Linn of Dee Circular Walk

If you’re looking for an area of the Cairngorms National Park that can be safely explored and enjoyed by the whole family, The Linn of Dee Circular Walk is the trail for you! The short waymarked walk is the perfect way to take in the area’s natural beauty while enjoying the convenience of walking on clear tracks and paths. While the trail is suitable for little ones, some minor steps may require you to carry a buggy if you plan to bring one.

Old and young will enjoy the beautiful waterfalls on this walk, and there are some great photo opportunities along the way. The Linn of Dee can be seen rushing through a tight chasm, making for a lovely cascading effect, with a gorgeous old stone bridge arching above.

From the car park at the National Trust, join the footpath which you’ll find by returning to the road at the edge of the car park. Spot the yellow and blue waymarkers on the footpath opposite the road, then follow it down some gentle steps that lead you to the riverside. For lovely views of the Linn of Dee, turn right to follow the yellow waymarkers, which leads to a superb lookout point. Return to the point where the yellow and blue waymarked paths meet, and you’ll spot the road bridge up above. If you fancy it, head up to join a path on the far side of the road bridge for some further river views. Return to the junction of the blue and yellow paths and make a left to follow the blue waymarked trail. Enjoy a scenic stretch as you follow the river downstream through enchanting pine woods. After about 1148ft, the main path bears left and continues up several steps to reach the top of the road. Join the path on the far side, which continues as it bears right and mirrors the road.

You’ll soon be welcomed onto a track that runs beside the River Luibeg. Make a left on the track and continue for 820ft, following the blue waymarkers, which lead you to fork right to join another path. With the river still in view, the path soon curves left, and you’ll spot the pretty glen rising in the distance as well as Derry Cairngorm. The footpath soon converges with a sizable track, which you’ll turn left onto. Continue for 1476ft and look out for the signpost, which alerts you when to turn right to join a path that leads through woodlands and back to the car park where the walk began.

Other Great Walks in Cairngorms National Park

Check out our trail guides to Ben Magdui, Loch Muick, Ben Vrackie, Loch an Eilein, and the Mount Keen Walk. Or see all of our Cairngorms walks.