Grantown on Spey
The Cairn Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail
https://www.thecairndistillery.com/
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…
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
Blairgowrie
Cargill`s Leap
A short walk from Blairgowrie along the River Ericht will take you to Cargill’s Leap – the point at which
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
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.
Braemar
Mar Lodge
Historic Country Lodge fantastic for groups, functions, weddings and corporate entertaining.
Auchintaple Loch
Hidden in the Angus Glens, Auchentaple Loch can be found on the route of the Cateran Trail and is a
Nethy Bridge
Abernethy Golf Club, Nethy Bridge
Established in 1893, Abernethy Golf Club has 9 challenging holes built on natural moorland bordered by the ancient pines of
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
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
Strathdon
Lecht Chairlift
Take a trip on the chairlift to the top and enjoy the stunning Scottish views.
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
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
Ballater
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Neighbouring Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar is the perfect place to discover how Scotch Whisky is made. Watch as our team
Ballater
Balmoral Castle
The grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral Castle will open to the public from Tuesday 1st April until Sunday 10th
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
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
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
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
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
Braemar
Mountain Skies Braemar
Mountain Skies Braemar offer guided Dark Sky and stargazing walks in the Braemar and Upper Deeside area. We are passionate
Tomintoul
Toplis Bothy
A small bothy near the Well of the Lecht with an intriguing history The Toplis Bothy lies on the A939 road
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
Yellow Welly Tours
Royal Deeside's Premier Chauffeur Driven Luxury Tour Experience – Our bespoke Yellow Welly Tours can help you explore the Royal
Grantown on Spey
Stag & Hen Parties with Cairngorms Activities
We make stag and hen planning simple, choose a full weekend or build a two day activity day for an
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
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
Dinnet
Kinord Cross
An excellently preserved Christian monument from the end of the Pictish period, carved in the 9th century. The Kinord Cross is
Tomintoul
Ailnack Gorge
At 600 ft wide, 300 ft deep and 6 miles long, the Ailnack Gorge is Scotland`s largest glacial melt water
Braemar
Mar Lodge Estate Ranger Service
Mar Lodge Estate NNR, is set in a stunning location on the south side of the Cairngorms, surrounded by mountains,
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,
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
Ballater
The Royal Bridge
The Old Royal Bridge in Ballater offers views of the River Dee on the South East side of Ballater. It
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
Braemar
Glenshee Ski Centre – Skiing & Snowboarding
Scotland's largest ski area with varied terrain from the invitingly easy to surprisingly steep! 40km's of pistes over 3 valleys
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
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
Ballater
Bike Station Ballater
Bike Hire, Bike Guiding and generally outdoor advice on what is on outdoors around Ballater. Trail info, events,
Ballater
Craigendarroch Hill
Craigendarroch may be a small hill, but it has a big place in the affections of the Ballater folk. It overlooks
Ballater
AA Box 472 'Mini Museum'
TEAM 472 INVITE YOU TO BE TRANSPORTED BACK SOME 60 YEARS OR MORE! 'Mini but awesome!' was one of
Ballater
TwinPeakes Flyfishing
The leading providers of fly fishing experiences on Royal Deeside. Looking for an unforgettable fly fishing experience in Scotland? Look
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tomintoul
Glenlivet Estate Office and Information Centre
WALKS, WHISKY & WILDLIFE…… Walking, mountain biking, adventure playground, fishing, birdwatching, skiing – whatever the season, all the family
Nethy Bridge
Niven Photography
Niven Photography – creative and commercial photography based in the the Cairngorms in the Highlands of Scotland, well as running
Ballater
Glas Allt Waterfall
These picturesque falls can be found flowing into Loch Muick on Balmoral Estate. Take the circular route around the loch
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
Grantown on Spey
Cairngorms Activities: Outdoor Activities Centre
Recognised as ‘Best Visitor Attraction’ in the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards, Cairngorms Activities is your go-to for all kinds
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
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
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
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 Bird Hide
Pay a visit to the hide to see how many Curlew, Lapwing (Peesies), Oystercatcher, Snipe and Redshank you can spot
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
Grantown on Spey
Grantown Library
Visit our webpage or social media for up to date information.
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
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
Braemar
Creag Choinnich
This charming small hill overlooking the village of Braemar has a lot to offer with outstanding views of the River
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
Dulnain Bridge
Speyside Centre
The Speyside Centre is a family run Visitor Centre where visitors can enjoy the following ; A Restaurant
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
Glenlivet
Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trails
Purpose built mountain bike centre with café and bike hire at the heart of Glenlivet Estate. A range of
Ballater
Ballater Golf Club
18-hole golf course in Ballater on Royal Deeside. Green Fees: Mon-Fri £30, Sat-Sun £38 Catering available 8am-8pm
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
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
Dinnet
Burn O` Vat
A circular walk from the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre takes you to this impressive geological feature
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
Glenlivet
Packhorse Bridge
The Packhorse bridge provides a picturesque location for a picnic and a lovely photo opportunity. This picturesque structure spans the Livet
Ballater
Knock Castle (Ruin)
Knock Castle is a four-storey, 16th century ruined tower house located on Knock Hill to the West of Ballater. On the
Aviemore
Highland Yaks Transport
Highland Yaks provides a transport and logistics service for your outdoor adventures. Transfers, shuttles and logistics for – Canoeing,
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
Ballater
Ringing Stone (aka Ringing Stane)
The ringing stone near Ballater is a mysterious stone which you can `play` near Ballater.
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
Crathie
Crathie Kirk
Crathie Kirk is a Church of Scotland place of worship most well known for regular visits by the Queen and
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
Spittal of Glenshee
Dalmunzie Golf Course
A wonderfully well looked after panoramic 9 hole golf course built in the 1920's. With elevated tees, river and
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
Ski Service Scotland
¬¬New Summer 2025¬¬ Premium Ski and Snowboard Servicing Scotland Watch this space!
Braemar
Loch Callater
Loch Callater is freshwater loch around five miles south of Braemar. You can take a seven mile walk from the Auchallater
Braemar
Wild Braemar
Wild Braemar creates personal, authentic experiences in the heart of the Cairngorms National park. Explore, discover and connect with nature
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
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
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
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
Linn of Quoich
The Linn of Quoich, or the Earl of Mar`s Punch Bowl, is a natural hole in a rock midstream that
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
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
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
Crathie, Ballater
Stravaig Saunas
An outdoor sauna experience: a chance to indulge in some time for relaxation in our hand built Finnish sauna.
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
Grantown on Spey
Private Use for Groups with Cairngorms Activities
Create an unforgettable event in a fabulous setting. Hiring our venue in the Cairngorms gives you the added bonus of
Tarland
The Butterworth Gallery
The Butterworth Gallery is a Scottish fine art online gallery in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Showcasing a wide range of Scottish original
Uncover wild landscapes, historic tales, grand days out and more.
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