Clais Fhearnaig circuit

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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.

Terrain

Clear paths, tracks and minor road.

Public Transport

No public transport.

Start

Linn of Quoich parking area. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a parking area (with charge) on the left 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 continuing towards the bridge and soon turning sharp left before you reach the bridge on a path that climbs diagonally uphill, climbing to soon reach the track that heads up Glen Quoich.

Stage 2

Turn right at the cross-tracks here to make a detour to the Linn of Quoich, following the track down to the river where it bends right to reach the footbridge over the Linn of Quoich - a stunning spot. From the bridge the round carved hole known as the Punch Bowl can clearly be seen just upstream, unless the water is very high. 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.

Stage 3

Do not cross the river, instead retracing steps briefly but keeping ahead on a footpath when the track swings sharp left. The path climbs high above the river, giving good views over the Caledonian Pinewoods. After years of decline, these stunning woodlands are now regenerating as the National Trust for Scotland has reduced deer numbers. The path soon meets the main track up Glen Quoich, turn right along this, continuing up the glen through the scattered pines.

Stage 4

As the path goes deeper into Glen Quoich the hulk of Beinn a'Bhùird comes into view ahead on the right. Ignore a track left, and continue through the open pine trees until the track crosses a burn. Almost immediately after this turn left onto a narrow but well-made path heading uphill on the left (if you reach the much larger river further ahead you have gone too far).

Stage 5

The path climbs over moorland, eventually aiming for the narrow cleft known as the Clais Fhearnaig which may mean hollow place of the alders. There are no trees here now but the lochan in the valley bottom used to be a popular trout fishing spot; a dam was built to aid this purpose.

Stage 6

Follow the path to the right hand side of the water and continue through the natural cleft in the hillside. Eventually the path bears slightly right, crossing 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.

Stage 7

Eventually the path reaches the main track between Derry Lodge and the Linn of Dee. Turn left here to head down Glen Lui. This glen is very open compared to Glen Quoich, and is often busy with walkers heading for many of the Cairngorm peaks or the challenging through walks such as the Lairig Ghru which emerges at Coylumbridge near Aviemore. Keep following the clear track until Black Bridge is reached.

Stage 8

Don't cross the bridge (this way leads back to the Linn of Dee), instead continuing 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 towards Morrone. Keep straight on at several junctions, where tracks head off left and right Soon after the track heads downhill and emerges onto the road at Claybokie. Turn left here along the road.

Stage 9

After a very short distance fork right down a lane signed for Mar Lodge. When the lane nears the river leave it, heading through a pedestrian gate on the right and then bearing left to walk along the grassy raised bank beside the River Dee. When a curve of the river is reached a waymarker indicates where to leave the river, heading left between a fence and some old pines. There are views to Mar Lodge on the left - now owned by the National Trust for Scotland. When a grass track is reached bear right back onto the grassy bank by the river. Soon Victoria Bridge comes into view ahead, and another waymarker indicates where to leave the bank and turn left once more over a small bridge and through a gate. When a tarmac lane is reached turn right, then at a junction go straight head onto a minor track. Continue through the trees and then to the left of a fence, ignoring a track that heads off left. Pass through a gate and over a stone bridge to reach a house at Cragan. Pass to the right of this, joining a track and following this up to the road. Turn right along the road to return to the start.

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