There are walks on Mar Lodge Estate to suit all adventures, whether that’s long distance multi-day treks through the Cairngorm wilderness, bagging a few Munros or enjoying our family-friendly waymarked trails at the Linn of Dee.
Mar Lodge Estate is a real hub for long-distance walking – head north to walk through the famous Lairig Ghru, a 19-mile mountain pass that was once an important route of travel between Deeside and Speyside. Or head south through Glen Tilt to reach Blair Atholl (approx. 22 miles), or west through Glen Feshie to arrive at Kingussie (approx. 30 miles).
Even if you’re not on the summits, Scottish mountains can be a challenging environment. Mar Lodge Estate is an exceptionally remote area, where you may not have GPS or mobile phone signal. Ensure you have the appropriate navigational skills and equipment before you set off on any walk. For safety tips visit Mountaineering Scotland.
Quoich Loop
This circular walk explores the beautiful regenerating pine woodlands and crystal-clear waters of Glen Quoich, with viewpoints showcasing the best views of the glen. The route also takes in the historic Earl of Mar’s Punchbowl, with links to the 1715 Jacobite Rising, and the newly restored Queen Victoria’s Picnic Lodge.
Walk details
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Difficulty
Moderate
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Time
1½–2½ hours
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Distance
3 miles (5km)
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Ascent
394ft (120m)
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Start
Linn of Quoich car park
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Finish
Linn of Quoich car park
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Step 1
(1/8)From the car park, walk beyond the end of the public road, past the road barrier.
Follow the track as it bends to the left and then cross over the bridge.
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Step 2
(2/8)Shortly after you cross the bridge and just before you reach an old cottage, take the grassy path to the left, which begins at two large boulders.
Follow this path through the woods, up to a picturesque old building above the river. This is Queen Victoria’s Picnic Lodge. Dating from around 1850, the lodge would have been a familiar feature to Queen Victoria, who picnicked at the Linn of Quoich regularly. It was restored in 2024 and opened to the public as a picnic space and shelter in 2025 (we aim to have the lodge open between 10am and 4pm, April to October).
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Step 3
(3/8)Take time to admire the view of the Linn from the footbridge. The circular hole in the slabs upstream is the Punchbowl – the information panel on the bridge tells you about the site’s historical significance in the Jacobite Risings.
Then continue upstream along the riverbank, on the same side of the river as the Picnic Lodge.
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Step 4
(4/8)Follow a flight of stone steps as they rise above the river, and continue along the heather-lined path. Fantastic views of the Quoich Water open up on your left, with the tree-covered crags of Creag Bhalg rising above it.
As it leaves the bigger trees behind, the path becomes more open and grassy. Notice the legions of smaller trees now spreading across the hillside due to the woodland regeneration work at Mar Lodge Estate.
After a short climb uphill, the path veers left and descends again via a few stone steps.
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Step 5
(5/8)When you reach a small burn, cross over to the other side and then walk about 10 metres upstream until you find the steep stone steps rising to your left.
[Note that the burn can rise quickly during very wet weather, and that it might not be crossable. In that event, you may need to retrace your steps back to the Punchbowl and try another day.]
After you’ve climbed the steps, follow the path as it winds its way along the edge of the woodland.
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Step 6
(6/8)Eventually the path emerges from the woodland and offers a lovely view up the glen.
Veer left at this point, following the heathery path as it descends back down towards the river.
Cross the footbridge and bear right, before veering sharply left in order to gain the estate road above.
Follow the estate road back down the glen, passing through beautiful Scots pine woodland as you go.
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Step 7
(7/8)When you emerge from the woodland, you pass a smaller path veering away to your left. Ignore this. Instead continue along the wide estate road.
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Step 8
(8/8)When you reach another larger track heading downhill to your left, follow this as it becomes a narrower, long straight path that leads you back down to the vehicle barrier where you started.
Turn sharp right when you join the road, and you’re back at the car park.
Further walks
Linn of Dee walk
- Easy
- ½ mile (0.8km)
- 15 minutes
Enjoy spectacular waterfalls where thousands of years of rushing water have carved their way through the rock. Spot rare wildflowers below the pines and firs, and keep an eye out for salmon in the cool clear waters of the Dee.
Glen Lui trail
- Moderate
- 1¾ miles (2.8km)
- Allow 1 hour, 15 mins
Stroll through the pinewoods looking for red squirrels. Find the remains of the old salmon ladder among the raging waters of the Lui, and see if you can spot dippers and goosanders. Take in the views deep into the mountains.
