[1] Leave the car park by the footpath rising towards a wooden footbridge. The path continues – steeply at times – uphill through beautiful woodland of tall pines, red woods, birch, ash, rowan and oak.
[2] At a junction with another footpath, turn left and contour round before climbing steeply again.
[3] At the junction of paths by a paved area, take the left fork and follow the sound of fast-flowing water. Steps and switchbacks lead you steeply downhill (an iron handrail is available) into a deep rocky gorge that’s dripping with water and heavily wooded. The extensive tree canopy high above completely blocks out the sky. Moss grows thickly on every surface and the energetic stream rushes by.
[4] Turn right upstream signed for the upper Glen.
(A) 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.
The path is narrow in places and at times you will have to duck to avoid overhanging rock. The footbridges offer good opportunities to view the many waterfalls.
[5] Follow the path to a junction with a forest road. Continue straight over onto narrow path to continue following Puck’s Glen – signed as Puck’s Glen Loop. The walk continues as before, with occasional sets of steep steps to climb. Water collecting on the path can be deep at times.
[6] The path eventually emerges from the glen and the mist into lighter tree cover, where you turn right at a sign for Black Gates. Descend through the tall trees to another junction with the forest road.
[7] Turn right at a sign for Benmore Botanic Gardens. Ahead there are excellent views of Ben Mhor (741m/2,431ft). Continue past turnings for Eckford House walk and Big Tree walk and take the third left (currently unsigned).
[8] Follow the footpath downhill and over (or under) the silver fir (which was blown down on Boxing Day 1870).
[9] Emerge from trees opposite Benmore Botanic Gardens (and a bus stop) then turn right to follow an old road signed for Puck Glen’s car park.
(B) The Benmore forest and botanic gardens, 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.