The Hermitage

The Hermitage is 71 miles north of Glasgow, 15 miles northwest of Perth, 1 mile west of Dunkeld.

This Attraction is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland. It is about a half mile, 10 minute, fairly level Walk from the Car Park to The Hermitage. This is a Pleasure Park created for the Dukes of Atholl in the 1700s.

The Hermitage can be visited all year with a small car parking charge. Postcode: PH8 0JR

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The Image top is of the lower car park. There are two car parks each with information on the different Walks.

The Path to The Hermitage leaves from the bottom Car Park through the Tunnel in the Bridge. The Woodland Path goes through some real High Trees, some of the highest in Scotland at around 200 feet.

The Path takes you to a seating area by Black Linn Pool. Above the Pool is the Hermitage and Bridge.

Above the Bridge is Ossians Hall from where you get great views over the Gorge and Waterfalls.

A narrow Path from the Hall leads to a Viewpoint for good Photos of the Hall and Bridge.

The Walk can be extended to a Totem Pole, Cave, and the Pinecone View Point further into the Woodlands.

The Hermitage History

1700s mid - The Hermitage was created in Craigvinean Forest for John Murray, third Duke of Atholl, who lived in nearby Dunkeld House.

The Hermitage was created to honour the Blind Poet and Author Ossian.

1760 - the Hermit's Cave was built. Offers were made at that time for a real life Hermit to use the Cave, but nobody took up the offer.

1820s? - Douglas Fir Trees were planted in the area. These were brought back by early explorers from the East Coast of America and Canada. The Scottish Botanist David Douglas sent the first Douglas Fir Seeds back to the UK in 1827. These Trees have been recorded at over 320 feet in the US.

1828 - Dunkeld House became uninhabitable. The replacement Building would not be completed until 1900.

1853 - the first seeds of Giant Sequoia Trees were brought from California to the UK by William Lobb. These can also be found around Scotland in most Estates, similar in height to the Douglas Fir, but wider at the base. The tallest Giant Sequoia's in the UK are said to be over 190 feet. The highest of these trees are recorded at over 270 feet in the US.

1900 - the new Dunkeld House was completed for John Stewart-Murray, 7th Duke of Atholl.

1930s late - Dunkeld House was sold to be converted to a Hotel.

2000s? - a Douglas Fir next to the Hermitage Bridge was claimed to have been the first Tree in the UK to reach 200 feet in height.

2017 - The 200ft Hermitage Douglas Fir was blown down during a Storm.

A Douglas Fir at Reelig Glen by Inverness, is now claimed to be Britain's tallest tree at 217ft (66m).

Today - Ossian's Hall can be booked for special events such as Wedding Ceremonies.

Dunkeld House Hotel is one of the top hotels in Scotland.