The Vennel

The Vennel is a stunning 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, so the steps are perpetually busy meaning patience and persistence is vital.

Bright days can produce clean, well-lit results if timed correctly. The narrow walls of the close mean that there is really a small window of opportunity each day where the sun shines directly down the alley and onto the walls of the buildings. Using the ephemeris tool below or the live ephemeris tool on thephotos.co.uk website (linked to the image) will help you work out when the sun angle will illuminate the frame. This composition also works well on wet or overcast days when the exact position of the sun is far less pivotal.