Where to go · Perth and Kinross
Forest bathing at Craigvinean Forest
Big Tree Country forest next to the Hermitage, with trees around 200 years old, follies and views over the Tay.
Craigvinean is a Forestry and Land Scotland forest on the hillside just west of Dunkeld, next door to the Hermitage. Many of its trees were planted by the Dukes of Atholl, and some of the tallest are around 200 years old. Trails climb through the forest to follies and viewpoints over the River Tay, and the mix of species gives strong colour in autumn. It is the quieter neighbour of the Hermitage, which makes it a better bet for slow time on a busy day.
The free car park is about 250 metres along the road after you leave the A9 at the sign for the Hermitage; it has been closed at times for timber haulage, so check the signs. Expect forest roads and hill paths with some climbing to reach the viewpoints. There are no toilets or café at the forest; the nearest are in Dunkeld, a mile away.
Practical
- Managed by
- Forestry and Land Scotland
- Parking
- Free car park off the Hermitage road, about 250 m from the A9 turn
- Terrain
- Forest roads and hill paths with some climbs
- Nearest station
- Dunkeld & Birnam, about 2 km
- Facilities
- Viewpoint; nearest toilets in Dunkeld
- Opening and entry
- Open access, free
- Official page
- forestryandland.gov.scot
Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.
Guides nearby
A guide within 15 miles of Craigvinean Forest
More woodlands in Perth and Kinross
All venues in Perth and Kinross
Birks of AberfeldySteep wooded gorge with waterfalls on the Moness Burn above Aberfeldy
Black Spout WoodWoodland walk from Pitlochry to the 60 metre Black Spout waterfall
Carie and the Black Wood of RannochAncient Scots pine and burnside trails on the south shore of Loch RannochPhotos: Birks of Aberfeldy, Eric Kilby from Somerville, MA, USA (CC BY-SA 4.0); Black Spout Wood, Jim Barton (CC BY-SA 2.0); Carie and the Black Wood of Rannoch, Jennifer Jones (CC BY-SA 2.0).