Gartmorn Dam Country Park and The Devon Way

Tony Brotherton

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At the southern foot of the scenic Ochil Hills, in the little county of Clackmannanshire, lies Scotland's oldest artificial reservoir, dating from 1713 and much favoured by wildfowl. Winter visitors include whooper swans, greylag geese, pochard, teal and wigeon. This flat and easy walk circumvents the reservoir, centrepiece of Gartmorn Dam Country Park, before joining part of The Devon Way along the course of a former railway track. For an optional short detour visit Sauchie Tower, a mediaeval tower house currently being surveyed with a view to restoration. The walk then re-enters Sauchie and passes The Mansefield Arms public house before returning to the country park.

Scotland - Central Scotland - Clackmannan - Ochil Hills

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Castle, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

7/18/2024 - Michael Brown

Despite all the waymarks on the map, the route is fairly simple to navigate. Just before waypoint 6, a footpath sign shows the route to go to the right, and adding confusion there is a small stone bridge over a burn. Do not turn onto this path but follow the path to the left until you reach waypoint 6. Quite a mixed walk with views across the dam, wooded paths and lanes and lovely views of the Ochills at Waypoint 16.No sign of the bird hides, looks like they have been removed? Disappointing final stretch along the road through Sauchie. The gate at point 25 was unlocked but as the field contained cattle I, like the author of the walk continued along Gartmorn road back to the start. All in all a pleasant walk that could be undertaken and enjoyed in all seasons. The route is nearer 7.5 miles then the 6 indicated.

8/31/2013 - Duncan Grey

Very pleasant and undemanding walk. The reservoir was very low when I was there and the walk around it is a very easy 3 miles on good tracks. The route then goes off into fields, woodland, old railway tracks and finally housing estate, which makes a slightly disappointing end to the walk. So I'd agree that going to the Mansfield Arms is a good way to finish!

6/6/2010 - Jacqueline Coulson

Don't 'pass' the Mansfield Arms, as per the instructions. Go in! The dish of the day is a three course meal served until 4.30pm and costing £4.75. A real bargain and delicious. In fact, we couldn't manage all three courses. And they have their own microbrewery, making Devon Ales. The walk itself is great and the ruins of the old coal mine very interesting.