Day 42 – At Tomintoul

Sunday 6th June

I spent most of the day on the bike in the Glenlivet Estate riding partly on what is known as the Smugglers’ Trail.

Glenlivet is the oldest distillery. There had been illegal distilleries in the area in the 1700s but the first legal one was here after the passing of the Excise Act in 1823. This was unpopular with many, as it meant excise taxes. At one time in the late 18th century there were more than 200 illicit stills operating in the Glen. Nowadays, there are 14 Glenlivet whiskies, the climate, and the wild and rugged landscape highly conducive to whisky making.

I’d had this recommendation from the Landlady at the Glenavon, who cross country skies on these trails in the winter. They are quite remote, and attract few visitors. I parked at Chapeltown at the Chivas distillery, and rode on a decent 4WD track until reaching the Livet river.

I lengthened the route by heading along the river, and then about a mile east of Tomnavoulin (another of the Glenlivet’s), headed south on a footpath. This latter section was more serious mountain biking; muddy and a variety of rough surfaces, taking me back a few years, and a lot of fun.