26/4/24: The handrails on the jetty on the north bank of Gartmorn Dam have been damaged. Caution signs are in place. Any queries on timescale to fix should be emailed to rangers@clacks.gov.uk.
Clackmannanshire has a rich mining history and many signs of this heritage are still visible. None are so impressive as Gartmorn Dam, lying at the heart of the local 370 acre Country Park and Nature Reserve.
The 170 acre reservoir was engineered by Sir John Erskine, the 6th Earl of Mar, to power the pumps which drained his Sauchie mines. The water power his project provided was the catalyst for Alloa's industrial development.
There is an extensive path network throughout Clackmannanshire and the park links many of these routes with local communities.
The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is an important site for migratory wildfowl in the winter months. Many birds also live at Gartmorn all year round and breed here in the summer time.
To view the features and pathways in and around the dam, please view our page entitled Map showing features of Gartmorn Dam.
The Fieldfare Trust have produced a Phototrail of the circular route around the dam. A map and detailed disabled access information is available on their website.
Gartmorn Dam is closed for angling/fishing.
There are various lovely walks to take at Gartmorn Dam with clear paths.
The park gates are open from 8.30 am until dusk every day.
| From | Gates close |
|---|---|
| January | 17:30 |
| February 16th | 18:00 |
| March 3rd | 18:30 |
| March 17th | 19:00 |
| March 25th | 20:30 (BST) |
| April 14th | 21:00 |
| April 28th | 21:30 |
| May | 21:30 |
| June | 21:30 |
| July | 21:30 |
| August 31st | 21:00 |
| September 8th | 20:30 |
| September 19th | 20:00 |
| September 30th | 19:30 |
| October 13th | 19:00 |
| October 28th | 17:30 (GMT) |
| November | 17:30 |
| December | 17:30 |
Important note: The gatekeeper will try to make sure that everybody in vehicles has left the reserve before closing the gate, but if they can’t locate the owner/s, they will leave a note with emergency contact details and will also report the vehicle to the Police and the Council’s out of hours emergency team.
Other emergency situations being dealt with at the time will be prioritised, and depending on circumstances the Council may charge a call out fee to open the gates out of hours.
Dam Good Coffee at Gartmorn Dam is located in the old visitor centre.
Enjoy coffee and food from their cafe or takeaway kiosk in the glorious setting of Gartmorn Dam Country Park. With both indoor and outdoor seating, horse and dog parking, and fabulous food and coffee.
Please see their website www.damgoodcoffee.co.uk, or Facebook page, or telephone 01259 928 040 for opening times.
Free parking near the Visitor Centre and main footpaths.
There are a number of easily accessible areas. Other areas may be accessible with assistance, including the circular route around the dam.
Countryside Rangers
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: rangers@clacks.gov.uk