The Vennel

The Vennel is a narrow close that descends steeply from Lauriston Place down to the Grassmarket, offering one of Edinburgh's most iconic framed views of the Castle. The stepped pathway is lined with stone walls and buildings. Edinburgh Castle looms directly ahead, perched on its volcanic rock. This particular vantage point has become hugely popular on social media, and is a genuinely impressive location. The shot is taken from the upper steps looking north-west towards the Castle. The steps are perpetually busy, so patience and persistence are key.

Daytime produces clean, well-lit results as the castle faces south-east and catches good light through the middle of the day. However, the narrow walls of the close mean the lower steps fall into shadow earlier in the afternoon. Using the ephemeris on thephotos.co.uk website will help you work out when the sun angle will illuminate the frame. This composition also works on wet or overcast and moody days.