A lovely 3km walk through beech and oak trees, stunning azaleas, hydrangeas and Mountain Ash. Beautiful pinks and purples in spring and early summer, and dark greens and purple berries in autumn.
Head up the hill towards the oak built gazebo, housing tree related poems and verses from the likes of Voltaire to Spike Milligan. Continue on to a bench marking the centenary of the gardens, and take in the incredible views of Loch Fyne towards Invereray.
A man made lochan draws plenty of wildlife. If you take the left hand fork in the path, you’ll get taken to a ruined mill surrounded by natural native woodland and the tumbling Kinglas Water.
The Pineatum boasts Champion Trees – the tallest or broadest of their kind in the UK, as well as the ‘mightiest conifer in Europe’. They say the soil, the position of the gardens and the macro and micro-climate result in these champions.
The Gruffalo Trail sits in amongst the gardens – perfect for the smaller people in the crew, but just as fun for grown ups!
Follow the signs from the A83 at Cairndow, Loch Fyne, to Ardkinglas Woodland Garden. From the car park, the path leads along the hill 400m to the start of Gruffalo Trail. Pick up a Trail Map from the gatehouse which will help guide you along the route.