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Stretch your legs and soak in views of the Forth

Gartmorn

 

Get some fresh air at Gartmorn

The woodlands on the edge of Gartmorn Dam Country Park make a great extension to the popular circuit round the water. There are fine views over Clackmannanshire and the Firth of Forth, and you can watch for red squirrels scampering among the branches.

There are 3 miles (4.8 km) of gravel and earthy paths in the forest, with some short uneven sections and short moderate slopes.

Parking Picnic area Walking

Life’s essentials

There are places to eat and public toilets in Alloa.

Walking trails


Cycling trails


Mountain biking trails


Gartmorn Nature Walks - 2 & 4 July

A beautiful nature walk in association with Stirling Active Travel Hub. Led by Gordon from the Forestry Commission, this will be an informative guided nature talk. Please prepare for the weather and wear outdoor clothing and comfortable boots or shoes. Gartmorn is a wildlife haven. We will be leaving from Gartmorn car park (post code FK10 3AZ) at 1.30pm on both days. The walk should take approximately 2 hours.

Click here to book for 2 July | Click here to book for 4 July

From industrial power house to scenic retreat

The waters of Gartmorn Dam once drove the pumps that drained coal mines in Sauchie. The dam was built in 1713 by Sir John Erskine, the 6th Earl of Mar, making it the oldest artificial reservoir in Scotland. The Earl’s investment laid the foundations for Alloa to become a major industrial town.

You can find out more about the Earl and his influential family at Alloa Tower, the family’s historic home.

Contact: Scottish Lowlands Forest District

Address: Five Sisters House, Five Sisters Business Park, West Calder

Postcode: EH55 8PN

Telephone: 0300 067 6700

Email: scottishlowlands@forestry.gsi.gov.uk


How to get here

From the centre of Alloa, take the A908 towards Tillicoultry and follow signs for Gartmorn Dam Country Park. There is parking at the Visitor Centre, at grid reference NS 910 940.

Using SatNav?

FK10 3AZ is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Buses serve the Sauchie estate in Alloa, ¾ mile (1.2 km) from Gartmorn Dam Country Park. Check Traveline Scotland for details.

Nearby places

 

At Devilla you’ll find a trail that celebrates the frisky red squirrel, as well as forest lochs and mysterious traces of times past. Pendreich Forest near Bridge of Allan has some fine views, and just outside Falkirk's Callendar Wood is full of fascinating historic features.


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