Tomintoul
Toplis Bothy
A small bothy near the Well of the Lecht with an intriguing history The Toplis Bothy lies on the A939 road
Take to the SnowRoads and experience the abundance of activities this area of the Cairngorms National Park has to offer.
Come summer or winter, you’ll find something for everyone – from tourist favourites such as Balmoral Castle to snowsports, magnificent low- and high-level hikes, and more. Whether you’re looking for romantic Scottish experiences, a luxury self-drive holiday or adrenaline-blasting outdoor activities, you’ll find it on the SnowRoads.
Arts and Crafts
Local artists and storytellers are stitched into the fabric of Scottish culture, and Scotland’s landscape, nature and history provide the perfect springboard for inspiration. Among the numerous galleries en route is Lost Gallery, which, in its tranquil woodland location in Glen Nochty, has showcased eclectic artwork since 1994. Or the Spey Bank Studio in Grantown-on-Spey, that showcases a diverse range of art, with a predominant focus on Scottish artists, particularly those from the Cairngorms National Park – from painters and photographers to sculptors and more.
Cultural Heritage
Speckled along the SnowRoads are some of Scotland’s most iconic castles—Braemar, Balmoral, and Corgaff, to name a few. In the summer months, celebrate our Scottish culture with a visit to a traditional Highland games, including Lonach Highland Games and the (often royally attended) Braemar Highland Games.
Distilleries
Slàinte! Delight in a dram in the world’s whisky distillery capital with tours around Glenlivet, Royal Lochnagar, and more. Or skip the tour and head straight to the bottled goods at the Whisky Castle shop in Tomintoul. Gin lovers can head to the HQs of the likes of Persie and Caorunn.
Food and Drink
From unique dining experiences to hearty restaurants, Scotland’s bubbling food scene is an ode to both new and traditional flavours. Sample it for yourself at the dozens of food and drink spots along the route. Local favourites include Berties Whisky Bar at luxury Fife Arms, the Fish Shop Restaurant, Hazelnut Pattiserie and KJ’s Bothy Bakery.
Hidden Gems
Untouched land, remote lochs and ‘secret’ waterfalls: discover bountiful beauty when you wander off the beaten track. These special spots make SnowRoads an ideal destination for a romantic break.
Outdoor Activities
Welcome to a country that appears to have been designed for adventure sports. Bike, walk, run, cycle, swim, ski, paddleboard: experience the magnificence of the Cairngorms National Park your way.
Van Life
A bucket list destination for many motorhome owners and van lifers: experience the very best of the Scottish Highlands from the comfort of your own home on wheels.
View Points
Settle into slow travel: you’ll have more time to take in the views! Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring mountain scenery around you from one of our many recommended viewing locations.
Walking
From hiking some of Scotland’s highest peaks, such as Lochnagar – once hiked by Queen Victoria – to treks through ancient woodlands, the SnowRoads landscapes offer walk options to suit all ages and abilities.
Wildlife
Peak at a pine martin or gawk at a golden eagle: the Scottish Highlands are home to some of the UK’s most rare and endangered wildlife. At Balmoral Castle, a new capercaillie lek experience immerses visitors in the sights and sounds of a Caledonian forest, with up-close footage of the nation’s most endangered birds.
Things to do along the Snowroads…
Ballater
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Neighbouring Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar is the perfect place to discover how Scotch Whisky is made. Watch as our team
Braemar
Braemar Highland Games Centre
The Braemar Highland Games Centre explores a living tradition, the Highland games, focusing on the world-famous Braemar Gathering and its
Grantown on Spey
Anagach Woods and Walks
Gentle paths take you through the wild pine woods of Anagach to the River Spey with wonderful views and photo
Aviemore
Craic Events
A new local professional community-based events company. A commitment and passion to create, host and develop events in Cairngorm National Park.
