The best walks and hikes around Loch Davan

The main starting point for most hikes is the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve visitor centre. It has a dedicated car park and is the trailhead for many popular routes, including those leading to the Burn O'Vat and around Loch Kinord.

Yes, the area is great for families. The Burn O'Vat loop is a very short and exciting walk, perfect for children, as it leads into a giant geological pothole. The paths are generally well-maintained and relatively flat.

Dogs are welcome in the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, but they should be kept under close control or on a lead. This is to protect the diverse wildlife, including ground-nesting birds, and to respect other visitors.

The Burn O'Vat is a massive pothole carved by glacial meltwater during the last ice age. You can walk right inside it through a narrow rock fissure. It's a key feature of the Muir of Dinnet and is easily accessible from the visitor centre via a short, well-signposted trail.

Yes, there are several options for combining the two lochs into a single circular hike. These routes offer a fantastic overview of the reserve's varied landscape, from lochside paths to birch woodlands. The trails are well-connected, allowing for loops of various lengths.

The reserve is a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for otters near the water, various wildfowl and migrating geese on the lochs, and damselflies in the summer. The woodlands and heath are also home to a rich variety of birds and insects.

Absolutely. The area is rich in history. The Kinord Cross – View of Loch Kinord Crannog loop from Dinnet is a great choice for history buffs, taking you past a carved Pictish stone. You can also find traces of an Iron Age village and the remains of a medieval moated home near the lochs.

Most trails within the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve are well-maintained with gravel paths, especially on the more popular, shorter routes. Longer trails may include more natural, uneven surfaces through woodland and heath. It's always wise to wear sturdy footwear.

You'll find over 80 different hiking routes to explore around Loch Davan. The network ranges from very easy, short strolls to more challenging moderate hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

The trails around Loch Davan are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, the unique experience of the Burn O'Vat, and the well-signposted network of paths.

The main visitor centre at the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve provides public toilets and picnic areas, making it a convenient starting point. There are no cafes directly within the reserve itself.