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5 Reasons The Hermitage Perthshire Is Perfect for a Woodland Photoshoot in Scotland
Discover The Hermitage Perthshire — a magical woodland near Edinburgh with waterfalls, history and fairytale light. Perfect for photoshoots, couples and weddings.
If you’ve been searching for the best places for photos in Perthshire — or wondering what makes The Hermitage so special — let me share why this woodland gem near Dunkeld should be at the top of your list.
Just over an hour from Edinburgh, The Hermitage feels like something out of a Scottish fairytale. Towering Douglas firs mixed with native deciduous species, rushing waterfalls, and golden autumn light make it one of my favourite locations to include in my Scotland photoshoots. It’s peaceful, easy to reach, and every inch of it feels magical through the camera lens.
Find Out More About Adventure Family Photoshoots
1. It’s Easy to Reach from Edinburgh — But Feels a World Away
The Hermitage sits just outside Dunkeld in Perthshire, about 1 hour 15 minutes north of Edinburgh. It’s part of the National Trust for Scotland and has a well-maintained woodland path that loops to the famous Black Linn Falls — a short, scenic walk suitable for most ages.
🚗 Parking: There’s a National Trust car park right at the entrance (£5 for the day), and from there, it’s only a few minutes to reach the first viewpoint.
What I love most is how accessible it is — you can be among ancient trees and the sound of rushing water without trekking for miles. It’s the perfect spot if you want the feel of a wild Scottish adventure but with comfort and convenience.
2. The Waterfalls and Foliage Are Magic for Photos
Whether it’s misty winter air or golden autumn sunlight filtering through the trees, The Hermitage is a photographer’s dream. The combination of soft light, vivid greens, and dramatic textures makes portraits feel cinematic and timeless.
The star of the show is Black Linn Falls, viewed from Ossian’s Hall, a stunning 18th-century folly built as part of the Duke of Atholl’s landscaped garden.
💡 Photographer’s Tip:
The filtered light under the tall trees is flattering all day long, so you’re not chasing golden hour. But autumn is extra special — the colours pop, the air feels crisp, and the leaves glow gold and amber.
3. Ossian’s Hall Adds History, Drama and Character
Ossian’s Hall is what makes The Hermitage truly unique. Built in the 1700s, this ornate viewing platform was designed to surprise guests (including Queen Victoria) visiting Dunkeld House.
With its dramatic view of the waterfall and hidden mirrors inside, it’s full of old-world charm and atmosphere.
From a photography point of view, it adds that perfect balance between natural beauty and historic detail. I love how it sits high above the landscape, contrasting dark stone and mossy walls against the roaring waterfall and the soft tones of the forest — it’s the perfect spot for a portrait, whether you’re wearing cosy knits or a flowing gown.
4. It’s Perfect for Couples, Families and Elopements
The Hermitage works beautifully for every kind of shoot. For couples, it’s romantic and peaceful — ideal for engagement sessions or small elopement portraits after a ceremony nearby.
On a personal note, my husband had plans to propose here but they were scuppered — I really wish he had succeeded, as it is so stunningly romantic!
For families, it’s relaxed and easy — there’s space for children to explore, leaves to throw, and no pressure to pose. It’s also a fun walk with a dog (although a lead is a must near the waterfall!).
The Hermitage is even available for small weddings through the National Trust for Scotland. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by ancient trees, with the sound of the waterfall in the background — a true Scottish woodland fairytale.
5. There’s So Much Beauty Nearby — From Pitlochry to Aberfeldy
If you want to make a day or weekend of it, The Hermitage is surrounded by other beautiful locations within half an hour’s drive — so ask about an extended shoot and we can explore some of these too:
🌲 Faskally Woods (Pitlochry): Famous for its autumn Enchanted Forest light display — vibrant and colourful.
🌊 Loch Faskally: Calmer water and reflections, ideal for couple or family portraits.
💦 The Birks of Aberfeldy: A scenic waterfall walk immortalised by poet Robert Burns.
🏞️ Loch Leven or Falkland Estate: Closer to Edinburgh but still full of charm — great if you love woodlands and open hills.
I visited The Hermitage recently to capture the autumn colours, and it reminded me why I love photographing Perthshire’s Big Tree Country. The air feels crisp, the sound of water is everywhere, and the trees seem to glow.
What Is The Hermitage in Perthshire?
