Gartmorn Dam Country Park Circuit
Clackmannanshire
Gartmorn Dam lies at the heart of a 370 acre country park and nature reserve on the edge of Sauchie, near Alloa. Dogs are welcome off lead on this flat circuit, though the reservoir water is deep and cold, so keep them well clear of the ice in winter and any algae warnings. The 170 acre reservoir was engineered by John Erskine, the 6th Earl of Mar, and dates from 1713, built to power the pumps draining his Sauchie coal mines. Today it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, important for wintering wildfowl such as goldeneye, whooper swans and pink-footed geese. This 4.5km anti-clockwise circuit starts by the old visitor centre, now a cafe, and follows the waterside path with views across to the Ochils, passes through the edge of a community woodland, crosses farmland by Sherriffyards farm and returns along the line of an old colliery railway past the ruins of Sherriffyards Colliery and a bird hide. It is almost completely flat, on clear paths suitable for all-terrain buggies.
This dog friendly walk is ideal for older dogs, puppies and anyone wanting an easy hour. There is moderate off-lead potential on the woodland stretches, but the reservoir is a protected bird site, so keep your dog close near the water's edge and the flocks of swans and ducks by the car park. Clackmannanshire Council warns of deep, cold water and puts up signs when blue-green algae or thin ice appear, so check before letting your dog paddle. Parking is free, and the cafe has dog parking.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Historic, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Dam Good Coffee cafe and takeaway kiosk in the old visitor centre (council notes dog parking and outdoor seating); bird hide on route.
- Parking
- Free council car parking near the visitor centre at the end of the access road through Sauchie; vehicle gates are locked in the evening.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Gartmorn Dam Country Park Circuit, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gartmorn Dam Country Park Circuit dog friendly?
Gartmorn Dam Country Park Circuit is a great choice for dogs and their owners, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. Dogs are welcome throughout this flat 4.5km loop around a historic reservoir near Alloa, and the cafe at the old visitor centre has dog parking and outdoor seating. It's particularly well suited to older dogs, puppies, and anyone after a relaxed, easy-going walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Gartmorn Dam Country Park Circuit?
Dogs can go off lead on parts of this circuit, particularly on the woodland stretches where there's moderate freedom to roam. However, because the reservoir is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest with important wintering wildfowl — including whooper swans, goldeneye and pink-footed geese — you'll want to keep your dog close to you near the water's edge and around the flocks of birds by the car park.
What should I know before visiting Gartmorn Dam Country Park Circuit with my dog?
The main things to be aware of are the reservoir's deep, cold water and the seasonal hazards that come with it. Clackmannanshire Council puts up signs when blue-green algae or thin ice are present, so it's worth checking before you let your dog anywhere near the water. The vehicle gates are also locked in the evening, so make sure you're back at the car park before closing time.
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