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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.

Walking in 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

  • Difficulty

    Moderate

  • Time

    1½–2½ hours

  • Distance

    3 miles (5km)

  • Ascent

    394ft (120m)

  • Start

    Linn of Quoich car park

  • Finish

    Linn of Quoich car park

Facilities

Toilet

There are seasonal portaloos at the Linn of Dee car park (April to Oct), 3½ miles away.

Car park

There is a Pay & Display car park at Linn of Quoich (£5 for cars, £6 for motorhomes, free for members).

Dog-friendly

Dogs should be kept on a lead or under close control at all times, especially during ground-nesting bird season (April to August).

Further walks

A river flows under a stone bridge and over large slabs of rock. Tall pine trees grow on the banks.

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.

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A view across Glen Lui in the summer sunshine, where a calm river meanders through a pinewood.

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.

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