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.

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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.

💍 You can find more about my Scottish wedding photography here

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

Let’s plan your own Scottish woodland story — natural, beautiful, and completely unforgettable