The Hermitage At Dunkeld

Perthshire is home to some of Scotland’s most beautiful sights, with plenty of rolling hills and enchanting forests across the vast countryside. One of the stunning locations not to be missed on a trip to Perth is The Hermitage At Dunkeld. It is a stretch of Perthshire forest that is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.

Perfect for a woodland walk, Giant Douglas firs tower above as you follow the pathways to the impressive Black Linn waterfall. This is where the River Braan crashes down to the deep pools below, making a must-see attraction in the area. The Hermitage At Dunkeld has a rich history to be discovered, including Ossian’s Hall, an 18th-century folly overlooking the waterfall.

The History Of The Hermitage At Dunkeld
This magical forest area was once an 18th-century pleasure ground for John Murray the third Duke of Atholl and when you visit you will be following in the footsteps of many past notable visitors. Big names such as Wordsworth, Queen Victoria, Turner and Mendelssohn have all once wandered this magnificent area. Ossian Hall, Hermitage Bridge and Ossian’s Cave were all features added by the Duke of Atholl as part of a scheme to heighten the thrill of visitors and create mystical history in the forest.

Ossian’s Hall
Ossian’s Hall was constructed between 1757 and 1758 and was designed to be a viewing platform for the dramatic waterfall of the River Braan. Visitors today can still marvel in the wonder of Ossian’s Hall and enjoy the balcony overlooking the falls. A large circular room is filled with mirrors to bounce the sunlight around the area and creates a beautiful experience. Ossian’s Hall was once described as ‘one of the most elaborate furnished decorative garden buildings in Scotland’, making it a sight not to be missed on a visit to Perth.

Visitors can enjoy The Hermitage At Dunkeld all year round, and local wildlife can be spotted around the woodland and along the River Braan. The trail itself is around 1.5 miles, and for a longer walk, visitors can link into the Dunkeld Path Network. For a pitstop and a bite to eat, there is a takeaway café in the car park, selling local food and drinks.