The Hermitage is actually a designed landscape, created in the 18th century as an extension of the Duke of Atholl’s estate — essentially, an enormous landscaped garden for Dunkeld House (what a garden to have!).
It was designed around the River Braan, where the water tumbles through the gorge surrounded by mixed woodland. The magnificent Douglas firs are the real stars here, grown from seeds brought over by botanist David Douglas — some of the tallest trees in Scotland. The tallest once stood at 61 metres before it fell in 2017.
You’ll find a bench shaped like a Douglas fir cone near the bridge where it fell — you’re meant to lie back and admire the mosaic of foliage above. It’s a lovely little detail that captures the Hermitage’s charm: a place designed to make you stop, breathe, and just enjoy nature.
The stone bridge and Ossian’s Hall were built to make the most of the dramatic falls, and further along the walk you’ll find Ossian’s Cave, which was once thought to be the perfect home for a hermit.
Planning Your Visit to The Hermitage
📍 Location: Near Dunkeld, Perthshire (A9 north from Edinburgh)
🚗 Parking: £5 per day, National Trust for Scotland car park
🚶♀️ Walk: About 1 mile round trip to Ossian’s Hall and Black Linn Falls — short, scenic, and mostly flat
☕ Nearby Stops: Dunkeld village has lovely cafés and bakeries for a treat after your shoot
🍁 Best Season: Autumn is unbeatable for colour, but spring and winter have their own magic too.
· 🌅 Best Time: Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) gives soft light through the trees.
· 🧣 What to Wear: Layers, boots, and cosy knits — neutral or earthy tones look beautiful against the greens and golds.
· ☔ Weather Tip: Light rain adds sparkle and atmosphere — bring a brolly and wellies just in case!
Plan Your Magical Scottish Woodland Photoshoot Adventure
If you love the idea of a relaxed woodland adventure filled with waterfalls, golden leaves, and laughter, I’d love to photograph it for you.
The Hermitage is one of those places that never fails to deliver something magical — and it’s even better when shared.
📸 Discover my Scotland Photoshoots here
💍 Planning a small wedding or elopement? Learn more here
The Best Photoshoot Locations in Fife
Guide to the Best Photoshoot Locations Fife. Explore Fife's beautiful beaches and coastal villages with me
Planning a family shoot, a couple’s session, or a fun day out captured on camera? Fife is full of gems — from fishing villages and castle ruins to woodlands and sandy beaches. As a local photographer, I know all the best spots (and when they look their best!) so you can just relax, explore and get gorgeous photos you’ll love.
✨ Planning a shoot in Fife? Get in touch and I’ll help you choose the perfect location and time of day for your photos — whether that’s a cosy village stroll or a wild beach adventure.
Quick Picks for Photoshoots in Fife
Best for Colour & Cobbles: Culross or Pittenweem
Best for Sunset: St. Andrews, Pittenweem or North Queensferry
Best for Big Family Groups: Pittencrieff Park
Best for Woodlands: Torryburn Woods
Best for Epic Views: North Queensferry
Best for Wild Vibes: Tentsmuir
Best for Highland Vibes: Loch Leven
Culross – A Village Frozen in Time
Culross is one of the most photogenic spots in Fife – perfect if you want cosy cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and an Outlander vibe for your shoot.
Culross is a postcard-perfect 17th-century burgh with cobbled lanes, an old pier, white-harled cottages and the orange-washed Culross Palace. It feels like stepping onto a film set — probably because you are! Culross is a favourite Outlander filming location but has it’s own true tales to tell, such as the Princess who was thrown off a cliff into the sea and found refuge in Culross. The warm coloured buildings add a brilliant cosy warmth, especially for an autumn photoshoot. There’s a fantastic playpark and lots of places for a treat after your shoot.
🚗 Parking: Main public car park at the west end of the village (flat wander into the centre). It can be busy on sunny weekends—allow a few extra minutes. Some streets are steep and cobbled.
💡 Best For: I particularly love this spot for smaller groups. It’s a great place to meet if you are coming from the west coast for your shoot.
Torryburn Woods – Magical Woodland Walks
If you love a rustic, enchanted vibe with fun trees to climb, Torryburn Woods is perfect. With its winding paths, structured yew trees and woodland flowers, it’s a great spot for a natural, relaxed photoshoot. Kids love to explore here, dogs can come too and we can finish at the playpark!
