Scotland the best
Woodland walks
There are many great routes in Scotland but these four are truly treemendous. Happy exploring... Ardnamurchan
For anyone who loves trees, this farflung peninsula is a revelation. Approach from south via Corran ferry on A82 south of Fort William or north from Lochailort on A830 Mallaig-Fort William road.
Randolph’s Leap near Forres
On the B9007. Spectacular gorge of the gorgeous Findhorn river lined with beautiful beech woods and a great place to swim or picnic. Go either: 10km south of Forres on the A940 for Grantown, then the B9007 for Ferness and Carrbridge. 1km from the sign for Logie Steading and 300m from the narrow stone bridge, there’s a pull-over place on the bend. The woods are on the other side of the road. Or: take the A939 south from Nairn or north from Grantown-on-Spey and at Ferness take the B9007 for Forres. Approaching from
this direction, it’s about 6km along the road; the pull-over is on your right. This is one of the sylvan secrets of the north.
Lochaweside
Unclassified road on north side of loch between Kilchrenan and Ford, centred on Dalavich. There are six walks in the mixed, mature forest all starting from car parking places on the road. Three starting from the Barnaline car park are trail-marked and could easily be followed without a guide. Avich Falls route crosses River Avich after 2km with falls on return route. Inverinan Glen is always good. The timber trail from the Big Tree/ Cruachan car park 2km south of Dalavich takes in the loch, a waterfall and it’s easy on the eye and foot (4km). The track from the car park north of Kilchrenan on the B845 back to Taynuilt is less travelled but also fine.
Puck’s Glen nr Dunoon
Close to the gates of the Younger Botanic Garden at Benmore, on the other side of the A815 to Strachur, 12km north of Dunoon. A short, exhilarating woodland walk from a convenient car park. Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99