Burn O' Vat - A natural geological wonder in Royal Deeside

Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire is an ideal area of Scotland to base yourself if you are a lover of castles and the outdoors - I'm definitely a fan of both.  I spent a few days in the region and split my time between scenic walks and historical ruins, with a few great restaurants and cafes thrown in for good measure.

One of my favourite local walks was to Burn O'Vat, an amazing bowl-shaped geological feature which was carved out by glacial melt at the end of the last Ice Age.  I visited early in the morning as it apparently gets quite busy later in the day.  I was lucky to have it all to myself although I did pass lots of people headed that way on my walk back to the car park.

The walk is situated in the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve which has many more trail options.  I didn't have time to explore any more of them on my visit, however you could easily spend a good part of the day there.

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Burn O'Vat Walk Details

DISTANCE - Approx 1 mile return walk from the designated car park,  You could also add on the Culblean Circuit to make it a 4 mile walk

TERRAIN - A designated pathway at the start, although climbing over streams and rocks is required to gain entry

DIFFICULTY - Most of the walks I feature on my blog are easy to moderate as I want to include options that most people can manage.  Overall this is an easy walk, however you do need some mobility and confidence to climb over the rocks.  Waterproof footwear is also recommended as you need to cross a couple of streams.  If the rocks are particularly wet and slippy or if the water is high, extra care needs to be taken.

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FOLLOWING THE WALK

The route is well signposted and crosses a green wooden bridge before carrying on past a second bridge and then coming to an abrupt stop at a rock face - or so you think!

​If you look closely, you will spot the narrow entrance-way which leads to the natural amphitheatre beyond.  The next section to reach the gap does require a bit of agility to get over the boulders and across the stream, but isn't too strenuous and is actually quite fun!

Arriving at the entrance feels a bit like an Indiana Jones moment, with the possibility of ancient treasures or a forgotten civilisation hidden beyond the giant moss covered boulders.  Okay, I'm being a little dramatic but its hard not to let your imagination run wild in a place like this, especially when there's no-one else about.
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Crossing the stepping stones, negotiating the well placed tree trunk and the glimpses of a waterfall just add to the feeling of adventure although I should probably add that waterproof footwear will come in handy if the water levels are high or your balancing skills are lacking!

​It is easy to understand why one of Scotland's notorious outlaws Patrick 'Gideroy' MacGregor and his followers were said to use Burn O'Vat as a hiding place from the authorities in the 17th century.  Without local knowledge and before an official path was constructed, it would be a hard place to find.  However, the law did eventually catch up with MacGregor and in 1636 he was hanged along with some of his men before their heads and right hands were cut off and fixed above the east and west ports of Edinburgh.

What lies inside is a real treat and it's certainly unlike anywhere else I've come across in Scotland.  I was immediately drawn over to the tumbling waterfall which is far from the biggest or most impressive I've seen on my travels around the country but the unusual setting made it quite special.

If you are looking for more inspiration for scenic walks in Scotland - head over to my recommend walks page

It's hard to comprehend the feeling and scale of standing inside the centre of the carved bowl with the towering rock-faces and the sound of rushing water - photos certainly don't do it justice.   If you're in the area it is definitely worth stopping here, and if you can, arrive early in the day before the crowds as it is an atmospheric experience having a place like this all to yourself. 

You might also enjoy this blog post featuring other things to do in the Aberdeenshire area

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