Quoich Water
Location
- Park at the Linn of Quoich 3km west of Braemar (although that’s as crow flies) and follow the path up Glen Quoich. There are loads of pools for swimming but the best one will depend on time of year and rain/snow fall. This one was near one of the washed away bridges just north of the main area of trees.
Grid Ref
- NO083/932
Features
- Fantastic clear water with easy access and sufficient depth (in April) for a swim. Great setting too.
Hazards
- Nothing unusual to report.
Date
- 14th April 2017
River Dee
Location
- There are a few good swim spots between Braemar and Invercauld Bridge but the best access is from the track on the north side of the river which means walk ins from either the car park at the Linn of Quoich or from Invercauld Estate.
Grid Ref
- NO148/924
Features
- Easy access to the water and on a rare patch of gravel. The water is deep enough for a proper swim which isn’t the case elsewhere on this stretch of river. You also get a great view of Braemar Castle
Hazards
- I suppose I should mention the sewage works and cemetery in the vicinity but to south of the river.
Date
- 11th April 2017
Falls of Garbh Allt
Location
- Park in the car park on Invercauld Estate, near the bridge of same name, c. 5km east of Braemar on the A93. Take one of the woodland paths on the south side of the River Dee.
Grid Ref
- NO 198/895
Features
- Several pools below waterfalls. Best one seemed to be that by the foot bridge (which doubles as a viewing/photography area)
Hazards
- Best not to skinny dip at the path is popular (erh, well it wasn’t at Easter but might be in the summer)
Date
- 10th April 2017
Linn Of Dee
(A FIVE TRUNK plus location)
[clear]
Location
About 9km to the west of Braemar. Follow the minor road out of the latter to the only place it crosses the river. There is parking about 200m past the bridge.
Grid Ref
NO 063/897
Features
With a rock gorge with fast and slow flowing water (in August).
Hazards
I guess you would die if you tried to swim here in the winter.
Date of Last Swim
4th August 2010
Quite simply, river swimming at its best.
nr Linn Of Dee (downstream of)
(A FIVE TRUNK location)
Location
Park in the car park for the Linn (see below). The swim is about 500m downstream of the Linn.
Grid Ref
NO 067/898
Features
Large pool with sufficient depth for reasonable swimming.
Hazards
In places narrows and shallows unexpectedly.
Date of Last Swim
4th August 2010
Lui Water
(A THREE TRUNK location)
Location
About 8km to the west of Braemar but you have to follow minor road out of the latter all the way round the valley. Follow the path which starts from the minor road about 1km east of the Linn of Dee (where there is good parking).
Grid Ref
NO 067/900 [clear]
Features
Several small (in August) waterfalls with pools in great setting.
Hazards
Not quite enough water (in August) for a proper swim.
Date of Last Swim
3rd August 2010
River With no name (nr Braemar)
(A FOUR TRUNK location)
Location
Park in the car park located about 3km south of Braemar adjacent to the A93 where it passes over the first river.
Grid Ref
NO 156/882
Features
Pool large enough for a quick swim this small waterfall. Although the main feature is that you can park and be in the water in seconds!
Hazards
Stones surprisingly slippery.
Date of Last Swim
5th August 2010
The Punch Bowl, Linn Of Quoich (Braemar)
(A FIVE TRUNK location)
Location
About 3km to the west of Braemar but you have to follow minor road out of the latter all the way round the valley (or you could cut through Mar Lodge if you are on foot). Park in the car park and follow the east side of the river and pick your spot.
Grid Ref
NO 113/916
Features
Several fantastic pools in woodland setting with one in a mini-gorge.
Hazards
In places was quite fast flowing and we visited in August.
Date of Last Swim
2nd August 2010