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East of the main plateau, Glen Quoich has all the trademarks of the
Cairngorms - lush woodlands of Scots Pine, grazing red deer, dramatic upland
scenery and crisp, clear mountain streams.
Venture into Glen Quoich for a true taste of the unspoiled countryside that
makes the Grampian mountains such a popular spot with walkers. Stretching north
west from Braemar, the hidden valley curves into a peaceful wilderness where
those who go quietly may see red deer nibbling green grass in the shadow of a
gnarled old Scots Pine tree.
The peace and tranquility the forest affords is one of the main pleasures of
this walk. The other is the lively river flowing coursing down the base of the
glen.
Over its entire length, the route is never very far from the Quoich Water and
the most spectacular section is saved for the end where the Punch Bowl always
impresses.
The
river squeezes through a narrow gash in the rock, whitewater thundering down the
natural channel, crashing out into deep pools below. This walk can be tackled in
all but the worst weather. For best results choose a warm, dry day and pause
awhile to appreciate the spectacular surroundings as you go.
The car park sits just beyond the wooden road bridge spanning the Quoich Water.
Set off east along the track to Allanaquoich farm. Just before you reach the
whitewashed house, the track reaches a junction at the end of a small
plantation. Turn left, curving back on yourself to reach a barrier gate. Pass
round this and follow the track along the back of the trees, small birds
fluttering over the open moorland to the right. Five hundred yards on another
junction is reached. Go right here and the track climbs open ground, leaving the
trees on the left behind in a short distance.
Stay on the main track and a small burn is crossed at a point where a deep pool
spans out across the track. Use the makeshift dam as stepping stones. The route
climbs again, skirting behind a coniferous plantation to a track junction at the
top edge. Turn left here and follow the back of the wood. You may spot red deer
grazing in the trees.
The track leaves the regimented plantation behind at another burn and the Scots
Pine woodland to the left is now older and more sparce. There are a number of
dead trees scattered across the moor, twisted white trunks rising from the
heather. The way runs due north for a mile and then curves slowly east, a fine
view to Beinn a Bhuird's solid rounded flank ahead.
The track descends gently towards the Quoich Water on the left and meets the
stream at a stony beach. The crossing is split in two by an island, a line of
makeshift stepping stones covering the first section if the water is not too
high. If it is, you have the choice of going upstream or taking socks off and
wading over with bare feet in boots. The second stage is much easier. Once
across, a track heads west through Scots Pine trees. There is a burn crossing
part way along. Climb a few yards upstream and it is an easy hop.
About a mile from the first crossing a junction of tracks is reached. Turn left
and there is another river to negotiate. The track fords the water but walkers
should head upstream a way where a mix of small grassy islands and narrow
channels make a virtually dry foot crossing possible. Rejoin the track and walk
south. The route curves gently left and although there are one or two
undulations, on the whole it is level.
As the Quoich Water becomes more turbulent, the track reaches a wooden
footbridge over the river down to the left. Don't cross this but stay on the
track and continue to the end of the forest.
Fifty yards after the way leaves the trees, a path branches off to the left over
open heather ground. It drops down to the riverside and crosses the water at a
footbridge over The Punch Bowl. On the other side turn right before a boarded up
cottage is reached and head down through the trees, a path leading back to the
start, just beyond another abandoned house.
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WALK FACTS
Distance 9 miles/14km.
Map OS
Landranger 1:50,000 sheet 43.
Start/parking End of the minor public road at Linn of Quoich (grid ref NO 118913).
Follow road signed Linn of Dee west from Braemar then east from Linn of Dee.
Plenty of space for cars.
Grading Good tracks through scenic glen. Two river
crossings where care is needed and avoid when rivers are in spate. Pack some
midge repellent as they congregate at the car park. Suitable for adults and
older children.
  
 
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