Pathways > The Pathways book > Smugglers' trails
Smugglers' trails
Our rather quaint view of the smuggler as loveable rogue doesn't have much basis in fact. Neither was much smuggling of the type featured in films and books, with small boats creeping into dark harbours, guided by the occasional flash of a flintlock from the waiting shore party. Most contraband was brought in from abroad on a truly industrial scale, with gangs of hundreds meeting beached vessels on the shores close to London and other big cities. Demand too was massive, fueled by huge taxes on staples as well as luxuries during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Nearly all of society was involved in contraband in one way or another, a fact that made it more difficult for the authorities to gain convictions. But the stakes were high and fights between smugglers and enforcers could be very violent indeed. Intimidation of the local populace was standard practice. Only in out of the way places, like Cornwall, was smuggling more as it is imagined in popular fiction, undertaken by small family concerns with a degree of decency. Here it was just a way of life and of earning an income alongside fishing and legitimate trading.
The Cornish smuggling walk, featured in the book, is free to download once you have joined as a member of Walkingworld.
There is a special thread in the Pathways forum for smuggling trails, should you wish to join in the discussion.
Below is a list of walks relating to smuggling:
Ayrshire and Arran
This walk follows the route of the old smugglers' trail. The trail consists of ancient woodland and enjoys stunning views over the Firth of Clyde. This can be made a circular route or you can return by bus. ... More info
Cornwall
Start inland on ancient footpaths between farmsteads before joining the coast at Kenneggy Sands. Then walk via Prussia Cove (home of notorious eighteenth century smuggler John Carter), past Cudden Point and back to Perranuthnoe via Stackhouse and... More info
Devon
From the popular seaside down of Teignmouth, this circular walk allows us to explore the rugged red-cliff coast and the delightful village of Holcomb, bringing us a hint of smuggling days of old before following the beach back to the start.... More info
Dorset
A wonderful walk with high views over the coast and Dorset countryside, passing the well-known Smugglers Inn as you return along the coast; suitable for the whole family.... More info
Dumfries and Galloway
You are offered two walks for the price of one! The 'bright, rose-bowered, garden-encircled seaside village' of Auchencairn, once a smuggling centre, plays host to a 'country' and a 'seaside' leg, which may be enjoyed separately or walked as a... More info
Hampshire
Sorry ladies - it's a tree! It was used in the early 19th Century as a gibbet for highwaymen and smugglers. It's since been struck by lightning and there's not a great deal left to see. However, it provides a great excuse to do a lovely circular walk... More info
A short, circular walk for all the family to take pleasure in, with stunning views. There is plenty of variety with field-paths, shady tracks, woodland and downland. The beautiful surroundings offer a good chance of spotting deer along with other... More info
Isle of Wight
Smugglers and Lighthouse Circle;
a walk with views over the Isle of Wight and the English Channel, taking in some of the local history and landmarks.... More info
We continue our geological time journey of Part 3, but this time in reverse. Dinosaur footprints in the soft rocks lead us eastwards. We descend and detour around deep chines steeped in the rum of smuggling legends. Then, on through the unique... More info
Norfolk
At the start you can either walk along the beach, or the track behind the sand dunes if the tide is in. This part of the coast at Cart Gap was a smuggler's paradise! ... More info