As the summer ends and we move into autumn, now is a great time to start wrapping up and enjoying a crisp morning walk along some of Clackmannanshire and the surrounding area’s most scenic routes.
Yesterday marked the end of ‘taps aff’ weather and a move towards longer nights, scattered leaves and fuzzy hats.
To help you get out and enjoy those autumn colours, we’ve put together a list of some of the area’s best seasonal walking routes.
4 – Gartmorn Dam Country Park
Taking your autumn walk to Gartmorn Dam Country Park is a great way embrace autumn while exploring Clackmannanshire’s rich mining history which is still visible across the 370 acre nature reserve
The park has extensive walking trails which connect several of the area’s communities.
If you’re after wildlife, the park has that too! The area is a site of Special Scientific Interest and is an important place for migratory wildfowl.
3 – Dunmore House and the Pineapple
Located near the village of Dunmore in Falkirk, this area is maybe one of the strangest walks on the list. It has several strange and unique features connected by accessible walkways.
The Pineapple, built by the Earl of Dunmore in 1761 as his summerhouse, is, as one would guess, made to look like a pineapple and once was a place where all sorts of strange and exotic fruits and vegetables would grow.
On the opposite side of the park lies the ruins of Dunmore House, a place where walkers can take a rest and admire the grandness of the old estate.
2 – Devilla Forrest
Devilla’s pine trees are the perfect habitat for red squirrels and other woodland creatures, making this autumn walk excellent for anyone wanting to play the role of David Attenborough.
The forest has on-site parking and picnic facilities, making it easy to get to and accessible for all walkers.
1 – Alva Glen
Alva Glen offers a unique autumn woodland walk thanks to its geography and milling history. The area has undergone regeneration efforts thanks to the work of the Alva Glen Heritage Trust which was founded in 2003.
Throughout the park, a number of sites like Smuggler’s Cave, various waterfalls and steep, jagged rock faces can be found and make the area a stunning place to get out there and enjoy that crisp autumn air.
What is the autumn equinox?
A solar Equinox is a moment in time when the Sun crosses the Earth’s equator, covering the northern and southern hemisphere with an equal amount of sunlight.
This makes the sun appear ‘due west’ and ‘due east’ in an event that happens twice a year.
When is the autumn equinox?
The first equinox of 2022 occurred on March 20 while the second equinox occurs on Friday September 23.
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