Brothie Burn Circular Walk (Concise)
See also the full version of this walk, complete with more photos.
This is an easy circular walk of 2.2 miles (or shorter version of 1.7 miles) close to the centre of Alloa, yet peaceful and feeling far removed from the town.
Walk route. Approximate distances: 1-4: 1/3 mile (550m); 4-5: 340m; 5-6: 800m; 6-8: 200m; 8-9: 400m; 9-10: 230m; 10-12: 270m; 12-13: 350m; 13-4: 930m.
See this area on an OS map.
Technicalities
Distance: 3.6km (2.2 miles) or 2.7km (1.7 miles)
Grade: 2 (Easier when dry and avoiding steeper bits. See text.)
Dogs: Welcome (bring a lead to walk past the swans)
Bikes: Generally good for the family. See the full version for more.
Starting Point
OS Landranger Map 65, grid reference NS899935 (N56.12248 W3.77195)
(Leave the A908 at NS894934, N56.12099 W3.77998. NB. The nearest station is down the road in Alloa, not Stirling as Multimap says at the time of writing.)
Navigation
Navigation is straightforward and you are unlikely to miss your way or get lost as long as you don't head off along and away from Gartmorn Dam.
Getting There
By Car
From Alloa town centre, take the A908 past Asda and towards Tillicoultry.
At the first roundabout, take the 2nd exit into into Carsebridge Road (2nd exit), at 1 on the map.
You will find space to park out of the way near the warehouses at 4.
By Bus
From Alloa buses 63 (First in Scotland East), MA2 (MacKie's Coaches) and 162 (Hunters Executive Coaches) stop on Whins Road just before the roundabout at 1.
Coming from the north and west (towards Alloa), buses 62 (First in Scotland East), MA2 (MacKie's Coaches) and 162 (Hunters Executive Coaches) stop by the Vauxhall Garage. Follow the side road alongside the petrol station and turn right onto the footpath at the end. It comes out at Carsebridge Road, between 1 and 2.
See the full version of this walk for more information.
The Walk
The walk starts at 4 on the map.
Follow the track south, with a field on the left and warehouses on the right.
Turn left along the burn at 5 just after it flows under the track.
Continue along this foot-worn path until you come to 7, where you can either descend the small valley and climb up the other side, or continuing straight ahead along the almost level narrower path.
The options join at 8. Continue to follow the path along the burn or cut the walk short as shown on the map.
At 10 you can turn right for a gentle climb to the top of the dam or follow the shorter main route up the steps to the left. There are benches overlooking the reservoir at the top.
There are often swans on and near the path before the visitor centre and toilets at 11, and dogs should be put on a lead here.
Cross the bridge at 12 and take the foot-worn path that forks to the left.
After you cross the road at 13 you might see a closed gate at the farm buildings ahead of you. Continue through it and follow the track back to the starting point.
