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Two tracks forking through the pinewood in Glen Tanar.
Aberdeenshire

Glen Tanar

A 25,000-acre estate and national nature reserve south of Aboyne, one of the largest stretches of old Caledonian pine forest in Scotland, with waymarked paths along the Water of Tanar.

Welcome

South of the Dee near Aboyne, a quiet road leads up into Glen Tanar, and within a mile the fields give way to forest: tall old Scots pines with heather beneath them, and the Water of Tanar running through.

This is one of the largest surviving stretches of the ancient Caledonian pine forest in Scotland, and a national nature reserve.

The Glen Tanar estate covers some 25,000 acres of forest, hill and loch, running back into the Cairngorms National Park towards the round summit of Mount Keen. Its rangers look after a network of waymarked paths from the Braeloine car park, where an information centre tells of the wildlife: red squirrels in the pines and salmon in the river.

The paths suit a gentle stroll by the river or a full day's walk into the hills, and they are open for cycling and riding as well.

Round the cornerGlen Tanar Pinewoods WalkA walk through the old pinewood.1 min by roadSee itA track through Glen Tanar between pines and yellow broom.
Before you go

Open at all times.

The Braeloine car park and the information centre, with toilets, are part way up the glen road from Bridge o' Ess near Aboyne; waymarked paths start from there.

Where
The glen road from Bridge o' Ess, south-west of Aboyne.
Start
Braeloine car park and information centre.
Where it is

South-west of Aboyne on Deeside, up the glen road from Bridge o' Ess, in the Cairngorms National Park.

Close byAboyne.
  1. Loch Kinord, AberdeenshireLoch Kinord6 miles 13 min by road
  2. Two white gliders on the grass of Aboyne airfield, the Deeside hills beyond.Deeside Gliding ClubSilent flight over Royal Deeside in a two-seat glider, from the club that set the UK height record.7 miles 12 min by road
  3. Cambus O'May Suspension Bridge, AberdeenshireCambus o’ May Suspension BridgeA white Edwardian footbridge over the Dee.7 miles 13 min by road
  4. The Dinnie Stones, BanchoryThe Dinnie Stones8 miles 14 min by road
  5. Shelves of floury sourdough loaves at Courie Courie.Courie Courie BakeryA sourdough bakery and café on Station Square in Aboyne.9 miles 16 min by road
Directions
Glen TanarWoodendSleeps 4 · A step away
Glen TanarWest MillfieldSleeps 5 · A step away
A stone gate lodge with steep gables and green-framed windows sits beside a stone boundary wall, a planter of flowers by the green door.AboyneJoiner’s CottageSleeps 4 · A step away
A round metal garden table with two chairs stands on a lawn beside a bottle of wine and glasses, pink flowering shrubs and a green-framed conservatory behind.Glen TanarGarden CottageSleeps 4 · A step away
A sitting room with two sofas and armchairs arranged around a low table, framed prints on the wall and a lamp lit in the corner.Glen TanarButler's LodgeSleeps 6 · A step away
A stone cottage with a red tiled roof and green-framed windows sits beside a gravel patio, a hammock and table set among shrubs.AboyneRowan CottageSleeps 2 · A step away
A track through Glen Tanar between pines and yellow broom.WalksGlen Tanar Pinewoods WalkA step away
Stone tower with turret roof surrounded by pine trees at duskAboyneTower O'EssSleeps 2 · 1.5 miles
The Boat Inn, AboyneRestaurantsThe Boat Inn2.4 miles over the water
The Daily for 19 October, from Scotland with love. bare tree stumps standing in an autumn loch, forested hills reflected in the still water

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the glen, and when each is next free.

Woodend
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Glen Tanar
  • Under a mile from Glen Tanar
Free 1–4 NovWest Millfield
  • Sleeps 5
  • In Glen Tanar
  • Under a mile from Glen Tanar
Free 1–4 NovA stone gate lodge with steep gables and green-framed windows sits beside a stone boundary wall, a planter of flowers by the green door.Joiner’s Cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Aboyne
  • Under a mile from Glen Tanar
Free 30 Oct – 2 NovA round metal garden table with two chairs stands on a lawn beside a bottle of wine and glasses, pink flowering shrubs and a green-framed conservatory behind.Garden Cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Glen Tanar
  • Under a mile from Glen Tanar
Free 10–13 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in AberdeenshireAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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