Name: Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve
Rating: 5.0

Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

Dinnet, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5NB, Scotland

1-90 Years

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Description

Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve is a scenic reserve located within the Cairngorms National Park, featuring a mix of wetlands, woods and moorland. It is known for its rich wildlife and strong links to Scotland’s natural and cultural history. The reserve showcases landscapes shaped by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, making it both a natural and historical destination.

Visitors can explore the Burn O’Vat, a natural pothole formed by glacial meltwater, and walk through woodlands and around Loch Kinord. Activities include following scenic trails, wildlife watching, spotting birds and wildflowers, and visiting historical features such as the Kinnord Cross and traces of an Iron Age village. The visitor centre provides information about the reserve, and picnic areas and accessible paths are available.

Entry to the reserve, visitor centre and Burn O’Vat is free.

Overall, Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve offers a peaceful and immersive nature experience with unique geological features and diverse habitats. With walking trails, wildlife observation and historical points of interest, it is ideal for nature lovers and explorers. It is a great place to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Scotland’s natural landscape.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Welcome to Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve one of Scotland’s best wildlife sites. The reserve blends, woodland, heath, open water and an impressive example of natures sculptural work, all on one site.
Visit the 'Vat', a giant pothole carved by a huge meltwater stream during the last Ice Age. Elsewhere, wander through birch woodlands, watch for the flash of a damselfly's wings or savour the peace and tranquility of a summer reflection in the clear water of the lochs.
Or explore the reserves history by visiting the Kinnord Cross, a carved Pictish stone or search for the traces of the Iron Age village.
Lying within the Cairngorms National Park, Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve (NNR) is a mosaic of wetlands, woods and moors. It’s a great place for wildlife and has a wealth of connections to Scotland’s past.
Although the last glaciers melted more than 10,000 years ago, the marks they gouged in the landscape survive today. One of these is the Vat Gorge, where the Burn O’Vat still flows. The Vat itself is a cauldron-shaped pothole.
It was gouged out by rocks tumbling along in a stream beneath a glacier. Today you can make your way into the Vat through a narrow crack in the rock. Stand in this atmospheric cavern, and listen to the strange echoes of water that seems to pour out of the rocks.
You can also stroll through the woodland, looking out for birds, animals and delicate woodland wild flowers. You may also spot breeding and wintering birds on Loch Kinord. The visitor centre at the Burn O’Vat explores the natural and cultural heritage of the reserve.
From here there are lovely walks through the woodland and around Loch Kinord. Or take the path to the Burn O’Vat and on to a viewpoint with sweeping views across Loch Kinord and beyond.

Facilities

Parking: Parking available.
Picnic areas: There are two picnic benches near the visitor centre. Both are wheelchair accessible and reached by a surfaced track.
Toilets: The toilets are open all year round and are a short distance from the visitor centre.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

The visitor centre is open everyday from 10am - 4 pm - Easter to October. Hours change in the winter.

Address: Dinnet, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5NB, Scotland

Post Code: AB34 5NB

Council: Aboyne

County: Aberdeenshire

By Car: From Aberdeen, follow the A93 Aberdeen to Ballater road, which passes through Dinnet. The main car park is at the Burn O’Vat visitor centre, 6 kilometres from Dinnet. Head south-west on the A93 for 4 kilometres, then turn onto the B9119. There are no width or height restrictions at the car park, and there are dedicated disabled bays.
By Bus: The nearest bus stop is in Dinnet. Bluebird buses will often stop on request at the junction between the B9119 and the A93, 2.5 kilometres from Burn O’Vat. There is no roadside pavement along the B9119.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Insch (34 kilometres from Dinnet) on the Inverness to Aberdeen line.