The Hermitage - Big trees, Waterfalls and a Folly

Well my 'tootle' didn't quite stretch to the mountains but I stopped off at the Hermitage. For those that don't know, the Hermitage - the semi-mythical poet Ossian - was supposed to have lived and written his heroic verse around the 3rd century. The little cave house is still there.

I've more to get off the camera but here's a couple of the Falls of Braan or to give them their correct name 'Black Linn Falls' which are on the River Braan. Because of the gorge, It's just about impossible (without a wide angle lens) to fit them into the frame from where you can actually stand without breaking your neck. Today the river didn't have much water in it. Here you see 3 or 4 small falls. In spate the water thunders over in a single fall with just the top of the centre rock visible.





Another shot taken further upstream of a small waterfall. What struck me (and just about killed me) was the smooth rocks that had been worn by the flow of the river.



This folly - built on a rocky outcrop overhanging the turbulent Black Linn Falls was built for the 2nd Duke of Atholl in 1758, in an area already set aside for exotix trees. Unfortuately, the fruit trees and flowering shrubs have now vanished, as have the mirrors which lined the inside of the building in order to reflect the waterfall. However, you can still get a fine view especially when the river is in spate. Yes I've messed about with this one but I thought the modern 'twist' worked well with the backdrop.



Crossing the falls is the Hermitage Bridge also built for the 2nd Duke of Atholl in 1758. Like the falls, it's tough to photograph as everything is so cramped and steep. Really need a wider angle lens.









The Hermitage contains a large number of pine and fir trees including many of the original Douglas firs brought to Britain
one of which (not this one as I couldn't fit it in lol) is the tallest tree in Britain at 206 feet.



All in all a good place to go if you're ever in the area.

Some awesome pics there Phil

Cheers - it's just one of those places that's got everything if you've a few hours to kill with a camera. You really do need a wide angle lens to do the place justice though as it's very cramped and impossible to photograph anything from a distance. Today the water was a bit of a trickle and apart from getting dark it was fairly dull.

Amazing place and great pics Phil ..really wonderful

beautiful.

Oh i'm so jealous you have such stunning scenery to photograph up there! Beats my man made waterfall in Virginia Water lol!! Truely beautiful, great captures!

One word sums them up Phil, stunning.

Some wonderful shots there Phil - number three is amazing

Thanks. I'm starting to come round to this view that a tripod gives better results. Obviously for things like 'blurring' water you need one but even just still shots (as I've not the steadiest hand) seem to be noticably better.

Great shots Phil, I like #6 (bridge) shot best