At 345 metres or 1,150 feet above sea level, Tomintoul is the highest village in the Highlands. It lies on the A939 at the northern approach to the famous Lecht pass at 635 metres or 2,100 feet. This road links Deeside to Speyside across an easterly spur of the Cairngorm Mountains. Tomintoul is a convenient stopping point for travellers between Braemar or Ballater and Inverness, and is a popular area with those seeking active outdoor holidays.
The village of Tomintoul is laid out along a gentle ridge, flanked on one side by the River Avon, famed for the clarity of its waters, and on the other by the Conglass Water. The name comes from the Gaelic "tom–an–t–sabhal", meaning barn hill. It is pronounced "Tom-in-towel". Sir Hendry Alexander, one–time Provost of Aberdeen, journalist and connoisseur of mountain scenery, wrote "The Avon, regarded from the point of view of river and mountain scenery, is perhaps the most perfect glen in Scotland. For in the whole 38 miles from its source above Loch Avon to the Spey there is not a single dull passage. Every phase of Highland landscape is presented, from the wild and barren grandeur of Ben Macdhui to the luxuriant beeches of Dalnashaugh, under whose shade the river flows deep and dark to meet the Spey."
The turbulent history of Glenlivet reflects religious upheavals from the 16
th century to the 19
th century. The Battle of Glenlivet in 1594 was the last stand of the Roman Catholic party, whose leaders were forced to flee the country afetr their defeat. However Glenlivet remained an enclave of the Roman Catholic faith, and for most of the 18
th century, priests were trained at the remote seminary of Scalan. During the Disruption of the Church of Scotland in 1843, the dissenters held their services in the open air until they were able to build a new church of their own.
For sports, the surroundings offer salmon and trout fishing, deer stalking, grouse shooting and pony trekking. A variety of long and short walks give access to magnificent views of the eastern Cairngorms and the Cromdale hills. There are opportunities to take part in outdoor sports including mountaineering, mountain biking and canoeing.
In winter the Lecht ski area at the summit of the pass offers facilities including several tows, especially suited to beginners, intermediates and families. There is a cross country skiing area with prepared trails at Glenmullaich.
The name Glenlivet is familiar to all connoisseurs of quality malt whisky. Such is the fame of this quiet glen that many distillers outwith the glen itself, added the name to their product to enhance sales. There is only one Glenlivet, The Glenlivet. If it doesn't have "The" in front of it, then it is not the genuine article. The distillery, its visitor centre recently renovated, is open to the public during summer season.