Tomintoul - Highest Highland Village

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Tomintoul, the highest Highland village, with secret agents sent to decode clues, stop cattle thieves Russell and Steele D'Herd, and free the hidden Highland cows before night falls.

The operation covers 3 miles and should take around 2.5+ hours to complete. You'll start outside the Tourist Information Centre in The Square, head out through village streets and into the Glenlivet Estate area, follow forestry tracks and clear paths, then return to the village centre once the intel has been gathered.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route mainly uses forestry tracks and clear paths, but there is uneven walking and some steep hills, so sturdy footwear and steady legs are recommended.

Take great care when crossing roads, and watch for traffic in the village and when emerging into the layby. Close gates behind you, keep canine agents under control, and if you reach the maze, you can have a go if you like.

Getting There

By car: Begin the mission outside the Tourist Information Centre in The Square (AB37 9ET). There is a free car park on Main Street (AB37 9ET), not far away.

By public transport: Make your way to the Tourist Information Centre in The Square, Tomintoul (AB37 9ET), to begin the operation. The route is circular and returns to the village centre.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets can be found near the recommended car park. Toilets are also passed later on Tomnabat Lane on the left, giving Agents another chance for a tactical comfort stop.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents are welcome to join the mission. 🐾

Keep all canine agents under control at all times. The route includes village roads, gates, forestry tracks, uneven walking and some steep hills, so leads are sensible around traffic, the layby and any busier stretches.

Food & Drink Stops

Code-cracking is hungry work, especially in Highland terrain.

There are a few shops, cafes and pubs at the start of the Trail, and the route also passes the Glen Avon Hotel. If your squad prefers field rations, there is a good picnic spot at Clue 08.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Glenlivet Estate

The mission goes via the Glenlivet Estate, where one of the later information points directs Agents towards the entrance and a marked all-ability path. There is also a welcome point with a list of waymarked walks and trails, plus a children's play area, aerial runway, climbing activity, maze and public park - useful extras if your junior operatives still have energy after the cattle-thief chase.

Well of the Lecht

The nearby Well of the Lecht was constructed in 1754 by soldiers to make it more accessible to the public. Local intel says this is where the water for the whisky comes from, being so pure you have to 'dilute' it!

Richmond Hotel

Literary Agents should keep the Richmond Hotel on their radar. In the 1940s Captain W. E. Johns, creator of Biggles, divided his time between the Richmond Hotel and his home in England, and numerous references to Tomintoul and the hotel appear in 'Biggles and the Poor Rich Boy' (1961).