Loch Kinord Pathway
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Loch Kinord Pathway
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The Loch Kinord Pathway is a family-friendly walking route that can be found along the eastern edge of Cairngorms National Park and features a nice variety of terrain with scenic views. While out walking the trail, you will explore some tranquil stretches of woodland terrain and lovely meadows along the scenic shores of Loch Kinord in the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve. This is a quick adventure that can easily be done as a weekend afternoon excursion.
Getting there
To reach the trailhead for the Loch Kinord Pathway from Aboyne, drive to the southwest along Ballater Road/A93 for 6.7mi and turn right on B9119. Continue on for 1.4mi and you will find the car park on the left
About
| When to do | Year-Round |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Loch Kinord Pathway
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Loch Kinord Pathway Description
The Loch Kinord Pathway is a relatively easy walk through the forest; however, it does feature some rocky terrain and stone-covered paths that make the ground fairly uneven under foot. Make sure to wear good walking shoes with ankle support for the best footing on the trail. Additionally, there are adders that populate the area along the trail, so make sure to keep your dogs on a lead and keep a close eye on children.
This is a fantastic walk for families and beginner adventurers looking to explore a beautiful stretch of forest landscape set within Cairngorms National Park. The trail will expose you to a peaceful woodland setting that is interrupted at several points with charming meadows before arriving at the scenic shores of Loch Kinord. The beautiful views and easy nature of the trail make it perfectly suitable for a fun weekend day trip.
Setting out from the car park, make your way to the southeast across the road and pick up the trail on the opposite side. At the junction, turn left and follow the path to the northeast for 0.2mi to make your way through the peaceful forest setting of the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve. Arriving at another junction, turn left and continue along the forested path as it slightly descends through the tree cover to arrive at another junction on the edge of a clearing.
Head to the right here and keep right over the next 0.2mi to traverse the terrain on the edge of the wood and arrive at the shores of Loch Kinord. Take some time to appreciate the natural beauty of the area, as you walk along the water’s edge for the next 0.32mi while gazing out across its calm surface. Once you have reached the terminus of the trail, simply head back along the trail and retrace your footsteps through the forest to return to the car park having completed your adventure along the Loch Kinord Pathway.
Other Great Walks in Cairngorms National Park
Check out our trail guides to Ben Magdui, Loch Muick, Ben Vrackie, Loch an Eilein, and the Mount Keen Walk. Or see all of our Cairngorms walks.
Insider Hints
Portions of the trail are a bit rocky, so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
If you are walking your dogs along the trail, keep them on a lead to avoid an interaction with the adder snakes that populate the area.
If you are looking for other activities to do in the area, Loch Kinord is also a great spot for paddle sports.
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