Glen Lui Trail

The moderate Glen Lui Trail is a 1¾-mile (2.8 km) loop from Linn of Dee car park, through a river gorge, Caledonian pinewood and the lower Glen Lui. Allow about 1 hour 15 minutes. Choose this blue-marked walk for the river and woods beyond the gorge; the separate gold Linn of Dee Trail is an easier ½ mile (0.8 km) and takes about 15 minutes.

Most of the path is smooth but narrow, with short slopes, steps, a boardwalk and some uneven patches. It can be muddy after rain and slippery in cold weather.

Cross the road from the car park to the signed start. The short yellow-marked spur at the early fork leads to the Linn of Dee gorge; return to the fork and continue on the blue route. The old stone road bridge frames the River Dee as it squeezes through the rocky gap. A path across the road gives an upstream view above the falls; retrace it to rejoin the walk.

The trail follows the Dee downstream through pinewoods, then climbs steps back to the road and continues on a path beside it. At a vehicle barrier, turn up the track and take the blue-marked fork toward the River Luibeg. Pools and cascades run past the remains of an old salmon ladder.

The route passes through regenerating Caledonian pinewood. Look among the trees for red squirrels and crossbills, and watch the water for dippers and goosanders.

The path eventually swings left for distant views toward Derry Cairngorm, then returns by track and woodland path. A boardwalk crosses an open patch before steps lead back toward the car park.

The car park toilets are seasonal, available from Easter through October. Dogs are welcome; keep them on a lead or under close control, especially during the ground-nesting bird season from April to August.