The highest village in the Cairngorms National Park (though the residents of Dalwhinnie might argue over a few metres!), Tomintoul, from the Gaelic for Hillock of the Barn, is often viewed as its northwest gateway and the entrance to the Highlands. Tomintoul has its own village website www.visittomintoul.co.uk.

As with many towns and villages in the Highlands, the Glenlivet distillery in the heart of Speyside on the Glenlivet Estate is a must for tourists. Pony trek along traffic-free forest tracks, hill paths and open moorland with an experienced and friendly guide from the Tomintoul riding centre. Being only a 15-minute drive to the Lecht snow-sports resort, Tomintoul is the perfect base for sking and snowboarding. They also keep a chair lift running in the summer for mountain bikers.

Enjoy a meal at the Glen Avon with a glass of Scotland's finest whisky or a traditional real ale in the warm and friendly atmosphere of the lounge bar. The Bridge of Brown Tea Room is biker friendly and offers a wide range of homemade cakes, pastries, teas & coffees. It also has a gift shop selling the best ice cream. The Clock House in Tomintoul's square is gaining a great reputation, with locals and visitors enjoying fine Highland cuisine using fresh local produce in the relaxing atmosphere. Take a look at the largest bottle of whisky ever made.

If you're looking for an activity-based break then there are superb golf courses in Grantown-on-Spey and Boat of Garten. Glenlivet's only course is near Tomintoul and they've created a heady mix of challenging golf and aesthetic appeal. Ballindalloch Castle golf course with its nine holes and eighteen tees provides a fair test for golfers of all standards and is well placed to become the finest course in Scotland with this particular configuration.

Tomintoul has its own Highland Games, which are usually held on the middle Saturday in July and are one of the highlights of the year. First held in 1842, these are one of the oldest in Scotland. New Year's Eve is always a special time in Tomintoul. Feasting, singing, dancing, pipe bands and whisky all combine to make Tomintoul's Hogmanay an unforgettable experience.

When travelling in the Glenlivet area, why not drop into the Whisky Castle and Highland Market in Tomintoul where they have over 550 whiskies for sale? The Scots believe that whisky is the 'life blood' of Scotland. Aanside Studios is a great place to purchase some local crafts and artwork.