Alva is one of the Hillfoots villages of Clackmannanshire. It is located between Tillicoultry and Menstrie and is one of a small chain of settlements. The Alva glen walk in the Ochil hills is a scenic and dramatic walk, just 8.5 miles from Stirling. The walk offers varying degrees of difficulty, and many paths for those just visiting for an hour or taking the day out. There is a car park at the bottom of the glen, and the walk is signposted from the main street.
Historically, nine mills used the fast-flowing water of Alva Burn to drive their machines. Dams and lades were built to ensure that there was enough water throughout the year. Some remnants of these modifications to the glen remain.
The Alva Glen is a steep-sided cleft scored in the southern front of the Ochils range. This short walk up it follows a dramatic path, easy at first, which climbs up into this ravine. The upper part involves a steep ascent with precipitous and unprotected slopes and ends at a viewpoint overlooking the Smuggler's Cave in the floor of the gorge. The upper paths are not suitable for people using wheelchairs, prams or buggies.
Routes
Follow Brook Street past the Golf Course to the glen car park. Once there, follow the path to the Glen, crossing the bridge and turning left to arrive at a viewpoint for the dam. If you have young children with you, it's probably best to stick to the lower, prepared paths within the glen where there are several objects of interest, by artist Peter Bowsher, a.k.a. 'Chainsaw Pete'.
For those prepared for a little more difficulty, follow the steps up to the left and go under a large, metal pipe which crosses over the path. The distance to Smugglers Cave is 1.5km, at a height of 200m. It should take around forty-five minutes to get there. Allow thirty minutes to return.
The path up to Alva Dam is easy to follow as it twists and turns through the dense foliage of the Glen. From Alva Dam to Smugglers Cave, walk in single file as you follow the path which snakes up the hill. There are wonderful views down the Glen but keep a close eye on children and dogs as the path is narrow and right on the edge of the cliffs.
From Smuggler's Cave, another quarter of a mile will take you to the Spout of Craighorn. From here, you could come back the way you came or return along the Pate Road. This walk should take about 2 hours to complete.
The footpaths are reasonably good but can be slippery after wet weather. Children should be supervised at all times to ensure their safety - particularly on the first section of the Glen and the grassy slopes of Torry hill.