🚗 Getting there: Easy parking near the playpark. The trails are flat-ish, but good shoes are a must if it’s been wet.
💡 Best For: Woodland walks, climbing trees and perhaps the odd rope swing.
Pittencrieff Park (Dunfermline’s “The Glen”)
Pittencrieff Park is possibly the best family photoshoot locations in Fife due to it’s variety of spaces! We can search for squirrels in the magical fairy glen, explore streams, little bridges, a 17th-century house, open green spaces, and perhaps find peacocks wandering about. The shoot can finish with a playpark and possibly an ice cream.
🚗 Parking: Several car parks around the park, plus it’s walking distance from Dunfermline town centre.
💡 Best For: Larger groups, dogs, and shoots where you’d like a good variety of backdrops.
North Queensferry – Bridges and Coastal Views
North Queensferry is a tiny coastal village with phenomenal views of the three Forth Bridges. There’s so much to see — Scotland’s smallest working lighthouse, a pretty pier, rocky and sandy beaches, woodlands, and a fantastic playpark. It’s a great location to get a variety of backdrops from epic bridge views to a beautiful sandy beach or rambling woodland.
🚗 Getting there: Free parking in the lower village, 20 minutes by train from Edinburgh (across the Forth Rail Bridge, steep hill to/from the station) or bus (get off on the Forth Road Bridge).
💡 Best For: Epic views of the bridges and evening photoshoots with a golden glow.
Aberdour – Beaches and Castle Ruins
Aberdour has two beautiful beaches (Silver Sands and Black Sands), a charming castle, ruined pier, and lovely village streets. It’s a brilliant seaside shoot location and has cute cafés and a playpark for afterwards.
🚗 Getting There: Car parks at both beaches or in the town. 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh.
💡 Best For: Black Sands beach is my favourite, with rocks to climb and the old pier for a quirky backdrop.
Elie – Beaches and Clifftops
Elie has multiple beaches to explore. Elie beach is long, sandy and perfect for barefoot walks, while Ruby Bay has a wilder, rocky feel. A short walk from Ruby Bay we can explore Lady’s Tower, an iconic clifftop viewpoint or pop along to St Monans, Pittenweem or Anstruther for some variety.
🚗 Getting There: Elie can be busy, but you can usually find parking on the street or at Ruby Bay car park.
💡 Best For: Fun, carefree sessions — bring shoes you can slip off so we can dip our toes in the sea!
St. Monans
St. Monans is many photographers’ favourite spot for dramatic coastal shots. There is a 14th-century church sitting right on the edge of the sea, a pier zig-zagging towards the horizon, a windmill, and a tidal swimming pool.
🚗 Parking: Small car park near the church.
💡 Best For: A mix of moody coastlines and fun, playful shots in the tidal pool.
Pittenweem and Anstruther – Colourful Coastal Houses
Pittenweem is brilliant for sea views and colourful harbour front houses. I love walking around the harbour, exploring the little lighthouse and the views from the pier. Just along the coast, Anstruther is also great to explore but for photoshoots, I’d choose Pittenweem as Anstruther is busier and doesn’t have quite as nice spaces for your photoshoot.
🚗 Parking: Street parking in the upper village or in the West Braes car park which is a short walk down the hill into the village.
💡 Best For: A mix of moody coastlines and fun, playful shots in the tidal pool.
Crail – Cobbled Streets and Harbour Charm
Crail is my favourite of the East Neuk towns, with its historic harbour, winding cobbled streets and sandy beach. The views out to the Isle of May are stunning too, and you can even find fossils on the beach. Crail is an Instagram favourite and it’s easy to see why!
🚗 Parking: Limited near the harbour but usually available.
💡 Best For: Morning shoots or overcast days (the harbour is very exposed on windy days).
St Andrews – Iconic University Town
St. Andrews is a dream for a photoshoot; think ancient ruins, famous sweeping beaches, cobbled streets and sand dunes. The cathedral ruins are full of character and West Sands Beach at sunset is unbeatable.
🚗 Parking: Several car parks, but weekends can be busy.
💡 Best For: Longer shoots with time to explore. Great for combining beach, architecture, and streets in one session.
Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve – Dunes, Pines and Big Skies
Tentsmuir is a nature lovers dream photoshoot location with an endless beach, rolling dunes and atmospheric pine forest. It’s the perfect shoot location if you’d like to bring your dog, bucket and spade or a picnic.
