This fairly level circuit explores the rivers Eachaig and Massan and the neighbouring natural woods and plantations.
Summary
Forestry tracks, minor roads, and riverside paths with some eroded sections where the path may be difficult to follow.
Terrain
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1. This walk starts from the Benmore Botanic Gardens car park where there is a cafe and shop 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 passed on the left and then you come to a derelict building on the right. Turn right down the road in front of it and follow this until the main road is reached. Cross the main road and follow the track opposite, passing Uig Hall to reach a bridge over the River Eachaig.
2. 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. In places this path is slightly eroded and care should be taken, the route keeps near to the water and after a while the path improves.
3. Opposite a house on the other side of the river, the path heads inland following a row of electricity pylons for a short distance. The path then bears left through dense forestry with rhododendrons providing thick undergrowth. When the path emerges onto a wider forestry track turn left and then immediately right to dog leg onto another section of the path. Follow this through a gate and to the right of an open area of ground before plunging into pine trees.
4. At a junction keep left on the main path to reach a gate and then a minor road. Turn right here and follow the road for a short distance. Soon a signed path to the left is reached. Take this to follow another section of the River Eachaig riverbank. After passing a bench the path continues a short distance with a detour to the riverside where there is a large pebble beach. Although it is possible to continue along the river bank, the path deteriorates so it is best to return to the bench and take the straight path into the pine trees behind the bench.
5. Follow this path back to the road and turn right. 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.
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