About Glenlivet
The Glenlivet estate consists of the lower reaches of the River Avon (pronounced "a'an") together with its main tributary, the Livet, which rises to the east in the Ladder Hills. This is high country, as the lowest points in Glenlivet are still 180 metres (600 feet) high, and winter snow can last late into the spring. But the high Cairngorms to the southwest intercept much of the rain and the area is surprisingly drier than many other parts of Scotland.
Acquired by The Crown Estate in 1937, Glenlivet is a highly integrated multiple-use upland estate. Managed to provide opportunities for sustained employment in agriculture, forestry, sporting and tourism, a high priority is given to the long-term development of the estate's community, its recreational, educational and other requirements. This is balanced with the need to protect and enhance the rich natural and cultural heritage of this fascinating area, while preserving the special qualities and characteristics of the countryside, which combine to produce the remarkable Glenlivet landscape.
Today farming is still the major industry, although the need to remain viable now means that the estate's tenanted farms are fewer in number, but larger and more efficient. Livestock is the main product, with an emphasis on cattle breeding and rearing. While altitude and exposure restrict agricultural activities, the soils of the area are generally fertile and the quality of stock is highly regarded.
The Glenlivet Smugglers’ Trails
In August 2007 The Crown Estate and the Glenlivet Distillery in Speyside launched three historic walks in the beautiful surroundings of the Glenlivet valley to give visitors a flavour of its illicit whisky smuggling past. Please follow the link for further details.
Flora and Wildlife
The Cromdale and Ladder Hills encircle the estate, swathed in heather. A particular feature of the area, especially in the late summer and autumn when the purple flowers bloom, these moorlands support populations of red grouse and other characteristic upland birds and animals. The moors are carefully maintained by controlled burning to increase the numbers of grouse that live on them - an activity that helps to conserve this special habitat. Grouse shooting takes place in August and September but other activities including deerstalking, rough shooting and salmon fishing allow the operation of year round sporting activities on the estate. Before paying a visit to the estate, please read our notes about access.
Afforestation in the 1950s and 60s resulted in the establishment of the pine and spruce woods that dissect the countryside. Managed by The Crown Estate, a restructuring programme of thinning, clearance and replanting is now in progress. The aim is to produce a continuous crop of timber for the future and long term employment in the area, while maintaining and improving the benefits of shelter, diversity for wildlife and facilities for recreation.
Native broad-leaved trees account for a high percentage of newly planted areas and there are several stands of semi-natural woods of birch and alder, which add greatly to the natural heritage of the area. Birch woods support a rich and varied mix of plants and animals, but they have suffered a severe decline over the years as grazing animals hinder regeneration. Steps are being taken to manage, protect and extend areas of birchwood through farm-based woodland management schemes. Grazing pressure is reduced and natural regeneration encouraged, helping to conserve these attractive woods and the wildlife they support.
The varied nature of the countryside provides many opportunities for enjoying birdwatching or viewing other upland animals. Crossbills, siskins, redpolls, goldcrest and long-tailed tits can be seen in many of the woodland areas, where you may also spot the occasional red squirrel darting amongst the trees. Tracts of Juniper scrub, heather heath and adjoining woodlands provide good habitat for black grouse and short eared owls, while bogs, blanket peat and rough grassland allow many waders, including snipe, redshank, curlew and golden plover to breed. Mountain hares are frequently seen on the hills, particularly in the spring when still wearing their white winter coat, while red and roe deer browse over both the high and low ground. The wooded banks of the rivers Avon and Livet are particularly attractive and it is not unusual to see goosanders along these stretches of water during the summer. Dippers are commonly seen along the rocky burns and noisy oystercatchers nest among pebble banks in the spring. This mix of countryside and open moorland provides for a variety of different birds of prey including kestrel, sparrowhawk, hen harrier and merlin while buzzards are frequently observed in the sky.
The Modern Estate
Within this working landscape, new uses of the land have appeared to complement traditional activities. The skiing area at the Lecht offers easily accessible slopes especially for beginners and intermediates and at nearby Glenmulliach, cross-country ski trails have been laid out through the forest. The extensive network of waymarked walking and cycling trails provides access to many remote and attractive parts of the estate, while the development of new facilities and services for visitors is an important element of estate management.
Where is Glenlivet?
The Glenlivet estate sits in the high land north-east of the Cairngorms.
It is:
- 241 km (150 miles) north of Edinburgh
- 113km (70 miles) west of Aberdeen
- 80 km (50 miles) south-west of Inverness
For more specific information on the address and location of the Glenlivet estate office, please visit our Glenlivet estate website.
Further Information
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