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Colinton Tunnel

Colinton Tunnel - Photo by Graeme Yuill 1 / 1
📷Graeme Yuill

Colinton Tunnel is a disused Victorian railway tunnel near Edinburgh whose curved brick walls have been transformed into Scotland's largest mural, depicting local wildlife, historical figures, and scenes from poet James Gillespie's era. The tunnel runs roughly 180 metres long, giving you a natural barrel-shaped frame to work with; position yourself at either entrance and use the circular opening as a leading element drawing the eye deep into the illustrated interior. A wide-angle lens, something in the 16-35mm range, is ideal for capturing the full sweep of the murals along the curved walls. The tunnel is dim inside, so bring a tripod or shoot with a camera that handles high ISO well. Overcast days are actually preferable here since the diffused light reduces harsh contrast. The tunnel sits along the Water of Leith Walkway and is easily reached on foot from Colinton village. (Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom)

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