Linn of Quoich - The Punchbowl

Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation

Summary

Water rushes through the narrow Linn of Quoich making a picturesque stopping point. Queen Victoria was very fond of this place and it became a popular attraction, but nowadays it is much quieter than the nearby Linn of Dee. Upriver from the Quoich the path was always very rough and in recent years has been damaged by flooding - it is still possible - and very beautiful - but is something of an obstacle course, requiring care, in places.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Easy to Linn of Quoich but the path upriver is very challenging - being very rough and washed out by floods in places. Do not attempt in spate.

Public Transport

No public transport.

Start

Linn of Quoich car park. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 80m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO116909

Mapping and GPS

Install our App FREE
Download our route descriptions and use offline with GPS mapping

Want to sponsor this route?

Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (7)

WARNING

The path up the east side of the glen has been destroyed by floods and the river moved. It is still passable when not in flood, but difficult as described in the text.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

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. From here continue towards the bridge but soon turn sharp left before the bridge is reached onto a clear path that climbs diagonally back above the parking. When a cross-tracks is reached turn right, following the track as it leads down towards the river. Soon it swings right and reaches the footbridger over the Linn of Quoich. The cottage on the far side was known as Queen Victoria’s Picnic Lodge and later as the Princess's Tea Room after Queen Victoria's granddaughter who married the owner of Mar Lodge at the time. It was restored by the National Trust for Scotland in 2024 and is open as a shelter during summer daylight hours.

Stage 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 woods here are a pretty mixture of pine and birch providing a good habitat for a variety of wildlife. Cross the bridge and turn left up the far bank of the river.

Stage 3

The path - which is faint and very rough in places - 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 burn on stepping stones and almost peters out - the going becoming difficult, though the scenery is outstanding. At a couple of points the old route has been completely washed away by floods. It is still possible to continue upriver, but it feels like an obstacle course in places - at one point a tree route aids an awkward step up.

Stage 4

Eventually a wooden footbridge is reached. Cross this and continue to a track on the far side. Turn left here to start the - much easier - 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.

Stage 5

Ignore a path off left, contiuing until the cross-tracks mentioned earlier. Go straight across here to retrace your steps back down to the parking area.

Route Profile

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support Walkhighlands?

Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands.