Near Dunoon, Cowal Peninsula, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Puck’s Glen
Forest recreation landscape
Place photograph
6.3
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.3A Victorian walkway threads through a deep, rocky gorge beneath towering Douglas firs, passing a succession of waterfalls. The gorge is currently closed after severe storm damage, but an alternative circular route from the car park remains open.
A compact forest gorge with a rare sense of drama: cascading water, steep rock and a historic walkway make this more than an ordinary woodland stroll. Its signature gorge trail is closed for the 2026 visitor season after storm damage, so any visit must respect the closure; a separate forest route remains open.
Atmospheric · Dramatic · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapNear Dunoon, Cowal Peninsula, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
The celebrated gorge walk is not currently an option: Forestry and Land Scotland says it is closed for the 2026 visitor season after severe storm damage. Do not enter the gorge. A separate circular route from the car park linking Benmore and the wider forest is open; consult the official route card and current alerts for its details.
Things to do
Follow the open circular forest route
Forestry and Land Scotland identifies a circular route from Puck’s Glen car park linking Benmore and the wider forest as open. Check the official route card and current alerts for details, and stay out of the closed gorge.
See the Victorian gorge walkway when it reopens
The historic walkway winds through a rocky gorge past several waterfalls beneath towering Douglas firs. The gorge is closed for public safety for the 2026 visitor season; do not enter while the closure is in force.
Pair the visit with Benmore Botanic Garden
Benmore is a nearby Forestry and Land Scotland destination with trails, parking and colourful plants and giant conifers. Check its current opening and visitor information before making plans.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check route card
The open forest alternative
- 01
Start from Puck’s Glen car park.
- 02
Follow the official circular route linking Benmore and the wider forest.
- 03
Use the current Forestry and Land Scotland route card for the route details; do not enter the closed gorge.
Verified history
A supplied visitor guide reports that James Duncan, then owner of Benmore Estate, developed the paths through the gorge in the 1870s. It describes Duncan as a sugar merchant, scientist and art collector from Greenock, and says he designed the place to impress his guests. The official Forestry and Land Scotland page confirms the Victorian character of the walkway but does not provide further historical detail.
Folklore & legend
Local stories associate Puck’s Glen with the mischievous spirit Puck and the Scottish fairy figure Ghillie Dhu. Forestry and Land Scotland presents these as legendary or mythic characters, not as historical fact.
Hidden details
A Victorian path through the gorge — The walkway was developed in the 1870s, according to a supplied visitor guide. Its bridges and stone steps make the designed visitor route part of the story, not just a way through the woodland. The gorge is currently closed; do not enter.
When to go
September · October · November · Check current access and weather before travelling. When the gorge reopens, softer light in the woodland may suit photography.
A supplied local guide highlights autumn colour and says the waterfalls are especially dramatic after rain. Rain can also make paths slippery. The gorge remains closed for the 2026 visitor season, so these are future seasonal considerations, not a reason to visit the closed trail.
Forestry and Land Scotland warns that storm damage has left hidden hazards, including unstable paths and stairs. Do not enter the closed gorge. When the trail reopens, expect wet, slippery conditions after rain and check alerts before setting out.
The route
- route shape
- Circular, according to the official notice; links the car park with Benmore and the wider forest.
- start point
- Puck’s Glen car park
- parking start
- A car park is at Puck’s Glen. Check current parking and route information before setting out.
- The open alternative route links Benmore and the wider forest.
- The gorge itself is closed for public safety for the 2026 visitor season.
Worth pairing with
Benmore Botanic Garden
A nearby forest destination highlighted by Forestry and Land Scotland, with colourful plants, giant conifers, trails and parking. Check current visitor information before visiting.
Kilmun Arboretum
A nearby hillside arboretum described by Forestry and Land Scotland as having more than 150 tree species, with trails, parking and a picnic area. Check current visitor information before visiting.
What to look for
- 01
When the gorge is open, look for the Victorian walkway, wooden bridges, moss-covered rock and successive cascades beneath the Douglas firs. The gorge is currently closed
- 02
do not enter to see these features.
The story
Victorian landscape design
Best time to go
When the gorge reopens, autumn colour and water made lively by rain are notable; check current access and conditions before travelling.
When the gorge trail reopens, autumn brings vibrant colour and waterfalls are described as especially dramatic after rain. Wet conditions can also make paths slippery. Check the current closure notice and conditions before travelling.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Photographers · Walkers · History lovers
Before you go
Practical information
Opening & access
Puck’s Glen Gorge is closed for public safety for the 2026 visitor season following severe storm damage. Forestry and Land Scotland warns of fallen trees, erosion and hidden hazards, including undermined paths and stairs; do not enter the gorge. A separate circular route from the car park linking Benmore and the wider forest is open. Check Forestry and Land Scotland’s current alerts before setting out. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
A car park is at the start. Check current access and parking information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
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Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The gorge trail is closed for the 2026 visitor season because of storm damage and hidden path hazards. When open, sources describe steep, rocky paths, steps and slippery sections; it is not suitable for everyone. An alternative route from the car park is open; check its current details before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Waterfalls and stream
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Puck’s Glen
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
