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. The Linn of Quoich footbridge is currently impassable, so the start must be made up the west side of the Quoich.

Terrain

Clear paths, tracks and minor road.

Public Transport

No public transport.

Start

Linn of Quoich car park. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.5km / 9.75 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 390m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO116909

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a parking layby 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. The Linn of Quoich footbridge is currently closed, so ignore the rest of this paragraph and the next, instead beginning by following the main track up the west side of Glen Quoich. From here cross the bridge on foot and then take the path up the the far side of the river, following 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.

Stage 2

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.

Stage 3

Cross the bridge and take the path up the far side. Keep right at a junction to take a path that climbs steeply, eventually meeting the main track up Glen Quoich. Turn right along this, continuing up the glen and passing in and out of the beautiful pinewoods.

Stage 4

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 turn left onto a narrow path heading uphill on the left shortly after the track crosses a burn over pipes (if you reach the much larger river further ahead you have gone too far). 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.

Stage 5

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.

Stage 6

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 Lairig Ghru which emerges at Coylumbridge near Aviemore. Keep following the clear track until Black Bridge is reached.

Stage 7

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 towards Morrone. 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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