Smokey’s Summit

The walk up Smokey's Summit takes you through proper Highland terrain, starting from near Taynuilt and climbing steadily through mixed woodland before opening out onto moorland. Once you're up there - and it's not a brutal hike, more of a solid morning's work - the views across Loch Awe and the surrounding peaks justify the effort. On a clear day you can see for miles. On a grey one, which is half the time, it's moody and atmospheric in that way Scottish hills do so well.

This is the sort of place that appeals to walkers who want a decent view without needing mountaineering skills or full-day commitment. Families with older kids (say, 10 plus) will manage it fine if they're used to hills. The path itself is well-trodden, though it can be muddy and boggy in places, so proper boots are non-negotiable. Allow two to three hours return depending on fitness and how long you loiter at the top.

If you're staying at Loch Awe Holiday Park just down the road, this makes an obvious day out - you're basically on the doorstep. The area around here is quieter than some Highland destinations, which means fewer crowds battling for the same photographs. Worth doing on a decent weather day rather than gambling on mist clearing. The summit itself is fairly exposed, so wind can be fierce.