Route: Benmore Botanic Garden
Area: Scotland, Cowal Peninsula, Argyll
Date of walk: 10th September 2025
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 3.5 miles
Ascent: 600 feet
Weather: Overcast and dull
Another day of unsettled weather ruled out a hill walk and we decided to visit Benmore Botanic Garden near Dunoon. The garden extends to 120 acres and features a world-renowned collection of plants from regions such as the Himalayas, China, Japan, and North and South America. It is owned and managed by RBGE (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh)
As we bought our tickets, we were informed that a section of the garden was closed as a result of storm damage in January 2025. In the event this didn’t detract from our visit as there was so much else to see. Just beyond the entrance we paused to admire Redwood Avenue, a magnificent avenue of 160 year old giant redwoods. Using the garden plan provided we made our way uphill to the Wright Smith Memorial Viewpoint from where there is a lovely view, although not shown at its best in poor light today
The storm damage meant that we had to descend the way we’d come, and once back down we walked past Benmore House to explore the other garden areas. This involved another climb uphill, passing by specimen trees from all corners of the globe. Having admired the view from the Chilean Viewpoint we descended via the Victorian Fernery which showcases ferns, mosses and liverworts in an unusual building
We spent a full half day here and it was packed with interest throughout – a perfect venue for a poor weather day
Click here for a garden plan. I’ve not provided the usual route map as it’s best to wander around the myriad paths as your fancy takes you
Scroll down – or click on any photo to view as a slideshow, with options to comment and share on social media
We enter Benmore Botanic Garden and pass by one of its highlights - Redwood Avenue
This avenue of giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) was planted in 1863 by the American Piers Patrick, who was then the owner of Benmore estate. The avenue consists of giant redwoods that are about 50 m (165 ft) tall
The trees have the potential to live for up to 3,000 years, so are relative youngsters
We walk towards the pond area...
We walk by the pond, named rather unimaginatively 'The Pond'
We make our way uphill (the garden is set in mountainous territory and there are quite a few ups and downs to the various viewpoints)
Looking down to the walled garden
Looking back to Beinn Ruadh as we climb up to the Wright Smith Memorial Viewpoint...
We pass by a number of fallen trees, a reminder of the storm damage in January 2025
View from the Wright Smith Memorial Viewpoint, looking towards Dunoon
Back to valley level, we admire one of the willow sculptures by local artist Kathy Bruce
Benmore House, now an outdoor centre
Red cedar, Douglas fir and Scots pine line the path as we head towards Golden Gates...
Golden Gates - the prize winning gates were commissioned by James Duncan and exhibited at the Paris Exhibition of 1878. For many years they were the main entrance to Benmore House
The start of another climb as we make our way up to the Chilean and Bhutanese areas of the garden...
Views from the Chilean area...
The area was established in order to grow Chilean plants and trees, many of which are threatened in the wild
The Chilean Viewpoint Refuge
View from the refuge
Monkey Puzzle Tree
We descend from here and head towards the Fernery...
The Fernery, constructed in the 1870s and now a listed building
It fell into ruin but was restored in 2009
After leaving the Fernery we make our way back to the exit
Redwood Avenue again
The end of a wonderful visit
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