Woodland walks
We’ve got your next day out covered. Enjoy a stroll through wonderful woodlands
Ardnamurchan
For anyone who loves trees (or hills, great coastal scenery and raw nature), this farflung peninsula is a revelation. Approach from south via Corran ferry on the A82 south of Fort William or north from Lochailort on A830 Mallaig-fort William road or from Mull. Many marked and unmarked trails but consult online or locally. To visit Ardnamurchan is to fall in love with Scotland again and again. Woods especially around Loch Sunart.
The Birks o’ Aberfeldy
Circular walk through oak, beech and the birch (or birk) woods of the title, easily reached and signed from town main street. Steep-sided wooded glen of the Moness Burn with attractive falls, especially the higher one spanned by bridge where the two marked walks converge. This is where Burns “spread the lightsome days” in his eponymous poem.
Inveraray Castle Estate
The gardens and especially the woodland walks on the estate are superb in any season. Two main routes to follow, one around the policies and another up to the folly (not more than an hour) for great views.
Puck’s Glen, near Dunoon
Close to the gates of the Younger Botanic Garden at Benmore, on the other side of the A815 to Strachur, seven miles north of Dunoon. A short, exhilarating woodland walk from a convenient car park. Ascend through trees then down into a fairy glen, follow the burn back to the road. Some pools to be swum.
Loch Tummel Walks, nr Pitlochry
Mixed woodland north of Loch Tummel, reached by the B8019 from Pitlochry to the visitor centre at Queen’s View; and walks in the Allean Forest, which take in some historical sites (a restored farmstead, standing stones).
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99