Travel - On the trail of Jacobites, whisky smugglers and the Monocled Mutineer
Photo by Linda CC BY-SA 2.0 Glenshee from the Spittal
On the trail of Jacobites, whisky smugglers and the Monocled Mutineer
by Paul Kelbie
T
he road to Tomintoul from Crathie is naturally spectacular but when you add in the mystery and history that dots the route it’s an experience not to be missed. As part of a six part exploration of the North East 250 this, the second stage of the journey, takes in a little detour to the Spittal of Glenshee.
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Although only about 70 miles long in total - the entire section could be completed in little more than an hour - it’s really best savoured rather than rushed. The scenic, winding road takes travellers through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park amid some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Setting off from Crathie, on the A93, the Old Military Road pretty much follows the path of the River
Dee into the heart of Braemar. This picturesque, historic village sits at what used to be a strategic point on the ancient trackway used by the Picts, Romans and, a bit later, Medieval travellers to cross the Grampian mountains. Sometime around 1059 King Malcolm III constructed a wooden bridge and a castle at Braemar, which is a variation of the original Gaelic words Bràigh Mhàrr, meaning simply the ‘lands of Marr.
