One of the Best Scenic Drives in Scotland: Braemar to Grantown-on-Spey via Tomintoul
I’m a huge fan of scenic drives.
And one of the best scenic drives in Scotland has to be from the Braemar/Balmoral area to Grantown-on-Spey.
It has amazing scenery, breathtaking landscapes and even an outdoor art installation.
And you’ll probably spot a castle or 2 as well as lots of cows and a few sheep.
Let’s dive into where this drive is and what makes it so fabulous.
Where is this drive?
This route is located in the eastern part of Cairngorms National Park.
Part of it is in Aberdeenshire — the southern part — and the remainder is in the Highlands.
The drive itself is only about 45 miles in length.
But don’t let that deceive you.
There is a lot to this drive and it will require some time.
Let’s get into why this is one of the best drives in Scotland.
#1 It’s in a national park
Look at the map above again.
Tell me what you see.
Yup.
This drive goes through Cairngorms National Park.
And while the A9 drive — to the west — also goes through the same park, this drive on the eastern side is more spectacular.
The Cairngorms is a wee bit less populated on the eastern side so, this means fewer towns and settlements and less impact from humans.
Which, in turn, means more uninterrupted, breathtaking views!
#2 It’s a fun, wee road
While some folks aren’t keen on driving little roads, I really like them — as long as the weather is decent.
Typically I find that when the roads are small (narrow) the scenery is turned up a notch.
So the fact that the road is narrow from Braemar to Grantown-on-Spey means this is one of the best drives in Scotland.
I will warn you that the southern section is definitely narrow — as in single track with passing places.
It does widen to some degree as you venture north.
But it’s not like the A9 which is a proper rural highway — to use more American terminology.
While the road is a wee one, there are spots for pulling off to take in the views and to snap some pics.
But, I will advise against this route if it is raining heavily or if it’s threatening to snow.
It would probably be closed in some parts if there was snow.
So be sure to check the weather forecast.
#3 There is a lot of heather in late summer
If you are fortunate to make this drive in the latter part of summer — and even into early September — you will be rewarded with blooming heather.
And it makes the green hills pop with purple.
It’s spectacular!
Seriously.
The heather covering the hills make this one of the best drives in Scotland.
#4 Castles, cows and sheep
This is Scotland so you’re bound to spot a castle or 2.
While you’ll spot Braemar Castle just outside the village of Braemar, the main one you’ll see along this route is Corgarff Castle.
It sits down in a valley just past the village of Corgarff.
You can’t miss it!
Of course, you’ll spot cows and sheep along the hills as well.
Keep your eyes open for sheep on the road in spots as well.
They can sometimes hide in the foliage, especially the heather.
#5 Glenlivet Estate
As you come to the northern part of this drive — around Tomintoul and Bridge of Brown — you’ll go through the Glenlivet Estate.
The landscape becomes a bit gentler here with more rolling hills.
There are walks around here as well as distilleries, bridges and mountain biking trails.
You’ll definitely notice the difference in the landscape.
I think this is one reason why this drive is one of the best drives in Scotland.
You get the more dramatic scenery in the southern part of this drive then you get the green rolling hills as you make your way north.
Love that variety!
#6 The Watchers
There is a really cool art installation — along with some magnificent views — just a bit past the towns of Corgarff and Cock Bridge.
You’ll come up a hill and see a pull off on the left side of the road as you make your way from south to north.
The sculptures are so cool.
And the words on the stone make you want to sit and ponder the beautiful landscape and to simply appreciate the crazy Scottish weather.
You can see Corgarff Castle from this spot.
It was one of my favorite stops of the drive.
The views are magnificent!
So that’s one of the best drives in Scotland.
From around Braemar / Balmoral and up to the Grantown-on-Spey area.
A short way on the B976 then getting on the A939 which is the bulk of the drive.
Here are a few tips:
- Be prepared for wee roads and even some single track with passing places in some spots.
- Allow plenty of time as you’ll be driving slower than the posted speed limits.
- Do NOT make this drive in inclement weather.
- Be sure you have a full tank of fuel. (just in case)
- Stop at pull outs and parking areas only.
- And do stop at as many of them as you want to drink in the views and snap some pics or take some video.
- Be prepared for the wind!
- Watch for sheep and other wildlife on the road.
- Enjoy!!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Wander Your Way, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
Like it? Pin it!
