The Arbroath Smokie Trail Guide
Surrounded by stunning coastline and a rich maritime heritage, the Arbroath Smokie Trail is adding this local delicacy to the foodie map.
There are only about 15 items produced in Scotland that have the coveted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) – and one of them is the Arbroath smokie.
This world-famous haddock dish, smoked over hardwood, is synonymous with the Angus fishing town, so it is only fitting that an official trail has been established in celebration of the local delicacy and its history.
The Smokie Trail has existed for several years, but the trail has recently been relaunched by Visit Angus, Angus Tourism Cooperative and Appetite for Angus. The trio of organisations have come together to not only put Arbroath smokies on the map, but to market the area as a go-to destination for foodies, says Fiona Walsh, coordinator at Appetite for Angus.
“We work in partnership with Visit Angus to promote local food, drink and food tourism. Angus Alive, as custodians of The Signal Tower, are key partners in the trail, too,” she adds.
“It’s a fantastic town, with amazing people and a really valuable asset in the humble and very tasty smokie. We’ve got some fantastic ambassadors for the smokie, too, including all the amazing producers based in the town.”
The Arbroath Smokie Trail
- Arbroath Signal Tower Museum: where
you can learn about the history of the
smokie. - Arbroath Harbour
- Arbroath Cliff Trail
- The Fit O’ The Toon: where you can smell
the smokie aroma, and try one. - Auchmithie: the birthplace of the
world-famous dish.
What is the Arbroath Smokie?
The Arbroath smokie, and its unique method of preparation, is thought to have originated in Auchmithie, a small fishing village which lies 5km (three miles) north of Arbroath. You will find out more about this while learning all about its history on the trail.
“Exploring and engaging with the Arbroath smokie story; the history, the industry, the people, the unique flavour” is the aim of the trail, Fiona says. And, of course, eating an Arbroath smokie is also recommended!
If you have never tasted one, locals claim it’s best served straight off the barrel, so the warm and tender white flesh can flake away from the bones.
“A creamy buttery consistency and delicious fish flavour with gentle smokiness,” is how Fiona describes it.
Due to its PGI status, an Arbroath smokie can only be called this if it is produced in the traditional specified manner and within a 8km (five-mile) radius of the town.
Arbroath is a fantastic town, with amazing people and a really valuable asset in the humble and very tasty smokie.
Having lived and worked in France, Fiona was aware of the importance of PGI status, which is awarded by the European Commission and the UK Government to “named regional food products that have a reputation or noted characteristics specific to that area”.
What To Expect On The Arbroath Smokie Trail!
When Fiona returned to Scotland, she was determined to promote a trail dedicated to celebrating the Arbroath smokie.
She added, “Cognac, Champagne, Gruyère cheese – these regions sing about the products they are famous for and, as a direct result, they have created excellent visitor experiences and increased gentle tourism to the area. I want to see the same happen for Arbroath.”
So, what can we expect on the five-stage tour?
“There is now online content, hosted by Visit Angus, which has video content and audio descriptions for each of the five steps along the trail which starts at the Signal Tower and ends at Auchmithie,” says Fiona. “It takes in the harbour, the Fit O’ The Toon and the cliffs, too.
“I would love to see more bookable smokie experiences available in the area to draw tourists and help promote the region as a real foodie destination.”
It may still be in its infancy, but when you are in Angus and The Mearns, the Arbroath Smokie Trail is the perfect way to learn about the history of this Scottish staple, it is also regarded a visitor must-do because it takes in the most scenic views of the Angus coastline.
And, while following the trail, you can enjoy the taste, and distinctive smell, of a smokie in many of the local cafés and restaurants, or visit one of the local fishmongers and pick up a smokie to take home.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to the coast and, for a real treat, enjoy a delicious But ’n’ Ben Smokie Pancake when you reach your destination.
