gartmorn dam country park & nature reserve

This is a great place for an hours walk, or shorter cycle. Each part of it is different - tarmac close to the water, winding woodland paths, and tracks that are no where near to the water. The parking is convenient. I test drove my new wheel chair there on the tarmac - so good to be outside surrounded by nature and with spectacular views of the Ochil hills.

I have been visiting Gartmorn Dam for almost thirty years and must have either ran, walked or cycled round it hundreds of times. I have also had an interesting perspective of the dam by kayaking on it as well! I literally never tire of visiting Gartmorn because of the peace and tranquility that it has to offer throughout all the seasons. The basic circuit of Gartmorn Dam is just over three miles, however, on further exploration there are to be found an extensive network of additional paths linking the dam to a number of other interesting places. Off to the east it is possible to walk alongside a woody lade that originally fed the dam with water to Forest Mill. To the south a track leads through to Linn Mill. More recently new paths to the north have been put in and new woodland walks created to the north. Pressing further to the north it is easy to link up with paths that take the walker through to Coalsnaughton and beyond. There is also an excellent walk that starts at the old pump house on the dam itself that winds its way through a mature beech woodland to the southwest. All in all there are a labyrinth of pathways that give the walker ample opportunity to take in the visas of the magnificent Ochil Hills to the north or the Forth Valley to the south. The dam provides ornithologists with discrete vantage points for observing the wildlife and the nature reserve is a haven for overwintering birds. There is also a visitor centre (no cafe) and good car parking and fishing available for anglers. The only negative comment I have is regarding the occasional appalling mess that fishermen (sorry some fishermen) leave behind them. I’ve come across abandoned camps with all the rubbish of the day lying around. However, the area is patrolled by the Ranger Service and I am sure they do everything within their power to prevent such vandalism. Anyway such encounters shouldn’t put you off visiting Gartmorn Dam - it is one of Clackmannanshire’s true gems and is well worth a visit, or two or even more!

I regularly go to the dam as it's fab for my young kids to explore and run around. My labrador is in heaven there too. Would be great to have year round tours/tourist centre to maximise it's potential

This country park has lots going for it, great views, wildlife, fantastic walks and awesome cycling. Lovely day out with the kids or just a walk around the Dam to take pictures.Some of the footpaths could do with a bit of TLC though as they can be a bit muddy at times.All in all we worth a visit.

whether you are out for a bit exercise or just a stroll its a nice walk round the dam ,very scenic and if you take some stale bread up you might be able to feed the swans.,you can take a picnic or there is a bar b q area .

I stay 5 minutes from this lovely dam. Its great for walking and cycling. Its around 2.8 miles around the dam but there are a few walks off the route if you want to make it longer. It's currently getting work done though so there are builders and some water has been drained but its still a lovely walk.

Wondered where the sat nav was taking us as getting their involves driving through a housing estate but after a while the dam is reached. It is a lovely 3 mile walk with a visitor centre and plenty of ducks and swans to look at. Would recommend.

very nice peaceful place to walk round and take in breahtaking views, no cost involved.Some of the signs to it were not very clear

Gartmorn Dam Nature Reserve is a lovely place to explore, and attracts a wide range of people of all age groups. There is a small visitor centre by the parking area for information, and regular events are held throughout the year by the Rangers and RSPB which are well worth attending. There are great circular walks around the dam (about 3 miles / 4.5km) and through the woodland areas, there is also bird hides, brown and rainbow trout fishing in Summer and BBQ / picnic areas. Just some of the wildlife that can be seen here are sand martins, roe deer, Wildfowl, mute swans, wood peckers and red squirrels. The reserve also displays evidence of it's industrial past with old mining sites, a sunken garden converted from the former filter beds and the Old Pump House.Access to the Dam is from Sauchie (just outside Alloa) and clearly signposted, note - the access to the Nature Reserve is from the main road (A908) and via a housing estate, however persevere over the speed bumps, as Gartmorn Dam Nature Reserve is most definitely worth the visit. Also great views of the Ochil Hills in the backdrop of the Dam.