The Hermitage

The Hermitage is a stretch of forest on the River Braan just west of Dunkeld, laid out in the 18th century as a pleasure ground for the Dukes of Atholl and now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Paths run beneath Douglas firs that are among the tallest trees in Britain to Ossian's Hall, a folly of 1757 perched over the Black Linn Falls, where the river crashes into foaming pools below the arched Hermitage Bridge; the hall's mirrors and sliding panels were designed to startle Georgian visitors with the view. A totem pole hides in the woods, red squirrels dart through the treetops, and in autumn salmon leap the falls on their way upstream. Reviewers call it magical and say the waterfall is a 20-minute walk from the car park, with longer loops for those who want quiet. Tips from visitors: the £5 car park is free for members and fills on fine days, the paths are rooty and rocky in places, and take dog bags home.