Forest bathing at The Hermitage

The Hermitage is a stretch of woodland along 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. Its Douglas firs are among the tallest trees in Britain. The path follows the river to Ossian's Hall, a folly built in 1757 to look out over the Black Linn Falls, where the Braan drops into deep, foaming pools.

This is one of the busiest woods in Perthshire, so come early in the day, late or midweek for a quieter visit, and take your time on the riverside path rather than heading straight for the falls. Look out for red squirrels, and in autumn for salmon leaping at the falls. The car parks fill up quickly; if they are full, Craigvinean Forest next door is a good alternative, and its trails link with the Hermitage.