Alva Glen

Waterfall in Alva Glen Alva Glen is situated above the village of Alva at the foot of the Ochil Hills. A car park gives access to the formal gardens which in years gone by attracted people from all over central Scotland to dance to music in the illuminated glen.

To the north of the gardens, the path runs into a more rugged area offering views down into a steep gorge, it then passes the remnants of an old dam that supplied the mills. By 1830, nine mills used the fast flowing water to drive their machines.

While walking in this area keep a look out for wildlife, a kestrel is often spotted in the upper part of the glen around the rocky cliffs. It feeds mainly on mice and voles. The long tailed grey wagtail can also be seen in the lower part of the glen all year round.

Alva Glen is now fenced all round to keep sheep out. This lets young trees grow again. With no sheep to eat them wild flowers can also flourish, meaning more food and shelter for insects.

Please note that the upper part of the glen has now been reopened.

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