Colinton Tunnel

Colinton Tunnel is a hidden gem in Edinburgh’s south west. Originally a railway tunnel connecting Balerno to Slateford, it is utilised today as part of the city’s cycle network. The tunnel is 140 metres long and has been made popular in recent times for hosting the country’s largest heritage mural which flows the entire length of the passageway. Access is easy along the level path, and being a popular attraction and thoroughfare, it sees plenty of walkers and cyclists consistently throughout the day.

This is an all-season, all-weather subject as it is essentially inside. A standard wide lens is sufficient to take in both walls, the curving roof and create a feeling of a vortex carrying you into the distance. A super-wide lens will take in more of the tunnel structure, but what you gain there, you lose with the tunnel’s gentle curve appearing too small, and you end up with too much foreground. Wherever you move in the tunnel you are presented with a completely different feel to your image. Photographically this is a relatively low-light environment. A tripod is handy to keep ISO and aperture optimal but not essential and hand held shooting is possible.