Cairngorms
Glen Lui — Walking Guide
Glen Lui is one of the access glens into the heart of the Cairngorms from Deeside — a flat-floored ancient pine forest glen running north from Linn of Dee toward the Lairig Ghru and the high plateau.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:17
- Sunset
- 21:04
- Civil dawn
- 04:29
- Civil dusk
- 21:52
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
About Glen Lui
Glen Lui is one of the access glens into the heart of the Cairngorms from Deeside — a flat-floored ancient pine forest glen running north from Linn of Dee toward the Lairig Ghru and the high plateau. It is the approach route for Derry Cairngorm, Ben Macdui, and the southern Cairngorm plateau.
Getting there
From Braemar: minor road west to Linn of Dee car park (NO 063 897), approximately 10km. Large National Park car park with facilities. No public transport to Linn of Dee — car or taxi from Braemar.
When to go
Glen Lui is one of the best winter walking destinations in the Cairngorms from the south — the approach from Linn of Dee to Derry Lodge (10km return, low level) is manageable in most winter conditions and the ancient pine forest is spectacular with hoarfrost or snow. The high plateau routes (Ben Macdui, Cairn Gorm from the south) are serious winter mountaineering requiring full skills and navigation in whiteout conditions. Spring (April–May) is excellent for crested tit and Scottish crossbill in the Derry pines. Midge pressure is low compared to the west Highlands. Autumn (September–October) sees fine colour in the birch and rowan above the pines.
Highlights
- Linn of Dee (dramatic river feature)
- Derry Lodge ruin
- Glen Derry approach to Cairn Gorm massif
- Larig an Laoigh through-route to Aviemore
Hills in and around Glen Lui
| Hill | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Carn na Drochaide | corbett | 818m |
| Creag Bhalg | graham | 668m |
| Creag an Dail Bheag | corbett | 863m |
| Morrone | corbett | 859m |
| Beinn a' Bhuird (Beinn a' Bhuird North Top) | munro | 1196m |
| Beinn Bhreac | munro | 930m |
| Ben Avon - Leabaidh an Daimh Bhuidhe | munro | 1172m |
Frequently asked questions
- What is Linn of Dee?
- The Linn of Dee is a dramatic river gorge where the River Dee is compressed through a narrow rock channel — one of Scotland's most impressive natural water features. It is located at the end of the public road, 10km west of Braemar, and is the start point for all Glen Lui walks. The bridge over the gorge dates from 1857 and the viewing point is accessible in under 5 minutes from the car park.
- How long is the walk to Derry Lodge from Linn of Dee?
- The walk from Linn of Dee to Derry Lodge is 10km return along a wide track through the ancient Caledonian pines — allow 2.5–3 hours return at a comfortable pace. The track is suitable for mountain bikes, and many Cairngorm plateau walkers cycle to Derry Lodge to reduce the approach time before ascending. The lodge itself is a roofless ruin but an atmospheric stopping point.
- Is Glen Lui used for the Lairig Ghru through-route?
- Not directly — the Lairig Ghru approaches from the Braemar side via Glen Dee (parallel to Glen Lui). Glen Lui and Glen Derry lead to the Lairig an Laoigh, a separate and equally fine through-route to Aviemore via Fords of Avon and the Ryvoan Pass. Both routes are 25–30km in length and typically done in 1–2 days.
- Are there facilities at Linn of Dee?
- The Linn of Dee car park has toilets (seasonal) and information boards. There are no cafes or shops at Linn of Dee itself — stock up in Braemar (10km east) which has a small supermarket and several cafes. The Mar Lodge Estate runs the car park and issues stalking information on restricted access periods (mainly August–October).