This is a pleasant walk round a reservoir with excellent views to the Ochills. The path starts at the Visitor Centre. There are three car parking areas nearby. The disabled parking is immediately in front of the Visitor Centre where there are accessible toilet facilities and refreshments available. Most of the walk is level on a firm paths. There are a few gradients at about 9% (1:11) and one of 16% (1:6) for 20m. There are also a few places where the surface is a little uneven with some loose stones. (Check surface and gradient tags for details) There are lots of seats near the visitor centre but fewer at the far end of the reservoir. The route is used by some cyclists and horse riders.

Surveyed by: Fieldfare Oct 09
Accessibility Rating: 4
Distance: 4.8 km

Approaching the country park there is some parking straight ahead and more nearer the visitor centre which is along the road to the right.

Two disabled car parking spaces are located directly opposite the visitor centre

There is more parking at the back of the visitor centre.

There is more parking at the back of the visitor centre.

The path starts at the Visitor Centre. There are three car parking areas nearby. The disabled parking is immediately in front of the Visitor Centre. There are accessible toilet facilities and refreshments available at the Centre. The route is used by some cyclists and horse riders.

The path is wide enough for two people side by side over most of its length but there is a stretch of 200m or so that is narrows to about 750mm.

There are 20 picnic tables or benches located off the path all the way round the walk though they are not evenly spaced.

The first 500m of the route is on a tarmac track.

Information boards are located at various positions around the route.

Even if the park centre is closed there are signs that give information about the Country Park.

There are seats located approximately 50 metres apart across the dam.

There are seats located approximately 50 metres apart across the dam.

There are seats located approximately 50 metres apart across the dam.

There are seats located approximately 50 metres apart across the dam.

There are seats located approximately 50 metres apart across the dam.

There are seats located approximately 50 metres apart across the dam.

There are seats located approximately 50 metres apart across the dam.

There are seats located approximately 50 metres apart across the dam.

There is a picnic style table off the path, there is no pathway to the table.

There is a short gradient of 9% where the crushed stone path starts.

The crushed stone path is a little uneven in some places.

There is a cross gradient of 7% (1:14) on the slightly uneven surface under the trees.

There is a small lip step of 25mm

There is a linear gradient of 8% (1:13) for about 5 metres

There is a linear gradient of 6% (1:17) for 7 metres.

There are several sections of the trail where it passes through wooded areas. There may be quite large variations in light and shade depending on the time of year and how sunny it is.

There is a linear gradient of 9% (1:11) for about 9 metres

At the fork in the path bear right. The other path goes closer to the water's edge but there are steps on that section.

There are good view of the reservoir and the Ochills beyond.

The path narrows to about 1m and there is a gradient of 9% (1:11) for about 10 metres.

The surface is firm but there is a cross gradient of 5% (1:20)

The surface is firm though a little uneven in places.

Occasionally low branches will over hang the path.

As the path returns towards the water's edge it forks. Take the left hand fork this time. There are some tree roots that make the surface of the path uneven at this point.

Another seat is available close to the shore.

The path by the shore includes these steps.

A view across the reservoir

A view of the route ahead shows occasionally low branches will over hang the path.

At the T-junction with an information board follow the path to the left.

An information board gives details of more local paths although it is quite dirty and not easy to read.

The path has a linear gradient of 9% (1:11) for about 8 metres

There is a further gradient at 10% (1:10) for 8 metres

There is a short steep gradient of 14% (1:7) for about 6 metres. The surface is a little uneven at this point as well.

There are several sections of the trail where it passes through wooded areas. There may be quite large variations in light and shade depending on the time of year and how sunny it is. The surface may become quite muddy after rain.

There is a view point to the left of the path that is reached by some steps.

There are several uneven steps that lead to the bench at the top.

There is a good view from the top of the steps over the meadows alongside the reservoir

There are steps that return you from the seat at the view point back to the main

There is a bench overlooking the reservoir with an informal track from the main path.

The route forks where there is a sign to a picnic site. The path to the right leads to the picnic table which is in the middle of a grassy area a little way from the path. The path around the reservoir continues to the left

Picnic table in middle of grassy area

There is a linear gradient of about 9% (1:11) for 11meters.

There is another view point to the right 50m up the hill over a grassy path.

There is another view point to the right 50m up the hill over a grassy path.

There are excellent views from the high point at the end of the grassy path.

To follow the route around the reservoir, keep left where other paths join.

Another bench provides a resting place.

At the cross roads by the bridge turn left across the bridge to follow the reservoir circuit.

Another information sign gives details of other local paths.

The bridge has a width of 1 metre

The floor of the bridge has a metal grill covering with some loose edges.

The gradient at the end of the bridge is quite steep at 16% (1:6) for about 6 metres

For about 150m the path is a little narrower (approximately 800mm). It is also more uneven with some loose stones on its surface.

After a small step (25mm) the path widens out as it passes the farm house with a formal paved area for approx 15 metres

There may be occasional potholes in the path for the next 200 metres.

This section has a gradient of 7% (1:14) for about 20 metres

As it approaches the bend the path has a gradient of 8% (1:12) for about 35 metres

There may be occasional potholes in the path.

At the T-junction the path around the reservoir is to the left

The surface at the T-junction is uneven in places but passable.

The path may become muddy with puddles after rain

There is an information board with some history of mining industry in the area.

There is an information board with some history of mining industry in the area.

There are several sections of the trail where it passes through wooded areas. The edge of the path may not be very clear especially if there are leaves covering the surface. There may be quite large variations in light and shade depending on the time of year and how sunny it is.

There are several sections of the trail where it passes through wooded areas. The edge of the path may not be very clear especially if there are leaves covering the surface.

Another path joins from the right but carry straight on to return to the visitor centre.

A view of the path ahead shows occasionally low branches will over hang the path.

Fishing platforms are available at numerous places around the reservoir.

Fishing platforms are available at numerous places around the reservoir.

A view of the path ahead, occasionally low branches will over hang the path.

A clear view of the path ahead

The bird hide has a steep ramp at its entrance. It has a gradient of 23% ( 1:4) for about 2 metres. The door to the bird hire opens inwards and may be difficult for some people from the ramp.

Bird Hide opening hours

Views across the reservoir

There is a long stretch of path returning to the visitor centre all of which is wide enough for 2 people walking side by side

A screen will help people view the wild life on the wetland areas.

A view of the path ahead, occasionally low branches will over hang the path.

The edge of the path may be less well defined in the shade of the woodland.

A view of the path ahead, occasionally low branches will over hang the path.

Boat fishing is also available on the reservoir.

The edge of the path may be less well defined in the shade of the woodland.

There is a picnic and barbecue area on the grass near one of the car parks. The concrete ramp has a gradient of 10% (1:10) for about 6m.

The second concrete ramp has a gradient of 8% for about 5 metres.

At the end of the path there is a bollard but there is still 1.2 metres wide at each side

A mounting block for horse riders may also serve as a perch to rest on.

There is an information board with details on the history of the area and wildlife inhabiting the reservoir.

At the road leading out of the park turn left to return to the visitor centre.

There is a crushed stone path that also leads back to the visitor centre.

The visitor centre and disabled parking are in view.

There is an interpretation board with a map of the main path links in Clackmannanshire.

Picnic tables beside the disabled car park

The paths returns to the visitor centre.