In Clackmannanshire, medieval towers and castles meet trails through gorges, forests and protected landscapes. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the highlights: Gartmorn Dam combines nature watching with industrial history, while the trails in Alva Glen and Dollar Glen offer different landscape features. The history of the towers and the exhibitions at Dollar Museum also give the region more than one possible focus.

Gartmorn Dam: Landscape and Industrial History

Gartmorn Dam lies at the heart of a 370-acre country park and nature reserve; the reservoir itself covers 170 acres. It was created by Sir John Erskine, the 6th Earl of Mar, to power pumps that drained his Sauchie mines. The size of the reservoir and its former industrial function thus tell two different stories about the place.

The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an important area for migratory birds in winter. Those wishing to explore the landscape on foot will find a variety of trails with clearly marked paths. At Gartmorn Dam Country Park, a café or snack kiosk offers coffee and food; check the latest information on what is available before you travel.

Trails Through Alva Glen and Dollar Glen

In Alva Glen, a trail leads from formal gardens into a wilder area with views into a deep gorge. Along the way, you will pass the remains of an old dam that once supplied water to the mills. Wildlife sightings also vary within the gorge: peregrine falcons are often spotted on the rocky cliffs in the upper section, while grey wagtails can be seen throughout the year in the lower section. Such sightings naturally vary.

Dollar Glen is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildlife habitats and geology. Deep gorges, rushing streams, tall trees and castle ruins shape the landscape. The main trail crosses the Dollar Burn, runs along the west side of the gorge and emerges behind Castle Campbell. A walking route also leads through a steep gorge to Castle Campbell and then over higher ground to the Glen Devon Reservoir. As trail conditions can change, it is a good idea to check them before setting out.

Towers, Castle and Museum

Alloa Tower is a medieval tower house dating from the 14th century. Features that have survived include original oak roof beams, a medieval rib-vaulted ceiling, a dungeon and an original indoor well. From the 15th century until around 1800, the tower was home to the Erskine family, the Earls of Mar. The building thus combines a distinctive architectural history with a long family history.

Castle Campbell lies north of the town of Dollar in Clackmannanshire. The castle core dates from the 15th century, with later additions. The Campbells of Argyll acquired it as a stronghold near the royal court at Stirling Castle. The permanent exhibitions at Dollar Museum cover the history of Dollar, the Academy, and the coming and going of the railway. At least three temporary exhibitions on topics of local interest are also held each year; their content changes.

Clackmannan Tower offers another historical point of interest: it dates from the 14th century, was built by a descendant of Robert the Bruce and was visited by Robert Burns. Its exterior can be viewed year-round. More broadly, the Clackmannanshire Tower Trail includes four medieval towers and a mansion house in the county.

More Trails and Excursions

Ochil Hills Woodland Park offers walking trails through broadleaf woodland. The park also has a children’s play area, several picnic spots and information boards about the former splendour of the old estate. As park facilities may be updated, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

For longer routes, the stated distances and waypoints can help you choose: the Hillfoots Diamond Jubilee Way is 21 kilometres long and passes through Blairlogie, Menstrie, Alva, Tillicoultry, Dollar and Muckhart. The traffic-free Devon Way is seven miles long and runs from Alloa to Dollar. A flat route leads from Alloa Tower to Clackmannan Tower through the Black Devon Lagoon habitat. These descriptions offer different points of reference—such as route, terrain or destination—without specifying a walking time.

Getting There and Finding Your Way Around the Region

Alloa has a railway station with direct train services to Stirling and Glasgow; check timetables and operators before travelling. At the wider regional level, the A907 crosses Clackmannanshire via Clackmannan, Alloa and Tullibody towards Stirling. The A91 runs from Muckhart along the Hillfoots to Blairlogie and Causewayhead. For planning a car journey, this road network provides a regional overview; traffic conditions can change.

Discover More Places

Clackmannanshire, Alloa, Dollar, Tillicoultry, Sauchie, Alva

For the broader travel overview: Scotland.