Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

Scotland has 43 National Nature Reserves (NNR) which are areas of land set aside for nature and include woodlands, lochs, mountain tops and more. Out of the 43 NNRs, 9 are located in the Cairngorms National Park. And one of them is Muir of Dinnet.

Located close to the village of Dinnet in Aberdeenshire, the Muir of Dinnet NNR includes different habitats like woodlands, moors, dry heath and 2 lochs - Loch Davan and Loch Kinord. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna and an important landform - the Burn O'Vat. The Burn O'Vat which measures 18 metres across and 13 metres high is said to have been carved out by torrents of glacial waters. The entrance to the cauldron like structure was exposed when the same glacial waters undercut a section of the rocks.

Muir of Dinnet is visited by thousands of people each year who come here to enjoy tranquil walks and soak up the magic of the Burn O'Vat. The Visitor Centre at the Burn O'Vat is open daily and there is a network of 4 waymarked paths for visitors to explore the Reserve.

Walking Trails at Muir of Dinnet

Whatever season you visit in, Muir of Dinnet is always impressive. If you visit in Spring, you will notice a carpet of wood anemones on the ground while Summer is the perfect time to spot ospreys, dragonflies, damselflies and more. Autumn turns the Reserve into a colourful painting with mushrooms flourishing in the habitat while Winter brings its own stunning scenery.

There are 4 waymarked trails and these take you around the best parts of the Reserve giving you the opportunity to watch wildlife and enjoy the ever-changing scenery.

The Vat Trail

The Vat Trail seemed very popular with the visitors and it wasn't a surprise. It is short walk (¾ mile / around 45 minutes) starting from the car park and taking you through the woodlands to the Vat. There's a bit of scramble to get into the Vat but once you enter it, it feels like you have discovered a secret waterfall. The huge granite cauldron is impressive.

The path/steps leading into and out of the Vat can be slippery, so take care.

The Vat Trail also includes viewing point where you can learn more about the Reserve and also take in views of the 2 lochs.

Loch Kinord Trail

To get on to this trail, you need to cross the road near the car park and head to the other side of the road. The Loch Kinord Trail begins here. It is a circular route around the loch (4 miles / around 2.5 hours) with mostly flat sections and some moderate slopes. If it has rained, the path can be muddy.

The trail is well marked and you will be rewarded with lovely views all along the trail.

On this trail (and also on the Little Ord Trail), you will come across the Kinord Cross. It is a beautiful Pictish cross that was probably carved over 1000 years ago and held pride of place inside the St Margaret Chapel on the banks of Loch Kinord. 

Parkin’s Moss Trail

This is a 2 miles trail and will take around 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is for bog lovers and includes boardwalk paths  with some uneven sections and a few short but fairly steep slopes.

Little Ord Trail

This trail takes you to those parts of the Reserve where you can still see some traces of the life from thousands of years ago (including a crannog and the cross that you also see on the Kinord Trail). The trail is 3 ¼ miles and takes around 2.5 hours to complete.

We visited the NNR towards the end of Summer/ begining of Autumn and the woodland floor was dotted with fungal displays. It was a whole different world altogether with different types of colourful mushrooms along the walking trails.

Facilities at Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

The Muir of Dinnet Visitor Centre includes information panels and displays that tell the story of the reserve. If you need additional informartion about the Reserve or the walking trails, you can talk to the staff.

In terms of facilities, the visitor centre has toilets that are open all year round. There are picnic benches near the visitor centre and some seating facilities dotted around the car park and surrounding areas.

How to get to Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

The Nature Reserve is situated close to the village of Dinnet in Aberdeenshire.  Use the details below to get to the Visitor Centre where there is a free car park.

Burn O’Vat Visitor Centre | Dinnet, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 5NB
Phone | 01339 881667 Email | [email protected]