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Heather, bogs and illicit stills

Posted on 24th October 2017

This week we had the pleasure of accompanying the editor of National Geographic Traveller on an action packed two-day tour of The Malt Whisky Trail.

After visiting The Glenlivet Distillery, we had a real treat in store in what is described as a ‘Highland Hilltop experience’ amongst the heather hilltops of beautiful Glenlivet Estate on an Argocat.

Charlie, who runs Glenlivet Hill Trek was a fountain of knowledge and took us through the hidden glen of Glenlivet which was a haven for illicit whisky smugglers and distillers throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The most infamous of these was Robbie McPherson.

Travelling gracefully through the heather and bog on an eight wheel drive Argocat we travelled to Peat Reek Bothy to view a reproduction a Pot Still and a saw first-hand a copy of Robbie McPherson‘s last will and testament.

The absolute peak of the trip, funnily enough was the peak, reaching the summit of Carn Ghrantaich over Blairfindy Moor with a summit of 1700ft with generous views stretching across to the Moray Coast, the Ladder Hills and all the way over to the Cairngorms Mountain Range.

On our descent we visited the site of the original Glenlivet Distillery the first licensed distillery in Scotland founded by George Smith in 1824.

For anyone visiting the Malt Whisky Trail and likes some action and adventure, Glenlivet Hill Trek is an absolute must.

by Jennifer Robertson