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This is
a low-level (very level!) short walk designed for a day perhaps when the
hills are deep in mist. There is quite a bit of industrial history around,
as well as waterfowl. When it was built it was the largest artificial
body of water in the UK. To reach Gartmorn Dam, which is a Country Park
and Nature Reserve run by Clackmannanshire Council, enter Alloa, take
the A908 Sauchie Road and turn east off this along Gartmorn Road. This
has the most excruciating series of speed bumps in the world but it's
worth it.
There are
several parking spots before and around the visitor centre, open April-September
daily 8.30am to 8.30pm, October-March weekends only 1pm-4pm. Here there
is a receptionist, toilets, displays, childrens corner etc. Fishing permits
may be bought here (tel 01259 214319). Dogs are OK on a lead and kept
out of the water. No alcohol is allowed in the park.
There is
no navigation required; follow the path round the reservoir, with occasional
bends and diversions if wished. The community woodland on the south has
paths and picnic sites, with good views north over the reservoir to the
Ochil Hills. The unsurfaced path, once the dam stretch is passed, will
have the occasional puddle after heavy rain but otherwise light boots
are optional. The regular rise and fall of the path along the route may
be the remains of the run-rig system.
The pleasing
wood section at the north-east corner contains also the remains of Sherriffyards
Colliery, as believe it or not there used to be mining here. This was
worked from the late 1800s until 1921, with coal being transported along
a railway on the north shore to Alloa Harbour.
One delightful
diversion is the walk along the Brothie Burn, leaving the reservoir at
the south-west corner immediately after the visitor centre.
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