As you head out of Dunoon, through Sandbank and along the A815, it's almost impossible to miss the…read moreBenmore Botanic Garden on the left hand side. It's a popular attraction for both tourists and locals. However, about a mile before you get there, on the opposite side of the road, you'll spot a little car park marked "Puck's Glen", and it is every bit as charming as the name suggests.
In my free time I like to write, and as I'm frequently on the road I do much of my writing on my netbook, in my car, often in quiet little car parks, and for over a year I've been stopping every so often in the Puck's Glen car park. I'd seen the trail leading up into the wooded hill, but didn't take the time to venture out of my car and explore it until one day, in Autumn of last year, when, in the late afternoon as I sat writing, a deer wandered out of the trees and so close to my car if I'd opened my window I could have reached out and touched it.
When it left I got out of the car and made my way along the trail, but as I was pressed for time I wasn't able to explore too far. It wasn't until last week that I was able to walk the length of the trail in full, and my God I don't regret it.
The first thing I will say is that it isn't a walk for those looking for a gentle stroll. Nor is it a walk for those with bad knees or hips. The first part of the walk is a steep climb, though you're rewarded with a nice little bench in a shaded area when you do make it up the first leg. Then you have another steep climb that seems to go on forever and by the time you reach the top you're too exhausted to appreciate the outstanding views, particularly if the sun is out in full force.
However, the climb is essential if you want to enjoy what has to be one of the most spectacular sights I've ever seen. If you follow the path markers around you come to a crossroads. The main path goes straight ahead, but there is a narrower, shaded path that goes left to right across it. The path to the right goes uphill, and after all the climbing I'd done already that day I couldn't stomach another ascent, but the path to the right goes down.
It's a combination of a dirt track, gravel track and wooden steps that lead down several hundred feet to a concrete track that leads back to the car park, but it is the most wonderful experience imaginable for alongside the path runs a little stream that breaks into a series of dozens of mini-waterfalls and pools.
The path is shaded and cool, with wooden railings to help you keep your balance on the tricky spots. There are a few bits where you need to walk across large stones which can be slippery when wet, but believe me, it's worth the effort. The waterfalls are simply magical and though the path, complete with wooden bridges that crisscross the stream at several points, has clearly been constructed by the forestry commission, it's easy to believe that you're the first person to ever see these magical sights.
My favourite spot was about halfway down where the moss-covered rock-face to the right was literally dripping with water, an endless cascading shower of droplets.
Wildlife fans won't be disappointed either. I counted eight deer on my ascent - I believe five were red deer (one a stag) and three were roe deer, but don't quote me on that. I encountered a couple of birds I don't think I'd ever seen before, including one that was black and white with a beautiful red chin, and at least half a dozen red squirrels.
As I say, it's not a gentle stroll, and while you'll certainly sleep afterwards I don't think I'd call it relaxing, but it is spectacular and an experience not to be missed.
