Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve
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Overview
The Muir of Dinnet NNR is a landscape created by retreating glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age, around 10,000 years ago. The most striking physical feature is The Vat – a vast, cauldron-shaped pothole of pink granite some 80ft across which was formed by the swirling glacial meltwaters. Muir of Dinnet NNR blends birch woodland, heath and open water, at the heart of which are Loch Davan and Loch Kinord. Their pure waters and associated bogs and fens provide the ideal habitat for a wide range of species, from rare water beetles to the elusive otter, which feeds and breeds on the reserve. The lochs are great places for birdwatching in winter. Teal, tufted duck and greylag geese all visit, and it’s one of the best places in Britain to see goldeneye. Also during the winter, the lochs are an important roosting site for migrating geese and other wildfowl.
About the area
Visitors to Aberdeenshire with any kind of interest in history are in for a treat. There are more castles to the acre in Aberdeenshire than anywhere else in Britain.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Loch Kinord Hotel
Family-run, Loch Kinord Hotel is well located for leisure and sporting pursuits, and has lots of character and a friendly atmosphere. There are two bars, one outside and a cosy one insi...
The Commercial
The Commercial benefits from a stunning location in the heart of Royal Deeside in the 'Howe O' Cromar'. Near to Aberdeen, the Grampian Mountains and the Cairngorm National Park, The Com...
Douneside House
Douneside House provides an impressive range of facilities, with extensive grounds, fishing, spa and leisure facilities as well as stunningly beautiful gardens. Bedrooms come in a range...
Lys-Na-Greyne
Built in 1912 for Sir Francis Outram Bt, Lys-Na-Greyne is an Edwardian granite house discretely nestled in the tranquil wooded conservation area at the west end of Aboyne. Sitting on th...
Balmoral Arms
Formerly Deeside Inn, Balmoral Arms continues the tradition of attracting visitors to Royal Deeside, which has existed since Victorian times. Located in the Royal Deeside village of Bal...
Ballater Caravan Park
Ballater Caravan Park is located in the heart of this delightful conservation village. Positioned in between the River Dee and the golf club this is a really well thought out and presen...
The Auld Kirk
This Victorian Scottish Free Church building has been carefully converted into a warm guest house and is now hosted by welcoming proprietors Helen & Kevin. Many original features of the...
Kildrummy Inn
Located in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, Kildrummy Inn is the perfect base for touring the Grampian Mountains and beyond. This family run, traditional inn combines a harmonious blen...
