Trust for Scotland for colour from the green footbridge. Check current site and visitor-centre details before travelling.
How long to spend
2–3 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Wildlife lovers · Families
Before you go
Address
Phone
Listed hours
- Monday: 9:15am-4:30pm
- Tuesday: 9:15am-4:30pm
- Wednesday: 9:15am-4:30pm
- Thursday: 9:15am-4:30pm
- Friday: 9:15am-4:30pm
- Saturday: 9:15am-4:30pm
- Sunday: 9:15am-4:30pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Visitor centre above the wooded River Garry gorge, with paths into the Pass and towards Soldier’s Leap. Check current opening and access details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
The visitor centre’s operator describes ample parking; check current arrangements and charges before visiting.
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Toilets
The visitor centre operator reports public toilets. Check current availability before travelling.
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Food & drink
The independently run café advertises hot food, cakes and sandwiches. Check current service and opening details before visiting.
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Dogs
The visitor centre operator says dogs are welcome. Check current rules for the wider site and paths.
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Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and toilet. Path accessibility is not established; check with the site before setting out.
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Cost
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Check before visiting
Water
River Garry
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around The Pass of Killiecrankie National Trust Visitor Centre
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Place photograph8.3Loch Callater
Glen Callater, near Braemar, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
34.1 km away
Place photograph8.4Loch an Eilein
Rothiemurchus Forest, near Aviemore, Scottish Highlands
45.0 km away
