This circular walk starts by visiting the impressive Linn of Quoich, then heads up the hidden Glen Quoich before crossing the Clais Fhearnaig pass to descend into Glen Lui and the walk down the Glen and back along the road to the starting point.
Summary
Clear paths, tracks and minor road.
Terrain
NO118911
Grid ref
15.5km/9.5 miles
Distance
Grade
Linn of Quoich car park
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1. There is a grassy parking area for the Linn of Quoich, 6km further along the road from the Linn of Dee. From here take the marked path on the east side of the river and follow it upstream passing the boarded up red-roofed cottage. After a short distance you reach the Linn, with a cottage on the right which was known as Queen Victoria's Tea Room and later as the Princess's Tea Room after Queen Victoria's granddaughter who married the owner of Mar Lodge at the time. From the bridge the round carved hole known as the Punch Bowl can clearly be seen upstream, unless the water is very high. Local legend states that the Earl of Mar poured strong spirit into the punch bowl which was then used to toast the Jacobite cause in 1715. The bridge is a fairly modern replacement for the original stone version.
2. Don't cross the bridge but continue on the same side as the Tea Room. The path passes a waterfall and keeps close to the Quoich Water and heading further up this hidden away glen. After emerging from the Scots pines there are more open views ahead. The route crosses a stream on stepping stones and the path becomes narrow and contours across the river bank, having been built up recently to prevent small landslips. After a flat section the second bridge comes into view. Cross the bridge and turn right to head up the glen.
3. As the path goes deeper into Glen Quoich the hulk of Beinn a'Bhuird comes into view ahead on the right. Continue through the open pine trees until the track crosses a stream. Immediately afterwards take a path heading uphill on the left. The path keeps left of the fenced field with a shelter in it and climbs next to the fence and away from the stream. The path climbs into the narrow cleft known as the Clais Fhearnaig which may mean hollow place of the alders. There are no trees now but the lochan in the valley bottom used to be a popular trout fishing spot and was dammed at one point for this purpose.
4. Follow the path to the right hand side of the water and continue through the natural cleft in the hillside. At what appears to be the end of the cleft, the path bears slightly right, crosses the stream, and continues past a smaller pool to emerge with views down into Glen Lui. From here the path downhill is clear and provides good views of the Glen and the surrounding mountains. Deer herds can often be seen on the more fertile ground below.
5. Eventually the path reaches the main track between Derry Lodge and the Linn of Dee. A detour can be made to Derry Lodge by turning right, but this route turns left to head back down Glen Lui. The Glen feels spacious compared to Glen Quoich, and is often busier with walkers heading for many of the Cairngorm peaks or the challenging through walks such as the Larig Ghru which emerges as Coylumbridge near Aviemore. Keep following the clear track until Black Bridge is reached.
6. Don't cross the bridge (this way leads back to the Linn of Dee) but continue straight ahead on the track near the river. Soon the track heads uphill away from the water and into the woods of Doire Bhraghad. This is a peaceful section of pines and heather, with good views across the glen. Cross a stile to pass through a fenced area of regenerating woodland and continue straight ahead at a small crossroads. Soon after the track heads downhill and emerges onto the road at Claybokie. Turn left here and follow the minor road back to the parking area at Allanaquoich and the start of the walk.
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