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Tomintoul

Tomintoul is the highest village in the Caingorms and the largest community on Glenlivet Estate.  It oozes history and rugged grandeur, having been founded by a Duke in the 18th century.  Situated halfway between Aviemore and Royal Deeside, Tomintoul makes an ideal base for exploring the SnowRoads and the Cairngorms National Park. 

Tomintoul is the highest village in the Cairngorms and the largest community on Glenlivet Estate. It is known for its abundance of sporting pursuits, including a vast network of biking and walking trails. Whisky also plays an important roll with many distilleries just a stone's throw away.

At 345m above sea level, Tomintoul is the highest village in the Cairngorms (and indeed the Scottish Highlands), and is the largest community on the Glenlivet Estate.  Having been founded by the Duke of Gordon in 1775, this traditional ‘planned’ village and surrounding area is steeped in history, and being situated halfway between Aviemore and Royal Deeside, it is an ideal base to explore the SnowRoads and Cairngorms National Park.

The village is known for its abundance of sporting and outdoor pursuits, including fishing, mountain biking and hillwalking, with a network of around 100 miles of trails nearby to suit all abilities.  The Lecht ski centre is around a 10 minute drive away – ideal for winter sports and fun in the snow. In 2018, the Tomintoul & Glenlivet area was officially recognised as an ‘International Dark Sky Park’.  Its easy access and low light pollution make it one of the best places in Scotland to discover the wonders of the night sky – so you can enjoy an action-packed day followed by an evening brimming with stars!  


Throughout its history, Tomintoul has been a stopping place for travellers and this is reflected in the range of accommodation and services available in the village.  Its main street has an abundance of amenities, including hotels/restaurants, B&Bs, family-friendly hostel, cafes, shops, art galleries, post office and a Discovery Centre/tourist information facility (seasonal).  There is also an adventure playground and smaller play parks for children, as well as a bird hide for nature watchers.


Notorious for whisky smugglers in times gone by, whisky production still plays a very important role in the area, with many distilleries within easy reach.  Visitors can enjoy a dram on a visit to The Glenlivet Distillery or Tomintoul Distillery (the latter by appointment only).


Glenlivet Estate is surrounded by high hills on all sides.  Its landscapes range from deep river valleys and glens through fertile farmland and wooded hillsides to high heather moors with magnificent views across north-eastern Scotland.  The abundance of wildlife and majestic scenery make it a photographer’s paradise!


All of the above makes Tomintoul an ideal year-round destination for anyone planning a trip on the SnowRoads!




Gallery

Area map

Places of interest

Carn Daimh Walk and Viewpoint

At 1866ft (570m) the Carn Daihm is most often climbed when following the Tomintoul spur of the Speyside Way, between Glenlivet and Tomintoul. 

But there is also the option to take a circular walk to the viewpoint from Tomnavoulin... read more

Carn Daimh Walk and Viewpoint

Take this pleasant, waymarked walk up to the Carn Daimh or Hill of the Stags.

Glenlivet

Blairfindy Moor Dark Sky Discovery Site

Visit one of our Dark Sky Discovery Sites to get the best views of the night sky. With parking and interpretation, these sites are easily accessible for everyone to enjoy some stargazing, from experienced telescope users and astronomers to... read more

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 of the night sky. It is Scotland's second International Dark Sky Park and the most northerly in the world.

https://www.cairngormsdarkskypark.org

Carrachs Dark Sky Discovery Site

Visit one of our Dark Sky Discovery Sites to get the best views of the night sky. With parking and interpretation, these sites are easily accessible for everyone to enjoy some stargazing, from experienced telescope users and astronomers to... read more

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 of the night sky. It is Scotland's second International Dark Sky Park and the most northerly in the world.

https://www.cairngormsdarkskypark.org