🚗 Parking: Signposted car parks near Kinshaldy Beach (pay and display). Flat but sandy access—wear practical shoes.
💡 Best For: Big family shoots, space to roam and cinematic couple portraits.
Falkland – Royal Village Charm
Falkland feels like stepping back in time (it doubled as Inverness in Outlander). Think cobbled streets, the Royal Palace, village square, and nearby woodland trails with waterfalls.
🚗 Parking: The village can get busy but there’s a car park and street parking.
💡 Best For: History lovers and anyone who loves an Outlander vibe.
Kinghorn – Pretty Beaches and Cute Harbour
Kinghorn is Fife’s whale and dolphin spotting capital. It has beautiful beaches, epic views and a cute harbour area.
🚗 Parking: The train station is a short walk from the harbour or there is plenty car parking in the village.
💡 Best For: Beautiful beaches near Kirkcaldy and accessible by train.
Loch Leven – Beaches, Woodlands and Hill Views
Loch Leven is the perfect photoshoot location if you’d like the Highland Vibes without the travel. Not technically in Fife, the expansive Loch is nestled between hills and is easily accessible. Think little beaches with woodlands and hills in the background.
🚗 Parking: Findatie and Burleigh Sands car parks.
💡 Best For: Highland vibes
💡 Mini FAQ: Photoshoots in Fife
Where is the best place for a photoshoot in Fife?
It depends on your vibe! For colour and charm, head to Culross. For epic views, try North Queensferry or St Andrews. For wild, windswept photos, Tentsmuir is perfect.
Can we bring our dog?
Absolutely! Most of these spots are dog-friendly (and kids love having the dog along for the adventure).
When is the best time for a shoot?
Golden hour (early morning or evening) gives the dreamiest light. Sunset in North Queensferry or St. Andrews West Sands Beach is hard to beat!
Why Choose Fife for Your Photoshoot?
Fife has so much variety — castles, beaches, quaint fishing villages, woodlands and sweeping coastal paths — all within an hour of Edinburgh. Whatever vibe you want, we can find the perfect spot and make a day of it.
💡 Tips for Your Fife Photoshoot
Golden Hour: Aim for early morning or evening for the best light.
What to Wear: Layers and comfy shoes. Bright coats or scarves pop beautifully against Fife’s coastal tones.
Snacks & Breaks: Many of these spots have cafés nearby for a post-shoot treat.
Let’s Plan Your Fife Photoshoot!
Whether you’re dreaming of a playful family adventure, a romantic engagement session, or even a relaxed wedding celebration, Fife has the perfect backdrop. With so much variety — castles, beaches, fishing villages, and sweeping coastal paths — we can create a shoot that feels completely “you.”
If you’re exploring more of Scotland, don’t miss my Royal Mile Photography Guide or my Best Photo Spots in Edinburgh for even more inspiration.
📅 My diary fills up quickly — especially for spring and summer dates — so now’s the perfect time to get booked in. Get in touch here, tell me what kind of shoot you’re imagining, and let’s save your spot!
Want to Know M
ore?
If you want to know more about my family shoots, check out my handy family shoot guide, for more information about other portrait shoots, click here
Outdoor Maternity Photo Shoot Near Edinburgh
Outdoor maternity photo shoots to perfectly reflect who you are. Magda booked a flamenco themed woodland maternity photo shoot. It was completely personal & completely
Mum To Be Gift
For those that love adventure, an outdoor maternity photo shoot is a great way to celebrate your pregnancy and immortalise it for the future in a way which reflects an adventurous personality.
It’s the perfect mum-to-be gift to give yourself or the person you love!
Like all my photography, I want it to truly reflect who you are and for you to feel happy, comfortable and have a lovely experience which you will remember when you look back at your photos.
Due soon? Get in touch to check availability—I only take on a few maternity shoots each month.
Shoot Consultation
For Magda, we did a flamenco themed woodland shoot as she is a flamenco dancer and when we discussed ideas we came up with the concept of a woodland shoot and that she would wear her mantón (Spanish shawl).
Relaxed & Enjoyable
We chose a very quiet woodland in Dunfermline, near Edinburgh, for their shoot.
We had the woodland to ourselves which was great as it is important to feel truly comfortable in front of the camera.
Personalised
Javier is brilliant musician so we reflected this part of their lives in both their maternity and newborn shoots with Javier playing his guitar.