Grantown on Spey
The Craggan All Golf Centre
User friendly 9 hole golf course set on the banks of the river Spey with fine views of the Cairngorms
Strathdon
Lecht Ski Centre – Winter Activities Skiing & Snowboarding
Lecht 2090 is based 2090 feet (645m) above sea level amid the beauty of the Eastern Cairngorms. The Lecht Activity
Ballater
Glas Allt Waterfall
These picturesque falls can be found flowing into Loch Muick on Balmoral Estate. Take the circular route around the loch
Grantown on Spey
BattleZone Laser Tag at Cairngorms Activities
Have an absolute blast with your comrades during our action-packed BattleZone laser tag sessions. Much like paintball (minus the pain
Tomintoul
Tomintoul Dark Sky Discovery Site
The Glenlivet and Tomintoul area is one of the best places in the Cairngorms National Park to discover the wonders
Grantown on Spey
Grantown on Spey Golf Club
Situated in the Cairngorms National Park, the course measures 5710 yards, with a par of 70 and Standard Scratch Score
Braemar
Kindrochit Castle (Ruin)
Kindrochit Castle is a ruined 14th-century fortification located on the banks of the Clunie River in Braemar. Kindrochit Castle was built
Grantown on Spey
The Cairn Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail
https://www.thecairndistillery.com/
Grantown on Spey
Grantown Museum & Heritage Trust
Museum: Discover the stories from Grantown-on-Spey; all about the founding of our 18th Century planned town, who were the movers
Aviemore
Ski Service Scotland
¬¬New Summer 2025¬¬ Premium Ski and Snowboard Servicing Scotland Watch this space!
Ballater
TwinPeakes Flyfishing
The leading providers of fly fishing experiences on Royal Deeside. Looking for an unforgettable fly fishing experience in Scotland? Look
Glenlivet
Bike Glenlivet
Enjoy fun-packed, flowing single track and stunning scenery at the purpose built mountain bike trails. Family friendly blue, red and orange
Ballater
Ringing Stone (aka Ringing Stane)
The ringing stone near Ballater is a mysterious stone which you can `play` near Ballater.
Auchintaple Loch
Hidden in the Angus Glens, Auchentaple Loch can be found on the route of the Cateran Trail and is a
Grantown on Spey
Trout Fishing @ Craggan Golf Course
Trout fishery set in beautiful countryside where you can enjoy the quiet and solitude of the outdoors with the added
Aviemore
Skiing and Snowboarding – Active Outdoor Pursuits Snowsports School
Active Outdoor Pursuits Snowsports School The snowsports programmes for groups and individuals is run at Lecht Ski Centre, Cairngorm Mountain
Tomintoul
Tomintoul & Glenlivet Discovery Centre
We look forward to welcoming our visitors back in 2022. In celebration of Tomintoul & Glenlivet being awarded International Dark Sky
Glenlivet
Bike Glenlivet – Zip Wire
New in 2024 our continuous wire zip line trail features 13 descents, 3 bridges, a double wire to finish and
Blairgowrie
Cargill`s Leap
A short walk from Blairgowrie along the River Ericht will take you to Cargill’s Leap – the point at which
Carrbridge
Cairngorm Adventure Guides
Cairngorm Adventure Guides offer high quality courses and experiences in the mountains. We specialise in walking, mountaineering, ski touring and
Nethy Bridge
Speyside Events Company
At Speyside Events Company, we are passionate about crafting unforgettable experiences, by providing bespoke event planning and decor services, tailored
Ballater
Cambus O` May
Cambus O`May near Ballater is a lovely area which you can visit again and again to enjoy the different seasons. Waymarked
Strathdon
Corgarff Castle
An isolated tower house in the Cairgorms that was a residence of the high-status Forbes family. After Culloden in 1746,
Glenlivet
Knock Earth House
A walk off of the West Avonside Path will take you to this underground chamber, thought to be used to
Aviemore
Winter Walking skills course – Cairngorm Adventure Guides
Cairngorm Adventure Guides offer 2 and 5 day winter skills courses designed to cover the essential skills needed to stay
Crathie
Wild Discovery
Wild Discovery is an award-winning wildlife watching company with sustainability and conservation at its core. Experience remarkable wildlife with experts by
Tomintoul
Tomintoul Bird Hide
Pay a visit to the hide to see how many Curlew, Lapwing (Peesies), Oystercatcher, Snipe and Redshank you can spot
