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Big Burn Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Very easy Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
1h15 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
3km
Elevation gain
90m
Type of route
Loop
Maximum altitude
140 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
No
Marked
Yes
Popularity
Moderate
Region
Sutherland
Start point
57.97905, -3.96262
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Big Burn hike is a pleasant walk through the forest alongside the Golspie River through a picturesque gorge. The trail leads to an impressive waterfall at the bottom of the gorge, where a viewing platform has been built so you can admire the spectacle. This short, accessible hike is the perfect way to experience a corner of the Scottish wilderness.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Big Burn Hike

Difficulties of the hike

The trail is easy and ideal for families with young children. The paths are well-maintained and clearly marked, so take advantage of this, as it's not often the case in Scotland!

What you'll love

  • Big Burn Gorge: An enchanting forest environment with numerous picturesque bridges crossing the Golspie Burn, offering varied and photogenic views
  • The final waterfall, which is accessible via a viewing platform.
Forest trail
Forest trail
Wooden bridge over Golspie Burn
Wooden bridge over Golspie Burn
Golspie Burn
Golspie Burn
An old oak tree
An old oak tree
Big Burn waterfalls
Big Burn waterfalls
Big Burn waterfalls
Big Burn waterfalls
Big Burn waterfalls
Big Burn waterfalls
An enchanting Loch
An enchanting Loch
Big burn
Big burn
Big burn
Big burn

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/scotland/big-burn/