This circuit combines most of the three waymarked trails that explore the arboretum, providing a short but strenuous tour through nearly 160 different tree species. There are shorter, easier trails which can be followed from the same start point, including one (red trail) suitable for all terrain baby buggies.
Summary
Short but surprisingly strenuous, waymarked, trail with steep sections.
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1. Start from the parking area for Kilmun Aboretum, signed from the A880, at the eastern end of Kilmun. This route follows the rugged blue trail to climb steeply uphill through many varieties of pine, before descending and picking up the red trail to pass through eucalyptus trees. The area was originally planted with almost 300 different species by the Forestry Commission as a test station in the 1930's to see which trees would grow well in the conditions here. The aboretum is now part of a project run by the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh to produce seed from endangered species to enable them to be grown elsewhere.
2. From the parking area cross the main track heading uphill and pass an old map to take the right hand fork on a path heading uphill which is marked with green and blue marker posts. The path climbs, passing sequoia trees on either side, and then a bench on the left before a small wooden bridge is crossed - ignore the blue signed path running up the side of the burn. Instead cross the bridge, continue following the marker posts, crossing another bridge and a series of concrete steps. Here the path deteriorates, keep climbing and look out for the marker posts (following the green ones for a short section before blue reappears). At a bend where the green trail begins to descend, turn left onto a grassy path continuing uphill and climb some old wooden steps.
3. Through gaps in the planting there are good views down over Sandbank and the mudflats at the end of the Loch. The narrow path levels off somewhat and is marked with blue marker posts - follow these carefully. Continue along the rough path running high across the slopes of the arboretum, eventually crossing two wooden bridges and meandering between stands of different trees and then follow it down into the trees for a steep descent. Take care on this section which can be muddy and slippery after wet weather.
4. Between the trees the River Eachaig can be seen below with mountains in the background. The path take a sharp turn to the right and has a wooden handrail for a long section here. It then continues on wider zig zags until a much wider path is reached. Turn right onto it (not going over the bridge to the left). At the next junction stay on the main path straight ahead (marked with red marker posts) and ignore the red-marked path heading to the left. This pleasant section of path winds through the trees, with information posts at various points, before reaching a wide track.
5. Turn left and then immediately right to cross the track and continue on the well made, red-signed path heading gently downhill. A beautiful stand of eucalyptus trees is now reached. The arboretum contains 6 champion trees - judged on height and width of trunk, and 5 of them are eucalyptus. The peeling bark and scented leaves make this an exotic part of the arboretum. Keep following the marked trail which looks out over the estuary at a number of points.
6. Cross a bridge and where the path meets another path at a bench turn right to head downhill. This soon levels off and crosses a bridge before curving back to reach the car park and the start of the walk.
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