Gartmorn Dam circuit, near Alloa

This pleasant and popular circuit around Scotland's oldest reservoir offers much for the serious bird watcher or family outings to see the ducks.

Terrain

Easy circuit around Gartmore Dam, suitable for all-terrain buggies.

Public Transport

Bus to Sauchie from Alloa - then 1.5km walk through housing estate to start. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Gartmorn Dam Country Park. Map and directions.

Users' reports

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 8m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS911940

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Gartmorn Dam Country Park is signed from the A908 Tilicoultry to Alloa road and is reached after a 1.5km drive along a residential street with ferocious speed bumps. At the end is a visitor centre and car park with picnic and BBQ facilities overlooking the water. There are always numerous mute swans, coots and ducks here eager to see if you have any food for them. During the winter months they are joined by migrating and overwintering species including Goldeneye, Greylag and Pink Footed geese, and Whooper swans.

Stage 2

Start the walk by going past the visitor centre and starting along the clear waterside path to go round the reservoir in an anti-clockwise direction. The dam was built in 1713 by the local landowner to power water pumps at the Sauchie colliery as well as a number of local mills. Although nature has now reclaimed this once busy industrial site evidence of the past existence can be found later in the walk. At the corner of the dam wall, turn left to pass filter beds and continue on the path following the red arrows.

Stage 3

A detour up a slope ahead leads to a seat with a good view over the water, otherwise continue on the main path, ignoring the blue signed route through the community woodland to the right. The path passes through trees and then reaches a detour to the right to a viewpoint with a good outlook over the Ochils beyond the water. Return to the main path and cross a bridge to continue between a hedge and a fence slightly uphill to reach the farmhouse at Sherrifyards. Continue ahead with the barns on your right to follow the farm track until a signed path on the left leads back to the water.

Stage 4

Soon the ruins of Sherrifyard's Colliery can be seen amongst the trees. Coal was once big business in this area, and the port at Alloa on the Firth of Forth meant it could be easily transported to markets along the north east coast and on the continent from here. The path runs in a straight line following the line of the former railway which transported the coal to Alloa. After passing a bird hide (the key can be borrowed from the visitor centre during opening hours) the path soon emerges at the car park at the start of the walk.

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