Scotland – Pucks Glen
Distance: 6½km/4 miles
Time: 1½-2hrs
Type: Forest
Where: Circular walk exploring Puck’s Glen and Benmore Botanic Gardens, Cowal
Start/End: Puck’s Glen car park by A815 (NS147839)
Terrain: Good paths and forest tracks. Exposed tree roots can be very slippery. Some steep ascents and descents – handrail available at steepest points. Path by fast-flowing stream can be narrow and unguarded. No stiles but lots of steps
Maps: OS Explorer 363; Landranger 56
The Benmore forest and botanic gardens, 10km/6 miles to the north of Dunoon, were first laid out in 1862 by Piers Patrick, an American. He was responsible for planting an avenue of 50 giant Sierra redwoods. Within the botanic gardens the avenue’s awesome peace and grandeur rivals that of a great medieval cathedral. The garden is also renowned for its extensive collection of rhododendrons. Puck’s Glen, named after Puck from A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, is a deep gorge where trees hang precariously and green vegetation thrives in a cool atmosphere infused with spray from the numerous waterfalls. Although the way ahead is always obvious, and almost always upwards, it is an exciting walk with drama in spades. When the highest point is reached and the vegetation thins out, the views out over the surrounding peaks are impressive.
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