Table of Contents
What Is The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry?
The Enchanted Forest is an amazing UK light trail based in Pitlochry, Scotland. It has a fantastic reputation as being one of the best light trails in the UK with a multitude of laser lights and magical sound. Although this post does have plenty of beautiful photographs, they are nothing like the actual light show itself. The trail includes displays of moving lights, changing colour displays, smoke machines and various sounds. So you really do need to see it to understand! Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry tickets are available to the public from the beginning of the summer holidays.
Enchanted Forest is Scotland’s multi award winning event, including the Scottish Thistle Award and VisitScotland Regional Awards. You can find out more about buying ticket to the event on the Enchanted Forest Website. With all these awards It is definitely a great outdoor experience for the month of October!
How Do You Get To The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry?
Pitlochry town is very easily accessed by car from the A9, approximately 30 minutes North of Perth. You can also take the train directly to Pitlochry from either Perth or Inverness, or the bus, which is a similar time as driving. If you are driving you should easily find a parking space at one of Pitlochry’s many car parks. If you are driving you should easily find a parking space at one of Pitlochry’s many car parks. There is usually an accessibility bus available for those who need it or 2-3 car parking spots at the site for those who require it.
How Long Does It Take To Walk Round The Enchanted Forest?
It should take 60 minutes to walk leisurely around the figure of eight trail. Although we rarely go around the entire walk just once! I’d allow at least 2 hours to visit the Enchanted Forest. So you will have time to go around the whole trail and perhaps half of the loop again (they meet at the bridge in the middle) and a chance to get refreshments.
The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry
What To Expect at The Enchanted Forest
It will be busy as the Enchanted Forest is often sold out. Get to the coach departure queue to catch the bus at least 15 minutes early, it’s outside Fishers Hotel in Pitlochry. You can also use the toilets at the hotel too. If you are looking for dinner before you get on the coach, then visit one of the many local businesses who open their doors late for the event.
From here you will be driven by bus to the forest (there’s no onsite parking) and can then walk along the start of the trail. From the bus you are at the entrance of the Enchanted Forest walk, where you will pass the on-site toilets and stalls to buy gifts. Then you finally walk down the small slope to the start of the trail.
The light trail follows a figure of eight loop, where you cross the bridge to either continue the other half of the trail or go to the end.
What To Wear For The Enchanted Forest
It’s in October and November in Scotland, so it’s going to be cold! You will definitely want to wear several layers, including thermals (top and bottoms!), top and trousers, a jumper and thick jacket. If it’s wet you will definitely want waterproof trousers too.
Don’t forget hats and gloves for everyone too! At this time of the year it’s very cold in Scotland, so definitely take enough to keep everyone warm under the canopy of giant trees!
The Light Trail At The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry
Every year there is a different theme, including Cosmos, Into The Deep and Together. Obviously some themes are better than others, personally I found Together (the 20th birthday trail) a bit too wishy washy. Whereas Cosmos was much more coherent and interesting as a theme, with various space themed displays. This year’s theme will be announced in June.
As you buy tickets quite far in advance (as they sell out!) you won’t know the theme until nearer the time. So keep your fingers crossed for a good one!
The trail always includes various interactive sections. These can include touching lights to make sounds play, lying down to watch the lights above you and walking through areas that have sensors for sounds or lights to appear. Some years there has also been a storytelling yurt, which is fun for younger kids.
Faskally Wood is 200 years old and a beautiful natural backdrop to the dazzling visuals. An original music score is also used as a backing to the innovative design of the lighting show. The lighting designers who create the Enchanted Forest show really do make the most of the stunning autumn woodland setting of forest Faskally and Loch Dunmore, Faskally Wood.
Halfway around Faskally Woods’ circular trail you will find some food stalls where you can enjoy hot chocolates and toast marshmallows or even buy some fish and chips, pizza or burgers!
In the centre of Pitlochry is Fisher’s Hotel, where you catch the shuttle bus to Pitlochry. They also sell luxury stays combing the evening at Scotland’s favourite sound and light show and a 1 night stay with dinner and breakfast at the hotel.
Leave a Reply