Loch Kinord is a region nestled within the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, situated on the eastern edge of the Cairngorms National Park. This area features a shallow freshwater loch surrounded by European beech and birch forests, vibrant meadows, and heathland. The diverse landscape, including ancient crannogs and geological formations like the Burn O' Vat, provides varied terrain suitable for several sports like hiking, road cycling, gravel biking, touring cycling, and more.
Loch Kinord offers numerous routes across several sports, including hiking, road cycling, gravel biking, touring cycling, and jogging. The area's varied terrain supports a range of outdoor experiences, from tranquil lakeside walks through birch forests to more challenging cycling routes across rolling hills and forest tracks. Hikers can explore paths leading to natural features like the Burn O' Vat or enjoy longer loops with loch views, as detailed in guides such as Hiking around Loch Kinord or Family-friendly hikes around Loch Kinord. Cyclists can find routes ranging from easy loops to more challenging rides, with options for road, gravel, and touring, including Road Cycling Routes around Loch Kinord. More than 28,000 visitors have shared their experiences in Loch Kinord, resulting in an average rating of 4.53 out of 5 stars for the region's outdoor activities.
105
Routes
4.4
(238)
Average rating
2023
People visited

4.0
(1)
99
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
runners
13.4km
01:33
210m
210m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

14
runners
8.94km
00:55
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
runners
14.3km
01:36
150m
150m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(5)
26
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

23
riders
28.5km
02:45
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
15
riders
38.2km
02:20
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.0
(1)
25
riders
42.1km
03:25
480m
480m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
32
hikers
1.26km
00:21
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(26)
130
hikers
13.4km
03:35
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(28)
133
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(12)
83
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
78
riders
34.5km
03:18
600m
600m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

26
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(1)
14
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
15
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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51
riders
29.7km
01:16
250m
250m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

34
riders
115km
04:52
820m
820m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

20
riders
38.1km
01:52
270m
270m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

15
riders
32.7km
01:48
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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4.9
(8)
38
riders
36.9km
02:23
430m
430m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(3)
18
riders
36.5km
02:43
450m
450m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(3)
16
riders
35.8km
02:39
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
71.4km
05:21
1,010m
1,010m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Loch Kinord offers a variety of outdoor activities including Hiking, Road cycling, Gravel biking, Touring cycling, Jogging, and Mountain biking. The region features diverse landscapes suitable for various skill levels. Over 28,000 visitors have explored routes in Loch Kinord, giving them an average rating of 4.53 out of 5 stars.
Popular hiking trails include the 0.8-mile (1.3 km) Vat Trail to Burn O' Vat waterfall and the 8.1-mile (13 km) Loch Kinord – View of Loch Kinord Crannog loop. The 3.9-mile (6.3 km) View of Loch Kinord Crannog – Kinord Cross loop and the 4-mile (6.4 km) Loch Kinord Trail also offer scenic walks. More details can be found in the Hiking around Loch Kinord guide.
Yes, Loch Kinord provides several family-friendly hiking options. These routes are generally easier and suitable for various ages. Specific recommendations are available in the Family-friendly hikes around Loch Kinord guide.
Loch Kinord offers trails suitable for walking with dogs. Visitors should ensure dogs are kept under control, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock. Information on specific routes can be found in the Dog-friendly hikes around Loch Kinord guide.
Key features include the Burn O' Vat, a geological formation carved by glacial meltwater, and ancient crannogs, which are remains of Iron Age dwellings on the loch. The 9th-century Pictish Kinord Cross also adds historical significance. The area is within the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, known for its diverse habitats.
Loch Kinord offers routes for road cycling, gravel biking, and touring cycling. Road cycling routes showcase Royal Deeside's scenery, while gravel biking utilizes forest tracks and remote roads. Touring cyclists can find routes like the 23.7-mile (38.1 km) Clarack Loch – Cycle Highlands Bike Shop loop. Guides such as Road Cycling Routes around Loch Kinord and Gravel biking around Loch Kinord provide detailed information.
Yes, Loch Kinord features easy routes suitable for beginners across various sports. These include shorter hiking paths and less challenging cycling loops. The Easy hikes around Loch Kinord guide provides specific recommendations for less strenuous walks.
Public transport options are available to reach areas around Loch Kinord. Some hiking routes are accessible from bus stations, allowing for car-free exploration. The Hikes from bus stations around Loch Kinord guide lists routes starting near public transport links.
Komoot offers several guides for Loch Kinord, covering various activities and interests. These include guides for Hiking, Family-friendly hikes, Dog-friendly hikes, Road Cycling, and Gravel biking. There are also guides for Touring Cycling and Running Trails.
The Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, which encompasses Loch Kinord, is managed by NatureScot. The official website for the reserve is part of the NatureScot website. For local inquiries, the Loch Kinord Hotel in Dinnet can be contacted at 01339 885229.
Gravel biking in Loch Kinord offers diverse terrain, including heaths, bogs, and mixed woodlands. The region's forest tracks, rolling hills, and remote gravel roads within the Cairngorms National Park provide varied surfaces. Routes like the 22.6-mile (36.4 km) Deeside Way Suspension Bridge – Ballater Station loop are popular for gravel cyclists.

