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Dunkeld · Nature
The Hermitage
The Hermitage near Dunkeld is a woodland walk through towering Douglas firs to Ossian’s Hall and Black Linn Falls. It makes a rewarding stop for families who enjoy walking, with a wider track to the waterfall viewpoint and rougher paths for a longer wander.
- Best for
- Children who enjoy woodland walks
- Cost
- Free entry; £5 parking for non-members
- Weather
- Outdoors; slippery in wet or icy weather
- Time to allow
- About 1–2½ hours, depending on route
Our family take
The trees and roaring waterfall give children a reason to keep walking. Make Ossian’s Hall your turning point if little legs have had enough, or carry on to the cave and a longer circuit. With toddlers, choose a carrier or a buggy that can handle woodland tracks, and keep children close beside the river.
- River safety. The River Braan has a fast current and slippery rocks. Keep to the footpaths and supervise children closely.
- Toilets first. Plan a toilet stop in Dunkeld before the walk. Do not rely on toilets, baby changing or a café at the Hermitage.
The practical details
Plan your visit
- Cost
- The woodland is free to visit. Pay-and-display parking is £5 per vehicle, or free for National Trust for Scotland members.
- Start point
- Start at the lower Hermitage car park (PH8 0JR), just off the A9, two miles west of Dunkeld. Follow the signposted turn on the left when heading north.
- Route and time
- Allow about an hour for the 2.7km woodland circuit, with extra time for stops. The longer Rumbling Bridge circuit takes around 2½ hours. You can turn back at Ossian’s Hall for a shorter walk.
- Buggy route
- At the first fork, take the wider track signposted “Ossian’s Hall”. This step-free route ends at the hall; return along the same track. The riverside route has uneven steps.
- Food and facilities
- Bring drinks and a picnic; there are picnic tables in the car park. Arrange food, toilet and baby-changing stops in Dunkeld rather than relying on them here.
ParkingPacked lunch spaceWalking Routes
30 September 2026
Check route and access details (official)A little more detail
Make it work for your family
Choose how far to walk
For an easier outing with a buggy, follow the wider track marked “Ossian’s Hall” and return the same way. The accessible trail ends at the hall; carrying on towards the cave means narrower paths, roots and uneven ground. The riverside “Forest Cathedral” route reaches the hall by steps that can be slippery.
The full woodland circuit passes Ossian’s Cave and the totem pole. It is graded moderate, with 65m of ascent, so the one-hour estimate is walking time rather than a promise for a toddler-paced visit. Leave the longer Rumbling Bridge circuit for a day when everyone wants more walking.
Accessible parking is in the lower car park. NTS allows disabled drivers to drive carefully along the track to Ossian’s Hall, where parking is restricted. Check the arrangements with the Trust if this will decide whether you can visit.
Official Hermitage walking routes · Checked 2026-09-30
Ossian’s Hall and other areas can close for weddings.
Before you go
Choose another stop if your family needs a smooth path throughout or shelter from heavy rain. Woodland footing can be slippery, and winter paths are not treated for ice. Wear shoes with a good grip.
Ossian’s Hall and other areas can close for weddings. Check the Hermitage’s current Facebook or Instagram updates before building the walk around going inside the hall. Occasional clay shooting nearby can also be noisy.
Dogs are welcome under control, but are not allowed inside Ossian’s Hall. Keep them on a lead near the river and falls. Open fires and barbecues are not allowed.
If the car park is full, use alternative parking in Dunkeld and rethink your route. Do not park beside the A9.
Current Hermitage visitor information · Checked 2026-09-30
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