SNOW ROADS SCENIC ROUTE + OLD MILITARY ROAD (A93), SCOTLAND
Scenic: ★★★★☆
Thrilling: ★★★☆☆
If the North Coast C500 Route is Scotland’s headline act, the Snow Roads Scenic Route is the insider favourite — a Highland drive defined by open visibility, flowing roads, and genuinely rewarding scenery. Cutting through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, this route links classic Highland towns with wide mountain landscapes. Best of all, it includes one of Scotland’s most satisfying driver’s roads: the Old Military Road (A93).
What Makes the Snow Roads So Special
The Snow Roads aren’t about one single “photo stop.” They’re special because the entire day feels like proper grand touring:
Big open landscapes and long sightlines
Less traffic than the classic tourist corridors
A perfect mix of fast sweepers + mountain scenery
Highland towns that make natural stops: Braemar and Ballater are key highlights along the route
This scenic route is also widely known as a drive across some of the highest public roads in Britain, which is exactly why it feels so “alpine” compared to much of Scotland.
Region: Cairngorms / Eastern Highlands
Main roads: A93 + A939
Route length: ~145 km / 90 miles
Start / Finish: Blairgowrie → Grantown-on-Spey
Pure driving time: ~3 hours (without stops)
Best season: Late spring to early autumn (weather-dependent)
Recommended Flow: Edinburgh → Cairngorms → Inverness
For the best sense of build-up, start in Edinburgh and drive north — the scenery improves hour by hour. Inverness then becomes the perfect base to continue deeper into Scotland — including the North Coast 500 Route, if you’re extending your trip.
The Highlight Stretch: Old Military Road (A93)
This is the section drivers remember.
The Old Military Road refers to the A93 through Glenshee and over the Cairnwell Pass — a road with strong rhythm, elevation, and dramatic Highland views.
Cairnwell Pass – The High Point
At roughly 670 metres, this is often cited as the highest main public road in the UK. You’ll pass the Glenshee Ski Centre near the summit, and it becomes immediately clear why this region earned the name Snow Roads.
Devil’s Elbow – Historic Hairpin Section
Just south of the summit lies the legendary Devil’s Elbow, a historic hairpin section from the original military-road alignment and a well-known name in Scottish driving lore.
Stops That Actually Feel Worth It
This is a drive where stopping enhances the experience — without needing over-planning.
Recommended stops along the A93 / A939 corridor:
Braemar – classic Highland atmosphere
Ballater – polished small-town stop with a premium feel
Glenshee / Cairnwell viewpoints – big scenery with minimal effort
Tomintoul area – remote, quiet, and distinctly Highland
Whisky Distilleries – one of the best perks of this route is how close it brings you to Speyside — Scotland’s most famous whisky region. If timing allows, it’s easy to add a distillery visitor centre as a quick stop (or we plan it as an end-of-day tasting once the driving is done). We’ll build this around your route so it feels effortless — never rushed.
When to Drive It (and When to Avoid)
The Snow Roads are at their best in clear conditions with good visibility.
Our advice: start early, keep the day flexible, and let the weather dictate where you stop.
Good to know:The A93 around Glenshee is prone to winter closures. Snow gates are frequently used during colder months, and conditions can change quickly.
Adding the Snow Roads Without Chasing the Crowds
If you want Scotland’s best driving without constant tour-bus energy, the Snow Roads + Old Military Road day is a perfect addition. It works beautifully as:
A highlight day before or after the NC500
A Cairngorms-focused driving day
A scenic connector between regions (Edinburgh → Inverness)