Their daughter is going to grow up with music all around her so when we discussed the concept it was really important that we included this in their shoot.
At Home Baby Shoots
Magda opted for a double shoot package so I returned to capture newborn photos at their home in Edinburgh.
A shoot was really important for Magda & Javier as their families all live overseas so they wanted to make sure they could share their daughters arrival by sending beautiful photos for them to treasure.
Bump to Baby Photo Shoots
We did these shoots a few years ago and we are now preparing for a second bump to baby shoot with their new bump.
I can’t wait to catch up with them again and capture more of their family story.
Do you have somewhere special in mind where you would love to do an outdoor maternity shoot?
If you’re unsure, I can recommend locations. I travel for outdoor maternity photo shoot to locations around Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife, Perth or Stirling, please get in touch today to start planning some amazingly special memories that you’ll all be able to treasure forever.
Family Photo Shoot Elie
This family photo shoot in Elie was taken at dusk. We explored the ‘Lady Janet Anstruther’s Tower’. The shoot is full of adventure and I love the lovely dusk atmosphere.
Elie
Elie is one of the many beautiful towns which make up the stunning East Neuk of Fife.
Elie has lots of lovely walks including the Elie chain walk to the west and this walk to the east.
It’s also worth a visit on a nice day as the beach is gloriously big and sandy and there are some lovely pubs too.
Dusk Light
Scott and Jaimie moved from Canada to Kirkcaldy when Scott got a contract with the Fife Flyers Ice Hockey team.
This was the second family photo shoot I’d done with them and for both shoots they wanted a photo shoot to capture the beautiful Scottish landscape.
It was the first time I’ve done a family shoot at dusk but it was really nice to capture the photos as the night started to draw in and they cosied in together.
Max
This was my second shoot with Max and we enjoyed messing around and he thought it was great fun playing silly games with me.
Jaimie’s Words
It turns out Max just thought I was his friend which was a lovely thing to hear :-)
“We can’t say enough good things about Ali. Not only is she an amazing photographer, but she is also a wonderful person who makes you feel at ease while having your photos taken. She takes the experience of having your photos taken and turns it into an adventure. Our children loved her, our three year old actually asked why she wasn’t in the photos with us We absolutely love our photos and will always cherish them.” - Jaimie Aarssen
The Tower
The path we took was from the east side of Elie.
We walked along the path to explore the little tower called ‘Lady Janet Anstruther's Tower’.
The tower was bulit in the 1770’s as a changing room for Lady Anstruther.
She would use the tower for for her sea swims. It’s basically an ancient beach hut!
Kid Fun & Cuddles
As we explored the tower Jaimie and Scott hugged and played with Gracie and Max.
The tower also made a great for pirate ship lookout.
As the night drew in, Gracie cuddled into her mum and Max carried on exploring the lighthouse and rockpools.
This was a beautiful shoot and one I hope they will treasure as the kids grow up.
If you like this family photo shoot in Elie and you’re interested in your own shoot you can book one in or buy a gift voucher. All the information is over on my family page.
Newborn Photo Shoot with Sunshine Yoga
A gorgeous newborn photo shoot at home with Stephanie, Matt and Granny
When a new baby arrives your life is suddenly turned upside down and you are bound to your babies every need. It’s a beautiful time to get a shoot so it can be documented and remembered, as moment by moment your baby changes.
When I arrived for Jasmina’s shoot, she was needing a little clean, so I captured her having a little bath. Matt delicately washed Jasmina as she kicked so happily in the water.
I spent an hour or so with Stephanie, Matt, Jasmina and her grannies and observed all their little interactions and activities.
At home shoots are great. You don’t have the stress of getting everything ready and getting out the door and you capture your baby’s first home, their nursery and their first toys. When you look back in years to come, you’ll see their favourite toy all fluffy and new before the years of love wear it down to a fabulously floppy, loved looking rag.
Stephanie is from the Netherlands so I was offered a lovely beschuit. Giving a beschuit is a tradition in the Netherlands to celebrate the birth of a child. They are sprinkled with pink and white muisjes when a girl is born, and with blue and white muisjes when a boy is born. Muisjes are seeds from the anise plant which are covered in a sugary coating.
“The pictures are absolutely beautiful and we feel so blessed that her 7 day birthday got captured in such a wonderful way.”
