Tomintoul, Queen's Cairn and Strath Avon

From the village, you skirt the base of Tom na Bat (Tom means 'hillock' in Gaelic) to reach the valley of the River Avon, one of the most majestic rivers of the Highlands. Upstream from Tomintoul, it runs through Glen Avon, a magnificent 20 mile corridor, cut deep into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.

The river begins its course in the wild upper glen, where Loch Avon lies entrenched between Cairn Gorm and Ben Macdui, then passes between the spectacular ridges and corries of Ben Avon to the turbulent Linn of Avon.

The river is somewhat calmer by the time it approaches Tomintoul and its sweep is best appreciated from the Queen's View, a spot where Queen Victoria once stopped to admire the tremendous panoramic picture afforded from this very spot. From here, the silvery waters of the river lead the eye past the lush pastures of the lower glen to the long summit ridge of Ben Avon on the skyline.

You walk through a field that, until World War II, was Tomintoul's golf course and continues along the lovely wooded slopes of the valley side. By Delavorar Farm, you cross a wooden bridge near a fine spot for a picnic. Looking down from the bridge, you can appreciate the purity and clarity of the Avon, resulting from the lack of peat in its catchment area and the filtering effect of Loch Avon. The clear water, which runs over pink and grey gravel where salmon spawn, is an important ingredient of local whiskies.

The water is sometimes so clear that the river appears deceptively shallow - people have drowned in it in the past. An old legend tells how Fingal's wife drowned here, and the Avon is said to be named after her, the Ath Fhionn or Fair One.

You cross the wooden bridge, and the return route leads along the opposite side of the valley. You climb through birch and alder woods before descending to the Water of Allnack, which cuts a deep ravine back into the moors. The v-shaped valley is more reminiscent of Colorado than Scotland.

On the other bank of the Water of Allnack is the 19th century Delnabo House, whose design incorporates picturesque turrets. From here, you retrace your steps back towards Tomintoul, then enter the village along Tomnabat Lane, which marks the course of the old military road that was the genesis of the village.