This fairly level walk explores the banks of the rivers Eachaig and Massan, as well as the neighbouring natural woods and plantations, from Benmore gardens.
Bog Factor
Forestry tracks, minor roads, and riverside paths with some eroded sections where the path may be difficult to follow.
Benmore Botanic Garden car park.
Buses run along the A815.
NS143854
This walk starts from the Benmore Botanic Gardens car park where there is a snack bar and toilets as well as the entrance to the famous gardens. From the car park cross the main road and follow the signed track for Puck's Glen. This walk can be linked either to the Puck's Glen route, or the Big Trees walk, or both. The track is the old road and it runs parallel with the new main road for a while with a number of marked trails leaving it to the left - stay on the main, flat, track. Stone-built Eckford House is seen up to the left. A short distance further, turn right along a tarred lane, opposite a large agricultural building.
The main road is soon reached. Cross the main road and follow the track opposite, passing Uig Hall to reach a bridge over the River Eachaig. Turn left to follow the track alongside the river. There is a large pebbly area next to the ford which makes a good rest spot. Where a path forks left keep on the main track, bearing right through a gate to emerge on a minor road. Cross the road and turn left to cross a bridge over the River Massan. Immediately after the bridge turn right to follow a small path through the trees hugging the side of the river.
The path is rugged in places, but keeps near to the water; there are a few boardwalk sections and eventually the path improves. Just after a house on the other side of the river the path bears left and following a row of electricity pylons for a while, still parallel to the river though it is out of sight. At a path junction turn left on the main route, passing densely planted trees. When the path emerges onto a wider forestry track turn left and then immediately right to dog leg onto another track. Follow this through a gate; there's open ground on the left and mature trees on the right.
At a junction by a big rock turn left on the main track to reach a gate and then a minor road. Turn right here and follow the road for a short distance. Soon a path to the left is reached. Take this to follow another section of the River Eachaig riverbank, eventually reaching a large pebble beach. Don't continue by the river, instead turning right onto straight path into the pine trees. This soon bends right and eventually returns to the road.
Turn right and walk along this quiet section of road until you cross the bridge over the River Massan passed earlier in the walk. Turn right after the bridge to retrace your steps along the track next to the River Eachaig. When you reach the bridge near the weir, do not cross but stay on the left side of the river and continue upstream. Eventually a road bridge is reached, cross it to return to the Benmore Botanic Gardens car park.
This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?
