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90 miles of
Long weekends
The SnowRoads Mini Break: 3 ½ days
Sometimes we need to escape from the everyday and a long weekend or a mini break is just enough to truly disconnect and unwind. You can pack so much fun into a short holiday on the SnowRoads, it’s a perfect way to discover the Cairngorms National Park, even for the time-poor.
DAY 1: BLAIRGOWRIE
As one of the largest towns in Perthshire, you’ll be spoiled for choice with lovely cafes to fill up with a hearty breakfast before starting your adventure. Take a short walk from the centre of the village along the River Ericht to Cargill’s Leap for stunning views and local history.
When you are ready to hit the road, enjoy a stop-over at the Persie Distillery to learn about the Scottish gin industry. In the afternoon, stock up on Instagram worthy photo opportunities with Llama trekking and the Connecting Contours art installation at Glenshee.
It won’t take you long to reach Braemar, a perfect place rest and refuel for the evening.
DAY 2: BRAEMAR, CRATHIE AND BALLATER
Braemar offers an opportunity to watch the world go by from one of its cafes which cantilever out across the river. It is also a village rich in history and a visit to one of its two castles is a must - Braemar Castle is community run and offers guided tours.
This is also the time to explore the areas’ royal connections and Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home to the royal family in Crathie, is a fantastic visitor attraction with stunning grounds and gardens. You can continue your royal adventure in Ballater learning about the Old Royal Bridge and the newly restored Old Royal Station which boasts a restaurant run by the Duke of Rothesay’s charitable trust, a tourist centre and a library.
When you reach Tomintoul, the Discovery Centre can help you plan a jam-packed day in the highlands. There are many distilleries, including Tomintoul and Glenlivet, just a stone’s throw away where you can buy and learn about Scotland’s water of life. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Tomintoul is also known as one of the best places in the Cairngorms National Park to view the night sky, so a trip to one of three Dark Sky Discovery Sites makes for a fantastic evening activity.
Finish off your tour in Grantown-on-Spey where a bustling high street is filled with quirky and unusual shops. A host of walking opportunities offer views of the River Spey, the Cairngorms, Ben Rinnes and the Cromdale Hills.
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