Parkin’s Moss Boardwalk

Overview

Parkin’s Moss Boardwalk is a short, family‑friendly loop set within the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve on the eastern edge of the park. It’s a gentle figure‑8 circuit across a rare raised bog, designed to keep your feet dry while letting you peek into a habitat most walkers never get to experience. The total distance is about 2 miles (loop), and most people take around 1.5 hours if they pause for wildlife and interpretive stops.

Trail Experience

Start from the Burn o’Vat Visitor Centre car park off the B9119. The path mixes firm sections with boardwalks that snake over the bog, plus some narrow, rooty stretches and a few short, fairly steep slopes. It’s easy overall, but not fully wheelchair accessible. Wayfinding is straightforward though not lavish—signage is about average—so pay a bit of attention at the figure‑8 junctions. Expect moderate crowds near the visitor centre; head out early or late for a quieter loop.

Scenery and What You’ll See

This is about texture and detail more than big vistas: atmospheric pine and birch edges, open bog shimmering with mosses, and glimpses toward Loch Kinord where the trees thin on the northeastern side. Look for heather, bright tufts of bog cotton, and even insect‑eating plants tucked into wet pockets. On warm, still days you’ll often spot dragonflies patrolling the boardwalk edges, hear frogs plopping from the margins, and catch a variety of wetland birds moving between the woods and open water.

Best Time to Hike

Open year‑round, and the boardwalk keeps things manageable even when it’s soggy. Spring and autumn are especially atmospheric—misty mornings, lively bird activity, and peak bog color. Summer brings the most comfortable temps (and more people). In winter, expect slick boardwalks; micro‑spikes can be helpful if it’s icy.

Tips and Pairings

Dogs are welcome but keep them on a lead—especially April through July—to protect ground‑nesting birds. Wear layers; it can feel damp and exposed out on the bog even on calm days. If you want to extend the day with more variety or bigger views, tack on the nearby Vat Trail or the Loch Kinord Trail—both start from the same visitor centre and add forest and loch scenery to the mix.

Should You Do It?

If you’re curious about unique peatland ecosystems and want an easy, low‑effort walk with solid wildlife spotting, this is a gem. If you’re hunting for sweeping panoramas or a workout, it’s not the one—choose a longer loop around Loch Kinord or another nearby trail for that.