Devon Way

Devon Way is a pathway in Clackmannanshire, Central Scotland. It lies on the southern section of the former Devon Valley Railway from Dollar to Tillicoultry a distance of some 5 km (3.1 mi). It provides an off road pathway for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and forms an important local part of the wider National Cycle Network.[1]

Old railway embankment near where Dollar station was.
The Devon Way crossing the Dollar Burn
Flooding in Tillicoultry after the River Devon burst its banks in January 2008

Route

Stage 1

From the centre of Dollar (find on-street parking nearby) follow the Dollar Burn downstream. It doesn't matter which side of the water you choose but if on the east side, turn right over a pedestrian bridge just before Dollar primary school and then turn left to continue down the street. At the end turn right along a short street which reaches Strathdevon Place, cross this to head down steps onto the Devon Way. Head to the right along the old railway platform and then follow the level cyclepath as it leaves Dollar.

Stage 2

Continue passing under two bridges and through woodland. Soon the Devon Way reaches a short section of minor road, continue straight ahead here and after the next junction head up the rise to continue on the dedicated path/cycleway. The land to the left is being managed as flood plain for the River Devon as part of a flood prevention scheme which aims to use a more natural approach to this age old problem.

Stage 3

For a short section the path runs alongside the River Devon and there are also good views of the Ochil Hills on the right, with King's Seat prominent from this point. The walled enclosure full of trees on the right is Tait's tomb. It is the burial place of John Tait, an Edinburgh lawyer who owned nearby Harviestoun Castle (now demolished) as a country house and who died in 1800. The old railway line passes through a small cutting and under a bridge and passes a couple of seats and a picnic bench when the river draws near again. Soon the outskirts of Tillicoultry are reached, with the large white Sterling Furniture factory visible on the left. At the main road turn right to reach the High Street. It is possible to return by bus.[2] This trail can be extended, starting in Dollar and walking in the other direction from the Devon way, and ending in Muckhart, a distance of 9.5 km (6 miles.) It utilises the old railway, a minor road and public footpaths.[3]

Sign for the Devon Way at Tillicoultry

Nearby attractions

Several places of interest can be easily reached from this walk: Castle Campbell, Harviestoun Castle, Ochil Hills, and the Sterling Furniture Warehouse.

References

  1. ↑ "Clackmannanshire Council". Council website. Retrieved 2014-08-26.
  2. ↑ "Walk HIghlands". Retrieved 2014-08-26.
  3. ↑ Howie, Robin. "The Scotsman Newspaper". Scotsman Publications.

Coordinates: 56°09′36″N 3°40′16″W / 56.159987°N 3.671206°W