Hopezine’s Founding Editor, ERICA CROMPTON, falls under The Enchanted Forest’s spell...
As the sun sets over Scotland’s Pitlochry village, with its silver stone cottages and independent shops and cafes, the nearby Faskally forest lights up at the Enchanted Forest.
I’ve just returned here with my wheelchair-tooting partner – it’s Scotland’s biggest annual attraction for all the family.
Paul had a few reservations – we visited two years ago and he ended up covered in mud!
But he need not have worried. This year lots of hardcore and gravel lines the ribbon-like pathways that run through this spellbinding forest spectacular.
And today it’s even more inclusive.
Nela Popovic, CEO of The Enchanted Forest Community Trust, tells us: “The Enchanted Forest has always been about wonder, storytelling, and bringing people together. This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusion and wellbeing, values at the heart of our Community Trust. Just as the show lights up the forest, we hope this small but powerful addition will light up new ways for everybody to connect, express themselves, and be part of the shared joy.”
Quite.
As we weave through this year’s figure of 8 – over easy-to-access bumps and pretty wooden bridges – we are indeed enchanted, spellbound and beguiled. The verdant forest brings the nature. And the soothing lights ignite the senses.
This year’s theme is echoed in this – nature and technology. It’s called Luminara and boasts the introduction of the show’s first-ever fully immersive panoramic moment, The Pulse of Luminara, a choreographed, synchronised light and sound spectacle that sweeps across the entire forest and every installation, uniting thousands of visitors in a single shared experience.
The volunteers who punctuate the paths with friendly smiles are always on hand to help with our wheelchair and with directions.
After a burger and kids meal for me, we ask friendly-faced volunteer John for a push up the hill where the disabled parking is. “This is my daily exercise” he says as he manoeuvres Paul’s wheelchair uphill and waves us home.
We stay at a nearby accessible cabin at Murrayshall Country Estate – all neutral tartans and spacious roll-in shower with plenty of room for Paul to get his chair round.
We especially enjoyed the breakfast, after our mile walk around The Enchanted Forest, as it was delivered straight to our door.
Scotland’s spellbinding magic never ceases to amaze in it’s scenery, it’s warmth and it’s accessibility.
This year’s show will run until 2 November and tickets, while selling quickly, are still available. To find out more information, or to book, please visit: www.enchantedforest.org.uk.
Additional images: Roberto Ricciuti
