The Steplar

The Steplar is a 17 km (10.6 mile) point-to-point walk from Rhindhu in the Braes of Glenlivet to Aldunie near Cabrach. Allow about six to seven hours for rough tracks, two burn crossings and open, rolling moorland. This is a hard, remote day out with little shelter, and the route's own guidance says to avoid it in bad weather. The present mapped itinerary ends at Aldunie; an older 13-mile figure describes the historic drove road, which was said to continue toward Rhynie.

From Rhindhu the way heads north and northeast to Burnside of Thain, then crosses heather moor to the River Livet's south-side track. At NJ 273 240 it fords Kymah Burn. A footbridge about 200 m east near Knochkan has been mentioned as an alternative, but it was reported closed in 2019 and its present status is unknown; plan on the ford. Continue past the derelict farm at Suie. About 300 m beyond it, bear right off the better road that continues up Glen Suie, also called the Glenfiddich Road.

The rougher track skirts Carn na Bruar, then descends east through the Dorenell wind farm. After the Black Water ford, a rough track climbs to Dead Wife's Hillock (543 m). The sampled route reaches higher ground around 600 m earlier on the ridge, then drops and climbs again. Pass through the pedestrian gate in the deer fence and descend to the gate at the top of a large field. A clear track leads past deserted Aldivalloch; the road beyond passes Aldunie and continues toward Kirktown of Cabrach. Watch for the turn after Suie: staying on the smoother Glenfiddich Road takes you away from this route.

The Steplar follows a former drove road and right of way between Cabrach and Glenlivet. Suie and Aldivalloch are reminders of the settlements along this lonely crossing. Aldivalloch's name comes from Allt a' Bhealaich, “burn of the pass,” and the place is remembered in “Roy's Wife of Aldivalloch.” The name Dead Wife's Hillock may recall a woman who died there, but that origin is only speculation; the deep trench around its crest is attributed to sheep sheltering from the weather.

This is a through-walk, so arrange a lift or other transport between Rhindhu and Aldunie before you start. The route information gives no formal parking details at either end, and no food, toilets or drinking water were identified on the route. Dogs are allowed under Scotland's access rules when kept under proper control; keep one close or on a short lead near livestock, and do not take it into fields with young animals.