The Livet Path

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
10.5 kms	04:00 (hrs:mins)	0 metres	Explorer 420: Coreen Hills & Glenlivet

Description

This track follows the river Livet into remote countryside, to an area which was the haunt of whisky smugglers, secretly manufacturing their spirit in well disguised Sma' stills, tucked away in the remote recesses of the Ladder hills. Sure footed Highland ponies once trod the hill tracks, burdened by their illicit loads, on arduous journeys to market. The open bowl of the Suidhe (pron. sue-ee) and the wide expanse of the Gordon flats, which once afforded the smuggler a clear view of approaching officials is today prime grouse shooting country. From the Allanreid car park cross the road bridge and continue past a small memorial cairn onto the Achdregnie farm road. After a short distance, leave this road and head towards the new footbridge over the river Livet. Turn left before the bridge and head south eastwards along the north bank of the river. After passing through a newly planted shelter belt, the trail turns eastwards leaving the river for a short section before rejoining it at Inverblye ford. Cross the bridge here and follow the track through a gate. Continue along the track on the south bank of the river for about 1.5 km until the path meets another gate. Not far past the small cottage near the ford, about 100m to the west of the track, traces of an ancient neolithic farm settlement lie amongst the heather. This dates back about 3000 years. To continue the walk, cross the stile at the second gate and turn right leaving the main track. Follow the fence southwards, away from the river for about 200m to another small gate. Turn right through the gate and follow the track (initially fairly indistinct in places) westwards through the heather. It soon becomes more obvious and crosses the open moor to reach the Blye water at the Burnside of Thain. The path across the moor can be fairly exposed, however the views compensate for the effort and the thought of ghostly smugglers to hasten your step! At the Blye Water, continue across the burn and along the farm track to join another farm road near Achnascraw farm. Cross the stile and continue straight on for about 50m then turn right (northwards) through the field, alongside the fence, following the track which heads towards the Bochel, a prominent hill which marks the northern entrance to the Braes. Continue along the track past Eskmore and Badievochel. At this junction, continue northwards following the sheep-walks which skirt the base of the Bochel, keeping to the topside of the fence. At the north-eastern side of the hill above the Glack cottage, this walk heads downhill, through the field, to join another track which continues northwards over the Livet footbridge, rejoining the starting route near Allanreid.

Access Info

Start and finish: GR 235 249. Allanreid car park, Tombae road.

Additional Info

Attractive low level walk along the banks of the river Livet. Returning across moorland and farmland, through the Braes. Exposed and can be muddy. Dogs are permitted under strict control.