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Linn of Dee Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Very easy Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
1h30 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
3.4km
Elevation gain
70m
Type of route
Loop
Maximum altitude
395 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
No
Marked
Yes
Popularity
High
Region
Cairngorms
Start point
56.99011, -3.54363
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Linn of Dee hike is a magnificent family-friendly trail located in the heart of Scotland's Cairngorms National Park. The route passes through a forest of primitive Caledonian pines, which are regenerating naturally thanks to the National Trust for Scotland's efforts, before following the picturesque River Lui and its many waterfalls.

On the return journey, you will follow the river Dee. The water cuts its way through a narrow gorge, forming circular pools carved out by erosion, the entire scene overlooked by an elegant old stone bridge.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Linn of Dee Hike

Difficulties of the hike

This hike is well marked, mostly flat, and presents no technical difficulties. It is suitable for walkers of all levels, including families with young children.

What you'll love

  • The waterfalls and rapids of the River Lui: The route follows this turbulent river, which has many waterfalls, including one where the remains of an old salmon ladder can still be seen.
  • The Caledonian pine forest: You will walk through an exceptional primitive forest that is now being regenerated thanks to the conservation efforts of the National Trust for Scotland.
  • The impressive spectacle of the Linn of Dee: Watch the River Dee power its way through a narrow, rocky gorge spanned by an old Victorian stone bridge.

Practical information

Parking

There is a large paid parking lot operated by the National Trust for Scotland at the trailhead (indicative price in 2025: £5 per car). The money raised contributes to the preservation of the forest and maintenance of the trails.

Excellent trail through primitive forest
Excellent trail through primitive forest
Primitive pines
Primitive pines
Primitive pines
Primitive pines
River Lui
River Lui
River Lui
River Lui
One of the many waterfalls on the Lui River
One of the many waterfalls on the Lui River
One of the many waterfalls on the Lui River
One of the many waterfalls on the Lui River
Waterfall
Waterfall
River Lui
River Lui
The trail follows the Lui river for the entire second part of the route.
The trail follows the Lui river for the entire second part of the route.
Lui river waterfall
Lui river waterfall
Back to the parking lot
Back to the parking lot
Linn of Dee
Linn of Dee

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/scotland/linn-of-dee/