Braemar
Linn of Dee (access to Lairig Ghru)
A lovely walk visits the beautiful 300-metre natural rock gorge called the Linn of Dee. A famous beauty spot historically
Strathdon
Lecht Ski Centre – Mountain Biking
Take a trip to the top with your bike on the Chairlift and try out your skills on the 2
Braemar
Discover Mar Lodge Estate
Mar Lodge Estate is made up of more than 29,000 hectares of astonishing Scottish landscape: heather-covered moorland, Caledonian pine forest,
Grantown on Spey
Craig Maclean Leisure Centre
We have much to offer here at the Craig Maclean Leisure Centre. To see our upcoming fitness classes and up
Nethy Bridge
Niven Photography
Niven Photography – creative and commercial photography based in the the Cairngorms in the Highlands of Scotland, well as running
Braemar
Mountain Skies Braemar
Mountain Skies Braemar offer guided Dark Sky and stargazing walks in the Braemar and Upper Deeside area. We are passionate
Glenshee
The Cairnwell Pass
With a summit altitude of 670m (2199 ft), the Cairnwell Pass is the highest public road in the United Kingdom. Historically,
Ballater
Bike Station Ballater
Bike Hire, Bike Guiding and generally outdoor advice on what is on outdoors around Ballater. Trail info, events,
Blairgowrie
Bluebell (Darroch) Woods
The Bluebell Wood trail is a two-mile circular route taking in Darroch Wood, Ardblair Wood, Fingask Loch and White Loch
Aviemore
Highland Yaks Transport
Highland Yaks provides a transport and logistics service for your outdoor adventures. Transfers, shuttles and logistics for – Canoeing,
Braemar
Wild Braemar
Wild Braemar creates personal, authentic experiences in the heart of the Cairngorms National park. Explore, discover and connect with nature
Glenshee
Glas Maol Munros Circuit
The Glas Maol Circuit is a group of four Munros (mountains over 3,000 ft or 914.4 m) to the east
Tarland
The Butterworth Gallery
The Butterworth Gallery is a Scottish fine art online gallery in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Showcasing a wide range of Scottish original
Crathie
Balmoral Castle Ranger Service
Balmoral Estate is a Highland estate with a long association with Royalty. Its rugged beauty first attracted Queen Victoria who
Dinnet
Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve
The Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve offers a blend of signposted woodland walks, wildlife spotting, open water, historic hidden
Tomintoul
Glenlivet Estate Ranger Service
Glenlivet Estate, part of the Crown Estate, lies between the Ladder and Cromdale hills at the north east edge of
Ballater
Craigendarroch Hill
Craigendarroch may be a small hill, but it has a big place in the affections of the Ballater folk. It overlooks
Nethy Bridge
Castle Roy Trust
A free all-abilities visitor opportunity if you are planning an Event, Performance or a Visit? The Panoramic Picnic Point is
Tomintoul
Glenlivet Estate Office and Information Centre
WALKS, WHISKY & WILDLIFE…… Walking, mountain biking, adventure playground, fishing, birdwatching, skiing – whatever the season, all the family
Tomintoul
Lecht Mine (Well of the Lecht)
A pleasant short walk from the car park takes you to the isolated site of the Lecht Mine, a former
Braemar
St Margaret's Trust Braemar
St Margaret’s is a unique performance, arts and heritage venue in Braemar, Scotland. Breathing new life into this beautiful historic building
Blairgowrie
The Cateran Trail
Blairgowrie town centre is the start point for the 64-mile circular Cateran Trail which offers a network of walking routes
Tomintoul
Victor Gaffney Cairn and Viewpoint
A cairn in memory of local historian, Dr. Victor Gaffney, stands at just a short walk from the Campdalmore car
Braemar
Loch Callater
Loch Callater is freshwater loch around five miles south of Braemar. You can take a seven mile walk from the Auchallater
Ballater
Balmoral Castle
The grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral Castle will open to the public from Tuesday 1st April until Sunday 10th
Braemar
Linn of Quoich
The Linn of Quoich, or the Earl of Mar`s Punch Bowl, is a natural hole in a rock midstream that
Strathdon
Lecht Chairlift
Take a trip on the chairlift to the top and enjoy the stunning Scottish views.
