Forest bathing at Gartmorn Dam Country Park

Gartmorn Dam was built by the 6th Earl of Mar to power the pumps that drained the Sauchie mines, and the reservoir is now the centre of a country park and nature reserve near Alloa. It is more water than woodland, but conifer woods along the lade hold red squirrels, and there is mature woodland where bullfinches feed. In winter, wigeon and goldeneye gather on the water, with great crested grebes in spring.

A circular path runs right round the dam and is level, which makes it one of the easiest walks in the county. Paths link from it into Gartmorn Woods to the north, which is the place to go for time among the trees and the best chance of seeing red squirrels. Come early on a winter morning for the birds on the water.