Linn of Dee to Glen Quoich via Clais Fhearnaig

Seventeen members of Blairgowrie and District hillwalking club enjoyed walking on a fine autumn day around Linn of Dee. Disappointingly the weather forecast predicted extreme conditions so instead of tackling the high hills of An Socach and Inverey, the club adjusted plans and completed a shorter, lower level walk. The route headed north from Linn of Dee up Glen Lui crossing over to Glen Quoich via the picturesque Clais Fhearnaig.

With only an occasional puff of wind and no rain it was a comfortable walk in the lee of the hills. Having ample time, walkers took time to study the rich flora, regenerating Scots pine, wood ants, lizards and colourful fungi. On the approach to Glen Shee, we had clear views of at least one white tailed eagle. Stunning autumn colours especially in Glen Quoich and the punchbowl made an excellent setting for a picnic. We completed the walk dry but heavy rain started as the bus left Braemar.

Another small group led by Jinty ‘bothy’ Smart, visited the Red House. It is located at the confluence of the Geldie River and the Bynack Burn, a ruined cottage that over the last three years has been beautifully restored by enthusiastic and hard working MBA volunteers. Over the years they have not only brought the building back to life but in anticipation of the popularity of the bothy they have also built a toilet block behind! The bothy will be officially opened in a couple of weeks and will provide a welcome and popular refuge to walkers as it is situated right at the junction of the long distance routes to Aviemore, Blair Atholl and Braemar as well as an access point for several Munros.

This group enjoyed the bothy’s shelter to eat lunch inside before heading back into the gales to walk to the Linn of Dee

The next club walk is on 30 October 2022 to Meall Chuaich, East Drumochter.