Tomintoul
Whisky Castle and Highland Market
The Whisky Castle has been selling the finest malt whiskies of Scotland from its premises in the quaint village of
Braemar
St Andrew`s Kirkyard
This historic kirkyard is said to be the first church in Scotland dedicated to St Andrew, the patron saint of
Tomintoul
Still Art Installation
One of three scenic route installation on the Snow Roads enticing you to discover new perspectives on stunning viewpoints. Still by
Glenshee
Clach Na Coileach (The Cockstane)
The Cock’s Stone lies close to west side of the A93, just a few hundred yards north of the Wee
Glenlivet
Carrachs Dark Sky Discovery Site
The Glenlivet and Tomintoul area is one of the best places in the Cairngorms National Park to discover the wonders
Corgarff
The Watchers Art Installation and A Moment in Time
One of three scenic route installation on the Snow Roads enticing you to discover new perspectives on stunning viewpoints. Four
Ballater
Bike Hire and Guiding by Cyclehighlands
Mountain bike guiding and rental at the heart of Royal Deeside. Cyclehighlands is Aberdeenshire largest bike shop and can provide
Glenshee
The Serpent`s Stone
The Serpent`s Stone is a large boulder on the north side of Loch Beanie with curious markings. The story goes
Glenlivet
Carn Daimh Walk and Viewpoint
Take this pleasant, waymarked walk up to the Carn Daimh or Hill of the Stags. At 1866ft (570m) the Carn Daihm
Grantown on Spey
Archery with Cairngorms Activities
The tradition of Archery dates back to the days of hunting for food and ancient battles, today, it’s a safe
Dinnet
Kinord Cross
An excellently preserved Christian monument from the end of the Pictish period, carved in the 9th century. The Kinord Cross is
Rock Climbing – Cairngorm Adventure Guides
Glenlivet
The Hidden College at Scalan
In 1716 Catholic Bishops established a secret college for priests at Scalan. They chose this remote spot to avoid persecution
Spittal of Glenshee
Persie Distillery at Auchenflower
Persie Gin launched in May 2016. Developed by Scotland’s first touring gin club (Gin Club Scotland), the family of three
Braemar
Creag Choinnich
This charming small hill overlooking the village of Braemar has a lot to offer with outstanding views of the River
Grantown on Spey
Disc Golf and Foot Golf with Cairngorms Activities
Here in the Highlands we offer traditional Golf in our beautiful setting alongside the River Spey and some unique golf-inspired
Aviemore
Hillwalking – Cairngorm Adventure Guides
Cairngorm Adventure Guides offer guided hillwalking for groups or individuals. We can tailor your visit to suit your experience level
Tomintoul
Drumin Castle
Only two walls remain of this former stronghold of Alexander Stewart, better known as the 'Wolf of Badenoch' (1342-1406).
Glenlivet
Blairfindy Moor Dark Sky Discovery Site
The Glenlivet and Tomintoul area is one of the best places in the Cairngorms National Park to discover the wonders
Aviemore
Cairngorm Mountain Ranger Service
The Cairngorm Mountain Ranger Service is deployed and funded by Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited to provide stewardship and custody of
Dinnet
Burn O` Vat
A circular walk from the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre takes you to this impressive geological feature
Braemar
Braemar Mountain Rescue Association
Braemar Mountain Rescue Team operates from two bases in the Cairngorm National Park. The team headquarters is in Braemar and
Grantown on Spey
Craggan Disc & Foot Golf
Disc golf at Craggan golf course. Nine holes beside the river Spey. Throw your disc into the basket in as
Glenlivet
Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trails
Purpose built mountain bike centre with café and bike hire at the heart of Glenlivet Estate. A range of
Blairgowrie
Oakbank Mill
The Oakbank Mill is a three-storey derelict mill building which sits on the banks of the River Ericht at Blairgowrie. The
Braemar
Braemar Castle
17th Century Castle with an interesting history. Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar as his Highland hunting lodge. Burned in
Crathie
Balmoral Expedition Tours
Enjoy a wonderful tour of Balmoral, the Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family. The Balmoral Expedition Tour is a wonderful
Grantown on Spey
Trek Scotland
All-inclusive wild-camping experiences allow you to see Scotland like never before. We offer both bespoke guiding services or opportunities to
Glenshee
Connecting Contours Art Installation
One of three scenic route installation on the Snow Roads enticing you to discover new perspectives on stunning viewpoints. Connecting
Braemar
Invercauld Estate Shooting, Fishing & Walking
Fishing The Estate offers first class salmon and sea trout fishing opportunities on the River Dee where you will
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