Linn of Quoich - the Punchbowl circuit

Summary

Water rushes through the narrow rocky channel at the Linn of Quoich, beside a natural hole in the rock known as the Punchbowl. Queen Victoria was very fond of this beautiful place and the walk visits a restored picnic cottage used by her grandaughter. Much much quieter than the nearby Linn of Dee the walk upriver is stunningly beautiful, passing through areas of regenerating pinewood.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Mostly clear paths, some sections rougher.

Getting there

Start

Linn of Quoich car park.

Public Transport

No public transport.

Start Grid Ref

NO116909

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5km / 3 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 120m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (8)

Stage 1

There is a parking area (with charge) at the end of the public road towards the Linn of Quoich, 6km further along the road from the Linn of Dee. Begin the walk by heading past the vehicle barrier and over the bridge over the River Quoich. Turn left on the far side, heading upriver and keeping well left of the derelict cottage. The path heads through the pines and soon reaches the footbridge over the Linn of Quoich. The restored building on the right is Queen Victoria’s Picnic Cottage (also known the Princess' Tea Room after it was built by Queen Victoria's granddaughter, who was married to the owner of Mar Lodge). The building has been restored by the National Trust for Scotland is open as a shelter during summer daytime hours.

Stage 2

The walk does not cross the footbridge, but instead continues up this side of the Quoich. Note the round carved hole known as the Punch Bowl in the rocks on the opposite side of the foaming water. 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. Continue on the grassy path upriver.

Stage 3

The path keeps close to the Quoich Water and its beautiful pools at first, before it begins to climb with a few constructed steps. As it gains height there are wonderful views looking both up and down the river, which is clad in stunning Scots pines. Thanks to the work of the NTS the forest here is regenerating after years of decline - note the many thriving young trees, freed from overbrowsing after deer numbers were brought back down to levels the landscape can support.

Stage 4

The narrow path continues through the heather, a little rough in places. After around 1km from the Linn it reaches a burn, the Allt na h'Earba. Cross this and briefly turn right on the far side - the path becomes clear again as it swings left uphill into a former plantation, now part of the recovering forest. Continue through this. At one point there is a stunning view back down the river.

Stage 5

Eventually the path descends and a wooden footbridge is reached, with another perfect pool below. Cross the bridge and turn right on the far side, soon joining a clearer path that swings back left up to a track. Turn left along the track to start the - much easier - return on the far side of the river.

Stage 6

Follow the track which passes amongst some magnificent old Scots pines. Eventually the track emerges from the trees and there is a fine view of Morrone ahead, topped with its transmitter mast. Ignore a path off left (that leads back down to the Quoich). 400m beyond this another path forks off left - take this. The path leads through some dense trees to emerge back at the parking area near the vehicle barrier.

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