Linn of Tanar

Linn of Tanar is a stretch of the River Tanar in Aberdeenshire where the water plunges over a series of rocky steps. The word ‘linn’ in Scots means a waterfall or the pool beneath it, and the site lies where the river cuts through hard granite into softer schist. The falls are not towering single drops but a lively sequence of small cascades and deep pools. They form part of a wider landscape of steep Highland rivers that carry water from the Cairngorms northwards. The climate here is wetter than on the east coast, feeding the constant flow. The falls are recognised among Scotland’s highest waterfalls when measured by the tallest single drop. Visitors often compare them with other Highland falls that claim the title, though the exact ranking depends on how the drop is measured. The site sits in a region where most Scottish waterfalls occur because of the rugged terrain and plentiful rainfall. The granite bedrock resists erosion, creating the steps over which the water tumbles. The softer schist below wears away faster, deepening the plunge pools. A visit follows a path that winds along the riverbank and crosses footbridges to viewpoints above and below the falls. The sound of rushing water fills the air as the river narrows between dark rocks. Visitors can look down into the deep pools where the water swirls before continuing downstream. The surrounding woodland is mostly Scots pine and birch, typical of the eastern Highlands. On quieter days the only movement is the water and the occasional red squirrel in the branches.