Hettie's from Hettie's Tearooms, Guide to Pitlochry: The Enchanted Forest

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The Enchanted Forest is an annual light and sound show held throughout October in Faskally Woods, drawing over 80,000 visitors each year. Definitely worth a visit; the perfect date night, family adventure or solo exploration.

 

Every year the theme of the experience is different; this year it was “Symphony of Nature”. Which was pretty magic! Your journey starts outside Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry, where your tickets are scanned and you board the shuttle bus to the forest. On the bus the magic begins, through the speakers comes an enchanting voice introducing you to what you can expect in the woods you to the forest (and of course the safety features).

 

Arriving at the forest, you’re greeted by a glowing Enchanted Forest sign, a prime photo-op, and a few interactive lights for kids and adults…. aka my partner nearly breaking the hanging one!

 


The journey begins with "singing frogs"—subtle voices tucked in the trees, blending wildlife sounds into the symphony . Which then brings you to the glitter ball bridge, casting reflections across the loch. The path then leads to a kalidescope of lights on the path and some pretty impressive butterflies hidden in the trees! 

 

We then came to the first big show of lights projected on the water these are a longer watch, and there is a viewing platform that extends out over the loch for a fab view where you stand to soak up the magical light and sound show on the loch.  The show really engaged us in the symphony of nature exploring the harmony of the music, the colours and the wildlife that was projected. Aka helped us understand what it was all about! 


Further round we stopped to toast some marshmallows-would have been rude not to! Fun fact: the first year they introduced the marshmallows I was first to appear in the accident book for burning my hand on them so do please listen to them; “don’t touch them for 10 seconds before attempting to eat”rule 🤣…. My mum tell’s anyone that will listen the story of that night and a steward putting out the call on their radio “Medic to Marshmallow!”.



Progressing on after that I felt the other side of the loch was a little dull compared to the rest but (honestly you need a wee break from the gorgeous light and sound filled assault to your senses) that was soon uplifted by the coffee and churros van…we had to!! There are lots of opportunities to eat and drink round the forest (and use the loo)!



Coming back on ourselves over the bridge there were more interactive parts to the experience and a lit up hanging rainbow corridor which was the perfect picture opportunity…or when your girlfriend turns her back, make funny poses to the people that are waiting their turn for a picture!! 


Moving on you arrive at the final main show which is a water feature show. This one is more up to interpretation you need to use your imagination a bit for that one but equally amazing! 




 

It’s time to make your way back to the bus and the short 5 minute journey back to Pitlochry! 


It’s a magical way to spend a few hours, surrounded by nature as you’ve probably never seen it before.  I’ve been loads of times….. but I still love it and always leave feeling that wee bit more enchanted! 


Then it’s time for bed… or not!


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