Go to the Main Scottish Cave and Mine Database Search Page

Acharn Cave

Loch Tay, Perthshire.

Not actually a cave but a man-made folly.

Tradition says that the odd octagonal building and viewing platform above the waterfall at Acharn was built by a hermit, hence its popular name of The Hermitage. This is just a story.

Acharn is 2.5 km (1.5 miles) W of Kenmore To reach the cave walk south along a rough un-surfaced track on true left bank of Acharn Burn. The track levels off after 0.5 km (1/3 mile) and bends towards the river. The Falls of Acharn (worth a visit) are opposite a low man-made mound (this mound used to have a few large pine trees, over 200 years old growing on top but they were cut down in 1986). The mound and 'cave' were constructed by John Campbell, 3rd Earl of Breadalbane probably in the 1760s (but definitely before 1790). The passage has dry stone walls, the roof is arched and keyed, and averages 0.75 m wide, 1.8 m high. It is lit by small openings in roof. The total length is 30 m. The vertical range is 4 m. There are three entrances; North leads into main passage, branching 9 m in. Ahead it curves to the right. After 12 m, climbing steadily opens to daylight 2.5 m higher. The left fork doubles back 8 m dropping slowly before opening onto a wide ledge with the remains of a hermitage.

The purpose of the mound & tunnel was to hide falls from view until the last moment to heighten their effect. Site now partially restored, paths rebuilt & tunnels cleared. Trees planted to replace those felled. Circular tour based on village planned [1990].

Alternate Names: Achran Cave, The Hermitage, Hermit's Cave [1]

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None