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Click
here for Street/Road Map
Follow the A91 from Stirling to Dollar along
the hillfoots of the Ochil hills. Traditional Mill towns (more Later),
passing through Menstrie, Alva and Tillicoultry. There are plenty of
opportunities to go walking on the Ochils. If you are feeling brave try
paragliding at Alva.
 
Blairlogie
Pretty village
cuddling into the side of the ochil hills. Better to walk than take the
car. Ruinous Logie Kirk nearby with historical gravestones
 
Puddleducks
if you like gardens, stop here. Hidden behind this famous tea shop
incredible
maze of interconnecting paths meander through this pleasant wooded
area with well kept and unusual herbaceous borders. Buy some plants
and of course have some home made scones.
Blairmains Farm Shop and Coffee Bothy
You
must visit the recently opened farm shop promoting all that is best in
fresh local produce. Watch out for Jolly John’s Banana tree. Try one of
Margaret’s coffee recipes with the best of home baking. 01259 761338
Excellent farm B&B.
 
Menstrie Castle
Our
vote for one of the most unlikely house conversions. Early castle
converted to houses within modern local authority housing estate. Small
exhibition area about Alexander of Nova Scotia.
  Gartmorn Dam Park, Sauchie
Tucked
away behind a local housing estate, this is a rare find for fishermen,
horseriders and walkers. An excellent example of Scottish skills in
changing and adapting our natural resources to suit the circumstances of
the day. 18th century engineers harnessed water in the dam to power the industrial revolution
- modern
day conservationists have reclaimed the dam and surrounding woodland for
birds, wildfouL and wild animals such as hares, deers and foxes - you may
even see a red squirrel. A real haven if you can cope with the sleeping
policemen bumps on the way up. Friendly, helpful Park Rangers will give
you all the Local information you need - they’ll maybe even give you
some secret angling tips!! 01259 214319. Ever wanted to Learn Ceilidh and
Scottish Country Dances, well, phone Anita McKenzie at Independent Video
Productions she has mail order instructional videos on jigs, reels and
strathspeys - very entertaining and really easy to follow - no excuses at
the next wedding reception! 01259 724169.
Alva Glen
Entrance
carefully hidden behind old mill now fabrication yard. Park the car and
enter another world of mixed woodland walks laced with rhododendrons and
Laurel bushes. Secret waterfall marks the trail towards one of three dams
- watch out for the swans or even deer. At the east end of the town a
steeply rising road takes you to the Woodland Park. Leave the car, visit
the craft shop or have a picnic. Get ready to take your backpack and
explore. Wild flowers and sheep abound. You might even see hawks soaring above
searching for their prey. For the adventurous, try paragliding or there is
an excellent Equestrian Centre in the valley towards Fishcross. On the way
pass the Ochilvate  Mill Shop huge collection of fine first quality
knitwear in classic styles and wonderful colours direct from the mill or visit the seconds shop nearby for
real bargains at Berryfleld Mill
01259 762825. Look for Inverallan Handknitters tucked away in the
industrial estate - informal base for 2,000 skilled home knitters
exporting all over the world. Mail order traditional and modern styles
hand knitted to order. Perhaps you may see something extra special
from their stock 01259 762292.
Mill Trail Centre, Alva
Exhibition
centre, cafe and tourist information point 01259 769696 where you can
imagine life as a spinner or weaver in the days of minimal mechanisation.
Incredibly detailed work born of long days, cramped conditions and amazing perseverance.
Follow the colourful story of the knitwear
industry as the invention of steam power and mechanical looms allowed
faster production. Once the most important area for manufacturing the
Tartans and garments which could be bought throughout the world, many of
the original mills have been closed, fortunately the expertise lives on in
the locally. Cochrane Park is nearby, plenty to do for the kids including
a boating pond and putting green while Mum goes to D&M Fashions to
look at the interesting range of garments, some at bargain prices 01259
761999. Try the specials and steaks at the Boulevard Bistro in the main
street - open till Late, 01259 769979.
Clock Mill, Tillicoultry Converted
Mill, now a business centre. Carry on up the Glens above Alva and Tillicoultry
- great place to start exploring the Ochils. Easy trails to follow
alongside the fast flowing burns that used to power the mills. If you
have a spare  hour, walk up to the
dam - the views from the steps down into the gorge are incredible.
Pass the quarry and lion’s den on the way back. You might even be
lucky and find some silver from the old mines. Very easy and pleasant
walk or cycle along the Devon Way to Dollar. Perhaps even try your luck
at the dry ski slope. Special occasion and need to hire a kilt go to the
Daiglen Kiltmakers in Stirling St. 01259 750440 - huge selection to
choose from.
Sterling and Designer
Outlets Ever
growing number of brand name designer factory outlets - easy to
find, easy to park, easy to buy. Across the road,  Sterling furniture warehouse (largest
in Scotland) for those who are seeking a rest from the mill trail or want a place to go on a wet day. Everything for the
home and garden. Come at the right time and you could well pick up a
bargain - you will certainly pick up a few design ideas, Butterfly
restaurant is a firm favourite.
Dollar
Look
out for scores of well turned out students from this excellent
Academy with imposing doric columns flanked by manicured playing
fields. Much of the town is given over to serving the school. Try
Nesbits Deli for sandwiches or nip into Annstrongs for a cup of
tea or perhaps Lees for a chinese carry out if you are in a hurry.
The Strathallan is a great local pub - full of character as well as
characters. The Castle Campbell Hotel is on the main street and offers
good pub food 01259 742519 as does the King Seat along the main street.
Castle Campbell
Approach
up an incredibly steep and twisty road, ideal for keeping out unwelcome
visitors. Walk along the path from the car park and admire the spectacular
views over the valley from this imposing castle precariously perched on
the side of Gloom hill. Terrific garden.
Dollar Glen Walk passed the
river - best in spring with the Cherry blossom, climb up past the Wooded glen with some of the most
picturesque views in the Ochils. Pass Dollar Museum in the High Street on your way up. Wander round the village exhibits 01259
742895. Golf Club adjacent 01259 742400.
The Inn at Muckhart Traditional village pub serving real local ale brewed at the
Mansfield Arms in Sauchie. Hearty pub food available all day.
Muckhart golf club is a very pleasant course nearby.
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