From an early age I was taken here by my parents to visit The Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve and the Burn O Vat - over the years I have had many visits here - first learning and then telling the stories of the area's geography, wildlife, prehistoric peoples, battles, royal visitors and outlaws!
This is one in a series of Geocaches hidden within local museums, visitors centres and other hidden gems that I've come across in the North East of Scotland over the years - places that I'd like to share with others.
From the Scottish Natural Heritage web page:
Lying within the Cairngorms National Park Muiir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve (NNR) is a mosaic of wetlands, woods and moors. It’s a great place for wildlife and has a wealth of connections to Scotland’s past.
Although the last glaciers melted more than 10,000 years ago, the marks they gouged in the landscape survive today. One of these is the Vat Gorge, where the Burn O’Vat still flows. The Vat itself is a cauldron-shaped pothole. It was gouged out by rocks tumbling along in a stream beneath a glacier.
Today you can make your way into the Vat through a narrow crack in the rock. Stand in this atmospheric cavern, and listen to the strange echoes of water that seems to pour out of the rocks.
You can also stroll through the woodland, looking out for birds, animals and delicate woodland wild flowers. You may also spot breeding and wintering birds on Loch Kinord.
The vistor centre at the Burn O’Vat explores the natural and cultural heritage of the reserve. From here there are lovely walks through the woodland and around Loch Kinord. Or take the path to the Burn O’Vat and on to a viewpoint with sweeping views across Loch Kinord and beyond.
Finding the cache might be quite easy, but getting it open requires just a wee bit of work!
Before you get to the visitors centre, make a note of the distance on the bottom brown tourist sign at the junction of the B9119 and the A93 (Virtual coordinates) = A
Then within the visitors centre:
Estimate the width of the small granite bowl in the centre to the nearest inch = B
Find out the height of the Vat in metres = C
Whooper swans often visit the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve. How high can they fly in metres? = D
How many years ago were our prehistoric ancestors growing wheat and barley on Deeside? = E
D x B / C + E - A
Many thanks to the staff at the Burn O' Vat Visitors Centre for allowing me to place this Geocache. The Visitors Centre is open 9-5 daily Easter to October and 10-4 daily October - Easter (staff permitting). You can call the Visitors Centre on 01339 881667 to confirm if the centre will be open for your visit.