Forest bathing at Alva Glen

Alva Glen is one of the Hillfoot Glens, the steep sided wooded glens that cut into the face of the Ochil Hills above the mill towns of Clackmannanshire. The Alva Burn tumbles down a deep cleft in a series of waterfalls, and you can still see dams, weirs and sluices from the days when it powered the textile mills. The glen has a variety of trees and wildflowers, with woodland birds, kestrels and wagtails.

The walk starts from the Alva Glen car park near the No 5 Inn and follows the burn north on a footpath that climbs steadily through the gorge to over 200 metres, with views back down the glen from the top. There are steep drops along the way, so keep dogs on leads and take care when wet. Waterfalls line the path, so there are plenty of places to stop and listen to the water.