Image shared for Loch Kinord: Muir of Dinnet Woodland Circuit
Countryside Circular

Loch Kinord: Muir of Dinnet Woodland Circuit

Grampian

Distance
4.0 mi
Est. time
2h 30m
Difficulty
Medium
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at Burn o' Vat Visitor Centre car park and cross the B9119 carefully to join the blue Loch Kinord Trail. Follow the woodland path round the northern side of the loch to the carved Pictish cross, then continue around the eastern and southern shores. The circuit passes views towards the crannog and Castle Island before returning through the birchwoods near Meikle Kinord. Keep to the blue waymarks where the shorter reserve trails branch away.

Allow about two and a half hours. The paths are established but include narrow, uneven stretches, tree roots, short slopes and muddy patches after rain. NatureScot grades this as a strenuous trail because of the path conditions. It is a low-level woodland circuit, with no mountain ascent. Wear boots or walking shoes with good grip and take particular care at the road crossing.

The visitor-centre car park has picnic tables and toilets that NatureScot lists as open year round. The information centre normally opens 10am to 4pm from Easter to October, with shorter winter hours. Carry your own refreshments. Keep dogs on a short lead from April to July to protect breeding birds, and stay back from the water's edge. The rocky scramble into the Vat is a separate trail. Route information: NatureScot's Muir of Dinnet reserve map, trail guide and visitor information.

Walk details

County
Grampian
Walk type
Circular
Category
Countryside
Distance
4.0 mi (6.4 km)
Est. time
2h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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