Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

Found at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains, Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve is a haven for nature enthusiasts. This enchanting reserve showcases a rich mosaic of woodlands, heath, and wetlands, making it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the great Scottish outdoors.

The centrepiece of the reserve is the Vat, a giant pothole carved by meltwater during the Ice Age. Nearby, Loch Kinord is a must-visit for its serene beauty and wildlife, including red squirrels in spring, water lilies in summer, and flocks of wildfowl in winter. Keep an eye out for siskins and long-tailed tits flitting through the birch trees.

How was the Burt O'Vat formed?

The entire area was covered by a glacial ice sheet 16,000 years ago. At the end of the last ice age, the ice sheet began to melt, causing a vast torrent of meltwater mixed with debris previously caught within the ice sheet. One large chunk of debris was caught in the riverbed, causing the meltwater to form a vortex, carving the Vat/Pothole we see today.

Our visit to Muir of Dinnet

My wife Janette and I had just completed a brilliant walk to Prince Albert's Cairn on the Balmoral Estate and were keen to see more of the local area. Burn O'Vat, the main attraction at this nature reserve, has been on my visit list for a while!

Visitor Centre & Car Park

We visited in mid-April, and the car park was bustling for an off-season time. We had to enter and exit the car park a few times, hoping for a parking space to become available. We eventually found a place to park a short walk away. From there, we walked to the visitor centre. If parking is even worse in high season, it's also possible to park at the car park in the middle of the Dinnet village itself.

The visitor centre is fairly small but has many interesting information boards to read. There is no cafe or other facilities here; a toilet block can be found further down the trail. Picnic benches are available.

Available Trails

The reserve offers trails for all abilities:

• The Vat Trail (1.3 km): A level and well-surfaced route leading to the awe-inspiring Burn O’Vat. Don’t miss the narrow climb to the stunning viewpoint at the top.

• Parkin’s Moss Trail (3 km): Wander through serene birch woodlands and explore the open moss on gentle gravel and grass paths.

• The Little Ord Trail (4 km): This trail offers a journey through thousands of years of human history, set against the backdrop of mostly level gravel and grass paths.

• The Loch Kinord Trail (6 km): This trail circles the loch and guides you through varied terrain, including gravel paths and sections with gentle slopes. It is perfect for those who love a longer walk.

On this occasion, we chose the Vat Trail circular walk because we were limited in time. It took us to the nature reserve's main attraction - The Vat!

The Vat Trail

The route to the Vat is straightforward and fairly short and flat. The paths are well-kept with compacted gravel, and the scenery is lovely with forests and cliffside. Small bridges take you across various sections of the Vat Burn.

We weren't sure where the entrance to the Vat was, but we eventually came to a large cluster of rocks with water flowing through it. There was a gap, big enough for a person to squeeze through. Surely, this wasn't the way in, we thought, but looking down, stepping stones were spaced out, leading into the gap.

I went first and managed to get through without getting wet feet. Janette came through next. See the video below. It was easy enough! If you're worried about wet feet, bring some wellies with you!

The Burn O'Vat

Entering the actual Vat is quite a magical experience, with the high sides of the Vat with the waterfall roaring into it. There is a sandy area to stand and take in the surroundings of this stunning little grotto. There isn't much more to say other than that it was a lovely spot and well worth squeezing through the rocky stepping stones gap.

Here's a video of the Vat interior:

We left the way we entered and continued along the Vat Trail. The path begins to climb higher, but it isn't too steep. Eventually, it reaches a little viewing platform with more information boards and views of Loch Kinord.

We then continued back to the car park, a quick visit but lovely nonetheless.

FAQs on Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

Are there toilets at Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve?

Yes, a dedicated toilet block is a short distance from the visitor centre.

Is Muir of Dinnet wheelchair accessible?

The paths will take you as far as the gap within the burn to access the Vat. You can get a glimpse of it through the gap, but you cannot access it with a wheelchair.

Is Muir of Dinnet suitable for children?

Yes. Just take care when visiting the Vat area, as slipping on the rocks is easy. The Vat Trail walk we took was very easy and ideal for kids.

Is there anything else nearby worth seeing?

Here are a few ideas:

• Kinord Pictish Cross can be seen near Loch Kinord on the Little Ord Trail.

• The Battle of Culblean, Memorial Stone, can be seen a short distance north on the east side of the B9119.

• Cambus o' May Suspension Bridge can be found to the south by following the B9119 and turning right onto the A93.

Key Information

• Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve is a spectacular reserve found in west Aberdeenshire.

• Located within the Cairngorms National Park.

• There is a dedicated car park, visitor centre and toilet block.

• There are five trails you can explore in the reserve.

• The star attraction is the Burn O' Vat, a large, hidden area created by meltwater from the last ice age.

• It's possible to park at the Dinnet village car park and access the reserve from there.

Conclusion

We had a flying visit to Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve, but its unique geology and lovely walks left a lasting impression on us. We will return and, next time, try the walks around Loch Kinord and Loch Davan.