Tomintoul is reputedly the highest village in the Highlands. This waymarked circular walk explores the immediate environs of the village, visiting a bird hide as well as giving some superb views up Strath Avon towards the Cairngorms.
Excellent clear paths.
Bus to Tomintoul.
Tomintoul car park (opposite the Whisky Castle).
There is a car park in the centre of Tomintoul; the entrance to it is opposite the Whisky Castle. Begin the walk by returning to the main street and turning left, soon entering the large green square at the heart of Tomintoul. The village was built on a grid of three main streets by the Duke of Gordon in 1775, a staging post on General Caulfeild's military road which was built a couple of decades previously. Turn right in the centre of the square, passing the elaborate fountain.
When a road junction is reached go straight ahead, then take the footpath ahead - signed for Tomintoul Circular Path and Bird Hide; the fenced path leads along the left side fo the building. Continue ahead to a path t-junction. Make a short detour to the right here to visit the bird hide, which is especially great for nesting wading birds in the spring. Return to the t-junction and keep ahead through a pedestrian gate. After a couple of sets of double gates the path - which is surfaced - turns to the right, approaching the River Conglass, and then turns left once more.
The path crosses a footbridge and continues into the birchwoods ahead. After a gate it climbs left to join a track - part of the Speyside Way path. Turn left along this to reach a car park, and then turn right up a track immediately before the main road.
The track climbs slightly and reaches a memorial cairn with a superb view to the left, looking up Glen Avon into the Cairngorms, with Ben Avon prominent with its many granite tors. Continue along the track until a signposted path on the left leads down to the road. Cross with care and take the path opposite.
The path leads down more steps before following a fence to the left. Follow it between two fences, passing through double gates, and soon turning right. When it meets a country lane this is followed to the left. Turn right at the first road you come to to head back to the car park and the start of the walk.
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