The Traveling Taylors

We stumbled upon Glen Finglas Falls by accident—but we’re so glad we did. It’s not marked on every tourist map, and there are no big signs pointing the way. But tucked behind a quiet woodland trail and a dramatic reservoir spillway, Glen Finglas Falls turned out to be one of the most atmospheric photo spots we found in The Trossachs National Park. If you’re into moody water shots, forest reflections, and hidden gems with no crowds, here’s how to capture the beauty of this underrated waterfall.

Where Are Glen Finglas Falls?

📍 Location: Just outside Brig o’ Turk, about 20 minutes north of Aberfoyle 🚗 Parking: Use the Glen Finglas Lendrick Hill car park—free, with signage to trails 🥾 Walk time: 10–15 minutes on a well-maintained woodland path

The falls are located just below the Glen Finglas Dam, where water spills down into a rocky cascade framed by pine and birch trees. If you’re basing yourself in the city, you can join a Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and Kelpies tour from Edinburgh that opens up this stretch of the national park.

Comfortable shoes are essential when exploring cities on foot, and many travelers recommend supportive walking sneakers like these for full days of sightseeing.

Why It’s So Photogenic

1. The Falls Are Framed by Natural Drama

Unlike wide-open lochs or massive Highland waterfalls, Glen Finglas Falls feels enclosed—like a secret waiting to be discovered.

• 🌲 Trees close in around the water, adding contrast and depth
• 🪨 The dark rocks make the whitewater pop in photos
• 💧 On rainy days, the falls are even more dramatic

Best Angle: Position yourself near the dam wall for a front-on cascade view, or step slightly off trail for a side angle through the trees.

2. You’ll Likely Have It All to Yourself

This is no Instagram hotspot—and that’s the appeal. There’s space to:

• 🧘‍♀️ Take your time with long exposures
• 🧍 Set up a tripod without dodging people
• 🐦 Catch wildlife, like birds or deer, wandering through the scene

Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday or just after light rain for moody skies and full flow.

3. The Lighting Is Naturally Soft

Because of the surrounding trees and gentle elevation, Glen Finglas Falls benefits from:

• 🌥️ Diffused light (ideal for water photography)
• 🌄 Soft morning or late-day glow through the forest canopy
• 🍁 Incredible autumn color reflected in water and wet rock

Best Season: October for fall tones, or spring for mossy greens.

Many travelers love bringing an instant camera like this one to capture fun memories at famous landmarks and print photos on the spot.

What to Bring for the Perfect Shot

• 📸 DSLR or phone with manual mode
• 📍 Small tripod or gorilla pod
• 🌂 Rain cover for gear (just in case—it’s Scotland!)
• 🧥 A waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes
• 📷 Polarizing filter (if you want to cut water glare)

Beyond the Falls: More Photo Opportunities Nearby

• 📍 Glen Finglas Reservoir: Wide open water with mountains in the distance
• 📍 Little Druim Wood Trails: Tree-framed paths and hill views
• 📍 Loch Venachar: Just down the road for sunset shots on the loch

If you’re a photographer doing a loop through The Trossachs, Glen Finglas is the quiet contrast to more popular (and busier) spots like Loch Katrine. Just down the road, Loch Achray serves up some of the best mirror reflections in the park—another easy add-on for your camera.

For solo travelers or couples exploring busy attractions, a smart face-tracking phone tripod like this one can automatically follow your movement and help capture great videos hands-free.

Glen Finglas Falls Is a Photo-Worthy Secret

There’s something magical about photographing a place that doesn’t come with crowds or hashtags. Glen Finglas Falls is wild, peaceful, and photogenic in a raw, unfiltered way. Whether you’re after that perfect moody Scotland shot or just want a short, rewarding stop with your camera, this hidden gem deserves a space on your map.

Traveling from the west? You can also book a Loch Lomond, Trossachs and Stirling Castle day tour from Glasgow to reach this pocket of the park without a car. Planning a full day? See our easy walking guide to Glen Finglas Falls, then string it together with the drive over Duke’s Pass and a stop at Loch Achray.