Hidden In Scotland's Argyll Forest Is An Enchanting Woodland Walk With Mischievous Spirits

There is so much to see and do in Scotland, especially if you love nature. While major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow (which is the most underrated destination in all of Scotland according to Rick Steves) offer lots of fun museums, cultural experiences, and fantastic food, people who love the great outdoors would surely be remiss if they didn't explore the Scottish Highlands. And in the Argyll Forest Park, located on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute of the Scottish Highlands, you'll find an excellent place to leave the modern world behind. This is a forest that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale (or "Lord of the Rings"). Puck's Glen is one of the top woodland walks in Argyll Forest Park, as it offers stunning scenery and some intriguing legends connected with the land.

Puck's Glen is a perfect option if you're looking for a scenic day trip from Glasgow, which is less than a two-hour drive or a two-and-a-half-hour train ride from the area. The closest town is Dunoon, where you can find transportation to access the Puck's Glen Gorge Trail — a short loop that measures just over one and a half miles and only takes about an hour to complete. Some parts of the trail can be very challenging and feature rough inclines. However, a clearly marked walkway built in the Victorian times and some sturdy wooden bridges can help visitors find their way. Although summer and spring are excellent seasons, one of the best times to visit Puck's Glen is during the fall.

Scotland has no shortage of destinations that you might imagine fairies live in — like this fairytale world with ponds and waterfalls — and Puck's Glen is no different. The trail is covered in lush greenery, with cascades, streams, and moss-covered rocks, giving it an almost magical quality. So, it comes as no surprise that there are some supernatural legends tied to Puck's Glen. The most famous legend is of the Ghillie Dhu, a Scottish forest spirit who is covered in moss, leaves, and the like, who is a sort of forest guardian. The other is Poca Ban, a mischievous spirit that, apparently, sometimes takes the form of a ball of wool looking for people to trip on the path. Poca Ban is not unlike the Shakespearean character of Puck from "A Midsummer Night's Dream," whom this forest walk was named after.

Puck's Glen may be a relatively short walk, but luckily, there are other amazing things to do in the area once you've finished wandering through Argyll Forest Park. The Benmore Botanic Gardens is close by and easily accessible by public transportation. It also features a cafe where you can get some refreshments as you continue to explore the Scottish Highlands. In Dunoon, history and art buffs will enjoy tours of the Castle House Museum and the Dunoon Burgh Hall, which house exhibits about Argyll's rich heritage. Depending on when you visit these spaces, you might also be able to enjoy a cultural event or theatrical performance. If you'd like to discover more about the Highlands, check out our guide to the best activities to do in Scotland.