A walk up Maspie Den

Back at the beginning of August we had a walk up Maspie Den near Falkland. There was lots of lovely dappled sunlight and we managed to avoid all the rain showers that were forecast for the day. We parked in the Falkland estate car park just out side the village, where there were plenty spaces and the route was fairly simple from there. Walking up the road past the stable buildings which now house a cafe keep straight on, ignoring a road to the left keeping on the trees lined road until you come to a bridge with a large stone sign posting Maspie Den to the left, take this path.

The path brings you along side the rear of Falkland House, over a bridge and into a flat area under trees where you will see another bridge crossing the stream. Head for this bridge keeping on the path that goes under the arch of the bridge. 

Under the bridge

The Maspie Den paths were created as a place to entertain and amaze visitors on the Falkland Estate in the 19th Century. Restored today they provide an excellent walk with some fascinating features.

Through the tunnel

The walk up the wooded gorge navigates a series of stone bridges and arches and wooden bridges criss- crossing the river up to the top where you eventually come to the top waterfall which you can walk underneath. The paths are mainly unmade so can be muddy at times so good walking footwear is essential. 

and out the other side

Dont cross this one

Keep straight on heading up the gorge, through another arch and along side a moss covered wall with the river now on your right. The path crosses back over the river and climbs steadily past small waterfalls and past rock faces covered in ferns and mosses. 

Always make sure to look up
at the green canopy

Eventually after crossing back and forward across the river and climbing up the path you come to the top waterfall which cascades over a rocky lip onto the rocks below. The path takes you under the overhanging rock and behind the waterfall before emerging out onto a wider more substantial path which takes you back down to the start.

The top waterfall

Heading back down the wide path which brings
 you out at the tunnel just before the bottom of the gorge

Back through the tunnel

We had planned to have lunch at the cafe at the stables we'd passed on the way in but they don't do lunches on a Monday so we headed back to the car and to Pillars of Hercules on the other side of Falkland. We've been here before years ago and enjoyed another lovely lunch out on the veranda where we shared the table with a cheeky robin and Maisie Mouse dog! We purchased some bits and pieces in the excellent farm shop before heading home.

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