As the temperatures increase and the roadside ice thaws out, we travel onwards to pick up sections of the Old Military Road at the Bridge of Brown, before spiking upwards to stop and take photos at the Lecht Ski Centre.There’s enough powder on the slopes to entice a snowsports fan, that’s for sure, but the chair lifts remain dormant as we continue on our drive. Our lunch stopover turns out to be the Fife Arms in Braemar, not far from the icy-looking River Dee which flows nearby. On solid tables and chairs – alongside some ferocious steak knives – we enjoy a traditional lunch of haggis, neeps and tatties but other options – including a warm and hearty chowder – are a tempting alternative.There’s a natural hustle and bustle to the Fife Arms which gives it a ‘meeting point’ feel; portraits hang on the walls and stare down upon patrons who are no doubt dreaming up their own adventures in the nearby wilderness. It’s the kind of pub that you feel you could spend a long, drawn-out evening in shielding from the cold but, alas, we’ve still got more driving to do and before long we’re back behind the wheel of the Macan that had been patiently waiting outside. From Braemar, the roads get even better.The Old Military Road marches out ahead of us through Glenshee and Finegand, with rivers, mountains and fields all peppering the view over the Macan’s dashboard. Our two cars – finished in Cooper Ruby Metallic and Papaya Metallic – feel as though they’re in the perfect shade to match the landscape as the sun begins to dive towards the horizon.We’re treated to a golden sundown and as the last of the light slips away, we’re heading through Blairgowrie to start our steady journey back down towards Edinburgh Airport to travel home. We’re still doing well in terms of range, but having been up steep inclines – and all during very cold weather – we decide to give the Macan a quick top-up of charge.A 20-minute stopover at a rapid charger in Perth sees the Porsche’s levels boosted to a decent level and, after a quick coffee, we’re on the road once more. It’s been a quick-fire drive through some of the most striking environments that Scotland has to offer. Having roads which weave through the countryside as elegantly as the rivers makes any journey here special, but being able to say hello to the UK’s most famous herd of reindeer along the way has made this drive in the Porsche Macan even more memorable.
How to plan your trip
A night’s stay at Ness Walk for two adults costs from around £140. Hill Tour trips to the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd costs from £23 for adults or £16 for children over three. Haggis, neeps and tatties at the Fife Arms is £18.
62 | mccarthyholden.co.uk
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