Clackmannanshire, known as “The Wee County,” is Scotland’s smallest historic county.
Located in central Scotland, it’s bordered by the Ochil Hills to the north and the River Forth to the south. The area is a blend of scenic landscapes, with deep glens and rolling hills, and a rich industrial heritage, particularly in weaving and brewing. Its main towns include Alloa, Dollar, and Tillicoultry.
The county’s history is reflected in its numerous tower houses and castles, with many sites linked to significant Scottish figures like Robert the Bruce and Mary, Queen of Scots. See here for images to give you ideas.
Natural Attractions and Scenic Spots
- Ochil Hills: A stunning backdrop for the county, offering numerous walking and cycling trails with panoramic views.
- Dollar Glen: A beautiful, wooded gorge with waterfalls, winding paths, and impressive rock formations leading to Castle Campbell.
- Gartmorn Dam Country Park: A peaceful nature reserve and Scotland’s oldest man-made reservoir, popular for walking, cycling, and birdwatching.
- Alva Glen: Features a scenic walk with waterfalls and a gorge, providing a serene escape into nature.
- Japanese Garden at Cowden: A unique, tranquil garden near Dollar, beautifully restored with traditional Japanese landscaping and features.
- The Devon Way: A scenic walking and cycling route that follows a disused railway line, connecting Alloa and Dollar.
- Black Devon Wetlands: An RSPB reserve near Alloa, providing a haven for a wide variety of bird species and wetland wildlife.
- King’s Seat Hill: A popular hill walking destination with a relatively easy ascent and great views of the Forth Valley.
- Tillicoultry Glen: Offers a challenging but rewarding walk up into the Ochil Hills, with views of the surrounding countryside.
- Woodland Streams of Ochil Hills Woodland Park: A tranquil park with picturesque streams and paths in the former grounds of Alva House.
Historic Sites and Ruins
- Alloa Tower: A well-preserved 14th-century tower house and ancestral home of the Erskine family, pivotal in Scottish history.
- Castle Campbell: A dramatically sited medieval fortress perched above Dollar Glen, once a stronghold of the powerful Campbell clan.
- Clackmannan Tower: A 14th-century tower house with a strong connection to the Bruce family, offering commanding views from its hilltop position.
- Sauchie Tower: A ruined 15th-century tower house, a fine example of a medieval keep, with a history tied to the Schaw family.
- Menstrie Castle: A 16th-century tower house in the village of Menstrie, with strong connections to Sir William Alexander.
- Cambuskenneth Abbey: Although a ruin, this Augustinian monastery near Stirling is an important site, having hosted parliaments and coronations.
- Clackmannan Tolbooth and Stone of Mannan: A historic building in Clackmannan town square, near an ancient stone with legendary roots.
- Dollar Castle: The site of a much earlier fortress, located within the grounds of the later Castle Campbell.
- Tillicoultry Burial Cist: The site of an important Bronze Age discovery, which included a food vessel and human remains.
- Archaeological sites: Includes a variety of prehistoric and Roman finds, such as an Iron Age warrior burial site near Marshill.
Museums and Cultural Sites
- Dollar Museum: An independent local museum dedicated to the history and heritage of the village of Dollar and the surrounding area.
- The Speirs Centre: Houses Clackmannanshire’s archives and local history service, a resource for family and local history research.
- Tullibody Heritage Centre: A small museum run by volunteers, focusing on the history of the town of Tullibody.
- Clackmannanshire Council Museum and Heritage Service: Manages a collection of art and historical artifacts related to the county.
- Scottish Glass Museum: Located in Alloa, this museum showcases the history of glassmaking in Scotland, a key local industry.
- Alloa Athletic Football Museum: A small museum dedicated to the history and memorabilia of the local football club.
- Former Mills and Industrial Sites: The area has many historical mill buildings that tell the story of its wool and textile industries.
- The Mill Heritage Trail: A trail that links many of the former mills and industrial sites in the “Hillfoots” villages.
- Old Town Hall, Alloa: A Victorian-era building that serves as a landmark and a hub for community events.
- Local Art Galleries: Small galleries and exhibition spaces often feature works by local artists, reflecting the area’s creative scene.
Any Other Notable Experiences
- Canyoning at Dollar Glen: An adventurous outdoor activity that involves abseiling and sliding down waterfalls in the gorge.
- Hillwalking the Ochils: Hiking trails range from easy strolls to challenging climbs like Ben Cleuch, the county’s highest point.
- Cycling the Devon Way: A popular trail for cyclists, providing a flat and scenic route between towns.
- Local Festivals and Events: Check local calendars for community events, farmers’ markets, and festivals.
- Sterling Mills Outlet Shopping Village: A shopping destination offering a variety of well-known brands at discount prices.
- Exploring Hillfoots Villages: Discover the charming villages of Alva, Tillicoultry, and Menstrie nestled at the base of the Ochils.
- Enjoying Local Cuisine: Sample traditional Scottish food and drink at the pubs, cafes, and restaurants throughout the county.
- Fishing at Gartmorn Dam: The reservoir is a well-regarded spot for anglers, stocked with trout.
- Visiting Alloa Town Centre: Explore the county town with its historic buildings, shops, and pubs.
- Finding the “Look Aboot Ye” Stone: Seek out the stone in Clackmannan town, linked to the county’s official motto.
Some sites may have limited access or be in ruins. Museums / attractions may have seasonal hours, for the most up-to-date details, such as opening hours or entry fees, check official websites or Google Maps reviews.