Water rushes through the narrow Linn of Quoich making a picturesque stopping point on this short walk. Queen Victoria was fond of this place and it became a popular attraction, nowadays it is much quieter than the nearby Linn of Dee.
Summary
Paths and tracks throughout; the path upstream is rough in places and crosses a stream that may be difficult in spate.
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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 of Quoich, 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.
2. From the bridge the round carved hole known as the Punch Bowl can clearly be seen just 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. The woods here are a pretty mixture of pine and birch providing a good habitat for a variety of wildlife. Don't cross the bridge but continue the walk on the same side as the Tea Room continuing upstream.
3. The path passes a waterfall and keeps close to the Quoich Water, 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.
4. Cross the wooden footbridge and turn left to start the return on the far side of the river. 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. A short distance beyond look out for a path descending off to the left; turn down this which descends into the trees once more.
5. At the bottom of a steep descent the path forks. Take the left branch, which heads back to the bridge at the Linn of Quoich. Cross the bridge and then retrace your steps downriver to return to the start.
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