Water of Tanar

The Water of Tanar is a river in Aberdeenshire that rises near the border with Angus in the eastern Grampian Mountains. It flows north-east for 22 kilometres through Glen Tanar before joining the River Dee opposite Aboyne. The river collects several burns along its course, its main tributary being the Water of Allachy from the right. The valley lies within the Cairngorms National Park and 42 square kilometres are managed as a nature reserve by NatureScot. Glen Tanar holds four conservation designations: Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. The lower valley belongs to the Glen Tanar House estate, where listed buildings line the riverbanks, including the Bridge of Ess carrying the B976 at the mouth. Visitors walk the quiet glen paths beside clear waters and mixed woodland. Red squirrels and rare birds frequent the reserve, while the old stone bridge and estate cottages recall the valley’s past. The open moorland above the river offers wide views across the Cairngorms. No settlements interrupt the river’s course, leaving the landscape largely unchanged since the 19th century.