Malcolm Gillespie Smugglers Trail

This remote loop leaves East Auchavaich, climbs past Tom a Voan and the Ladder Hills, and returns by the River Livet, open heather moor and Chapeltown. Published route notes give 10.5 km (6.5 mi) and four hours; the connected path line mapped for the full route measures about 11.5 km (7.2 mi). Plan around the longer mapped distance and allow extra time; no official track was available to resolve the difference.

From the car park, follow the farm track through the steading and climb toward the small wood at Tom a Voan. The route drops toward Ladderfoot, stays on the main track at the Ladder Road fork, crosses a burn and later fords the Burn of Coirebreac. It climbs to open high ground before descending toward the River Livet. The return crosses wet, sometimes indistinct heather moor by Blye Water and Burnside of Thain, then follows fields and a tarmac road back to Chapeltown. Expect exposed ground, a steady climb and widely spaced markers; carry a map and compass. The ford and the vague, wet moorland path call for confident navigation.

The Estate links the route to illicit whisky distilling, with remote corries and springs used to hide small stills. At the high point, the open Suie bowl and Gordon flats were described as lookouts over the approach of excise officers. The first climb looks toward Scalan Seminary, with Chapeltown and Braeval behind; later views open toward the Bochel and Braes of Glenlivet. The high moor is a strong place to frame a photo across the bowl and flats. Curlew, snipe, golden plover and lapwing are among the birds noted on the high ground in spring and early summer.

The moor section may be inaccessible during grouse shooting, so check current estate access before setting out. Dogs are allowed under ordinary Scottish access rules; keep them close around livestock and release them if cattle threaten them. No on-route food or water facilities were confirmed, so bring what you need for a remote walk.