Punchbowl Linn of Quoich

The Punchbowl at the Linn of Quoich is a natural formation, that was formed by the force of Quoich Water being squeezed through a narrow channel causing the water to form a hole in the granite.

The land in this area forms part of the Mar Lodge Estate which is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The estate is recognised as one of the most important nature conservation landscapes in Britain and covers 72,500 acres and was classified a nature reserve in May 2017.

The importance of the habitat has led to it being made designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area.

I have visited the area several times and never get sick of it's beauty. It is much quieter than the neighbouring Linn of Dee, offering a more tranquil experience.

It is not unusual to find wild swimmers here, enjoying the clear water and drying off on the sun warmed granite. However, I will keep my hiking boots on thank you.

Back in the day, it is reputed that the Earl of Mar used the Punchbowl to toast the success of a deer hunt.

However I'm not entirely sure how possible that would be without falling in.

Next to the punchbowl is the newly renovated Picnic Cottage. It was built by Princess Louise, the granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Both the Princess and her grandmother would have utilised the cottage when visiting her beloved Balmoral.

Just to prove that we extensively research our write up's, every where I looked stated that is was built by Princess Louise in 1850. This of course is impossible as she wasn't even born yet. So either it was built by someone else, or more likely it was built by Princess Louise, but later. She married Alexander William George Duff, the Earl of Fife who was made Duke of Fife by the Queen following their marriage. In 1879, he inherited the estate from his father, therefore this would make much more sense.

The National Trust for Scotland purchased the estate in 1995, and have lovingly restored this beautiful and historic cottage.

After the purchase of the cottage back in 1995, it underwent repairs to fix the structure of the cottage. In 2023, the plans for the restoration project were granted and the work commenced in 2024 which included restoration of the cottage's natural features. Amazingly the work was complete by the Autumn and you can see the successful results for yourselves.

There are information boards within the cottage and scattered around the surrounding woodland. Much thought has gone into the project and it makes for a wonderful family nature day out.

To reach the Punchbowl, head on north east along the track from the car park. Ignore the track off to the left, continuing as the path turns left and takes you over a bridge before turning left once more into the woodland.

Stay on the path until you reach the bridge, Picnic Cottage and Punchbowl.

Once you have enjoyed the Punchbowl and you don't fancy heading straight back the same way, you might want to follow this Linn of Quoich Short Circular Walk.

It is just over 0.5km to the Punchbowl.

Follow the above route, or find on OS Maps.