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Enchanted Forest Pitlochry Scotland, an Amazing Fairytale Event

Picture yourself in a dream, in a moonlit forest with towering trees. The cool damp air embraces your skin…and just as your eyes begin to focus on the dancing colors upon the woods, the music begins. You’re in the Enchanted Forest Pitlochry Scotland.

 

It is the staple of all fairytales. It is that magical place where flowers sing, green grass grows, and where darkness lurks behind every tree. Anything goes.

Photo by Christa Thompson
The Enchanted Forest Event Photo by Christa Thompson

 

Scotland’s favorite outdoor sound and light show

 

Sounds like a place for The Fairytale Traveler…wouldn’t you think? Yeah me too, so I hopped on a plane and made my way over to these magical woods all the way in Pitlochry, Scotland, one of the most magical places on earth!

 

The Enchanted Forest is renowned to be Scotland’s premier sound and light experience and attracted over 40,000 visitors in 2013.” —EnchantedForest.org

 

Enchanted Forest Pitlochry Scotland
Photo by Christa Thompson

 

The Enchanted Forest is a marvel of symphony and light held each year during the month of October in the Faskally Woods home to some trees that are over 200 years old. This year’s theme ‘Absorb’ was beautifully arranged by the creative talents of Kate Bonney and Simon Hayes (lighting designers) and RJ McConnell (sound designer).

 

Rated again as the best event in Scotland, it is a playground for your eyes. The forest comes alive with dazzling colors as the sky grows dim for the largest festival in Scotland. Enjoy the sounds, sights, tastes, and smells that will delight your senses.

 

Photo by Christa Thompson
Photo by Christa Thompson

 

The Enchanted Forest has been named for the second time, Best Cultural Event at the 2013 Scottish Event Awards.

The Enchanted Forest has been named Best Cultural Event at the Regional Final of the Scottish Thistle Awards.

 

The Fairytale Traveler Experience:

 

It was a rainy day, much like many of the days in the UK. I had managed to make my way to the Fisher’s Hotel in downtown Pitlochry, where I would be spending the night and catching the coach to the Faskally Wood (they haul people up there in intervals because it is so desolate).

 

It was the last showing for the night, so I was among very few people. I jumped off the bus, camera in tow, and there it was like a mad canvas of light, the Enchanted Forest.

 

Guided by only a Druidess and a softly lit path, I was on my way through the visual magic of the forest. The vivid colors danced to the music and brought the forest to life.

 

It was as if I were in a lucid dream. Dark and ominous druids guarded the path and added a mythological element to the soft almost hypnotic state of the woods.

 

The rain formed a mist that glared before the lights, only adding to the dream-like magical state of the forest. The experience was unforgettable.

 

Children will also enjoy this unique sensory experience as well as the folklore storytelling and engaging activities, so don’t hesitate to bring them along, but be sure to stay close and hold hands so you don’t become separated in the dark forest.

 

Photo by Christa Thompson
Photo by Christa Thompson

 

Bring your family, bring your friends, you’re going to want to share the magic of the Enchanted Forest with everyone.

 

Photo by Christa Thompson
Photo by Christa Thompson

 

Tips:

 

Stay at the Fisher’s Hotel, the most convenient and centrally located hotel in town. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens that surround this hotel.

 

They sell food, mulled wine, and delicious hot chocolate at the event…yum.

 

Prepare for rain and mud. Wear waterproof hiking boots and a windbreaker or rain jacket.

 

I recommend Storytelling Yurt, then again, I never turn down a good story…the children love this as well.

 

If you have trouble seeing in low light you might want to bring a small flashlight along.

 

I went on a Monday night and there were hardly any people.

 

 

The show is different every year with new themes, so if you enjoy your journey, grab your friends of any age who would love it as well and visit again for another awesome time. You can choose to watch the stunning event at twilight, in the darkness of night, or both for completely different experiences.

 

Step into a magical world where the tall trees speak with mesmerizing music and beautiful rainbow colors in patterns that dance to the beat. This unique experience is a must-see and while you wander around, be sure to take your time and note the different shows at various times that use water, music, and lights to entice your senses so you can have the best visit possible in Pitlochry, Scotland in the Enchanted Forest.

Christa Thompson

Christa Thompson is the Founder and Chief Editor of The Fairytale Traveler. She started traveling the world in 2003 when she attended a summer abroad study at the University of Cambridge in England. Since then, her wanderlust has been fierce. Her three passions in life are her son, traveling, and being creative. The Fairytale Traveler brand gives Christa the opportunity to do all of these things and to live intentionally every day. "It's never too late to believe in what you love and to pursue your dreams." -Christa Thompson

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