Glen Nant National Forest

You drive through Taynuilt and suddenly the landscape opens up - ancient woodland rises on either side of the glen, Douglas firs towering above native broadleaves in a way that feels genuinely unspoilt. Glen Nant National Forest is a proper working woodland, not a manicured attraction. There are walking trails threading through it, ranging from gentle strolls to proper hikes that'll have you breathing hard by the top of the ridge.

The big draw is the sheer scale of it. You're walking among centuries-old trees, following streams that cut through the valley floor, and you won't see crowds even in peak season. It's the kind of place where your footsteps sound loud and you start noticing details - lichen on bark, the way light filters through the canopy, that smell when you step on damp moss. Families with capable walkers will get a decent half-day out of it. Young kids might struggle with the muddy sections unless you're prepared for the dirt.

The forest is free to access, which is a win. Allow two to three hours for a decent circuit depending on fitness. Visit outside school holidays if you value peace, and wear proper boots - it's genuinely boggy after rain.

It's ideally placed if you're staying at Loch Awe Holiday Park just down the road. Combine it with a drive around the loch itself or a visit to Inveraray Castle to make a proper day of it. Glen Nant works best for people who actually like being in woods rather than ticking off viewpoints.