Snow Roads Scenic Route – through the Cairngorms to Tomintoul

Scotland’s highest public road cuts straight through the mountainous heart of the Highlands. Along the Snow Roads Scenic Route, one attraction follows another.

Travellers should take more time when driving through the Cairngorms – that’s the stated goal behind the Snow Roads Scenic Route, right in the heart of Scotland. In principle, its creators have done exactly what was done for the North Coast 500 through the north: taken an existing route and given it a catchy name, to make it better known.

The route does have a distinct character of its own: its highest pass sits at 670 metres above sea level, making it the highest public road in the United Kingdom. In between, it winds through classic Highland glens, passing several famous castles and stately homes along the way. All in all, the Snow Roads Scenic Route is a hugely rewarding scenic experience, with plenty of beautiful views.

Where does the Snow Roads Scenic Route run?

The Snow Roads Scenic Route runs almost parallel to the A9, from the south near Perth up to Tomintoul in the north, from where you can continue on to Inverness. Drivers with time to spare can therefore take it as an alternative route heading north.

The route starts on the A93 and then continues on the A939 – both of these are two-lane roads. Only between Ballater and the bridge over the Don just before Corgarff do drivers encounter about 13 miles, or 20 kilometres, of single-track road. How to behave on such single track roads, incidentally, is covered in our article on driving in Scotland (currently only available in German). The same goes if, just before Ballater, you follow the sign towards Tomintoul, taking what amounts to a little shortcut. This shortcut, by the way, is well worth seeing in its own right.

Along the route there are also some steep climbs and so-called “blind summits” – rises in the road you can’t see beyond while driving. Especially when there’s actually snow on the ground, drivers really do need to stay focused here.

Of course, the route can just as easily be driven the other way round, from north to south.

How long does it take to drive the Snow Roads Scenic Route?

Pure driving time (without snow) is just under 2 hours and 30 minutes, over a route of around 140 kilometres. That said, many of the towns and viewpoints along the way invite you to linger. To really enjoy the drive, it’s worth setting aside at least half a day.

If you’re taking the drive as an alternative to the A9 heading north, reaching Inverness via the Snow Roads takes 3 hours 45 minutes from Perth, and 4 hours 45 minutes from Edinburgh.

What attractions can be found along the Snow Roads Scenic Route?

Alongside the stunning scenery, a number of further attractions can be found along the route:

Viewpoints: The Contours, The Watchers and Still

Three viewpoints along the Snow Roads have been fitted out with art installations. The first is called “Connecting Contours” and offers a look back over the Glen Shee valley – this stop is an absolute highlight.

The next viewpoint is called “The Watchers”, looking out over the area around Corgarff Castle. Here you’ll find throne-like seats on one hand, and stones with drilled sight-holes on the other, directing your gaze to a particular detail of the landscape.

The third viewpoint comes near the very end of the route and is called “Still”. Here, a mirrored box frames the view.

All three spots are well worth stopping for. But it’s the first one, above all, that offers a truly grand view.

Persie Gin Distillery

Near the start of the route lies the Persie Gin Distillery. Compared to the whisky distilleries, the building tucked behind a house is practically tiny. But that’s exactly what makes it so interesting. The still itself sits behind glass, and the owner personally explains the whole process. Often he’s sitting at the table beforehand, cutting up the ingredients for the next batch. It doesn’t get much more homely than this. And of course, tasting is allowed too – though only for the passenger, please.

» Information on the Persie Gin Distillery

Braemar Castle

Braemar Castle, near the town of the same name, was once a hunting lodge of the Earls of Mar. The Farquharson family opened up the former tower house to visitors back in the 1960s. Inside, you can see the period-furnished rooms, the kitchen, the dungeon, and of course the gardens. Today, however, the castle is run by the Braemar community, which relies heavily on donations to keep the building maintained. Note: it’s closed during the winter months.

» Information on Braemar Castle

Royal Lochnagar Distillery

This is where the single malt whisky of the same name is produced (more on whisky production, currently only available in German). On a tour, you can follow the entire process and take a sample sip.

» Information on Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Balmoral Castle

The Scottish Highland residence of the royal family. This is where the royals stay in late summer, which is why there’s no visitor access at all in August, September and October. Winter and spring, however, are a different matter. That said, there’s no glimpse to be had of the private apartments of the Queen and her family.

» Information on Balmoral Castle

Corgarff Castle

This former tower house has led two lives. Corgarff was first the seat of a nobleman in the 16th century. The castle was then abandoned. Later it became a garrison, from which the army hunted down Jacobites (currently only available in German) and smugglers. It was during this period that it acquired the star-shaped wall you see today. Visitors can view the reconstructed soldiers’ quarters inside. It’s closed, however, from November to March.

» Information on Corgarff Castle

Balmenach Distillery

This isn’t just where whisky is distilled – it’s also home to Caorunn gin. If that interests you, you can book a tour here and sample the gin too.

» Information on Caorunn at Balmenach Distillery

Other attractions

The little town of Ballater is well worth seeing in its own right – it’s also a good place to stop for a rest and something to eat. It’s also worth checking whether any Highland Games (currently only available in German) happen to be taking place nearby.

To make the Snow Roads Scenic Route more appealing, three car parks have been fitted with art installations: at the start in the south, “Connecting Contours”, a bench with a rising backrest that frames the view over Glenshee. Then “The Watchers” and “A Moment in Time”, looking out over the valley around Corgarff, and finally “Still”, with its mirrored walls, a little way before Grantown-on-Spey.

Otherwise, it’s always worth keeping your eyes open. If you’re lucky, you might spot ptarmigan right at the roadside, for instance.