Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve
Just at the edge of Dinnet village, there's a place where you can walk through some of Deeside's prettiest woodlands and picnic beside a loch clothed in water lilies. And if you fancy scrambling into a granite cauldron, following in the footsteps of Queen Victoria, you can do that too!
Muir of Dinnet blends woodland, heath, open water and an impressive example of nature's sculptural work, all on one site. Visit the Burn O'Vat and feel the rock walls swallow you up in their damp embrace, cutting you off from the outside world. Elsewhere, wander through birch woodlands, watch for the flash of a damselfly's wings or savour the peace and tranquillity of a summer reflection in the clear water of the lochs.
Lying within the Cairngorms National Park, Muir of Dinnet has a range of enchanting walks through the woodland and around the water-filled kettle hole that forms Loch Kinord. There are four waymarked paths starting from the visitor centre. They range from just under a mile to the Burn O'Vat and up to nearly four miles on the Loch Kinord circular path. Take time to stroll through the woodland looking out for birds, animals and delicate woodland wildflowers
There is a visitor centre, which tells the story of how the different elements of the reserve evolved and what you are likely to see if you go out to enjoy the reserve. You can find out how glaciers carved up the landscape, how the lochs and bogs formed, how well the woodland is doing and why the reserve is so special. The visitor centre is rated Gold as part of the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
The best time to visit is in spring and winter for birds, and all year round for visits to the Burn O'Vat.
There are toilets a short distance beyond the visitor centre, which are open all year. One of these toilets is wheelchair accessible and also has baby changing facilities.The main car park is located at the Burn O' Vat Visitor Centre. Paths are available to the Burn `o Vat, onto Parkin's Moss, around Loch Kinord, from Dinnet village and between Lochs Kinord and Davan.
