Exploring The Clackmannan Tower Trail
Written by Graeme Johncock
There’s a region in Scotland that most visitors don’t even know exists – Clackmannanshire. Wedged between Stirling, Fife and Perthshire, this tiny area packs a big punch, especially when it comes to castles. I love a good castle and there are five in total to visit here, each with their own unique story!
Hike Through Dollar Glen
While the first castle does have a car park, it’s much better to reach it by a steep but scenic walk. Hike up from the village of Dollar, through the woods past the Burn of Care and the Burn of Sorrow, over wooden walkways and past crashing waterfalls. Eventually, a...
Castle Campbell
Originally known as Castle Gloom, the name was changed in 1489 shortly after the Campbells took it over. The Earl of Argyll needed somewhere closer to the Scotland’s royal centre at Stirling and this fitted the bill. Open through the summer months, it’s well worth spending the time to visit...
Sauchie Tower
Unfortunately, Sauchie Tower doesn’t get very much attention. Looming quietly over the road, it’s in poor condition and while you can’t get inside it, there are still stories in these walls. Sauchie was built by the Schaws in the 1420s, with several generations serving as important members of the royal...
Menstrie Castle
Menstrie Castle is one of the oddest members of the Clackmannanshire Tower Trail, found right in the middle of a housing estate! Built in the middle of the 1500s, this was home to the Alexander family, later Earls of Stirling. William Alexander was born here and as a close friend...
Lunch At Makers Café
Makers Café in Alloa doubles as Scottish Autism’s community hub, giving opportunities to individuals with autism or learning difficulties. You can grab a delicious lunch of soup and a toastie, panini or baked tattie, while helping a good local cause. There’s also a shop and gallery on site, along with...
Alloa Tower
Originally built to guard a ferry crossing across the River Forth, Alloa is the largest standing keep in Scotland. It was home to the Erskines who became Earls of Mar and their high position in Scottish nobility meant that the tower saw regular visits from royalty. King James VI even...
Clackmannan
Finally, head to the town that gives this small region its name. On the main street, you’ll see the old tolbooth belfry, built by the Sheriff of Clackmannan who didn’t want to hold criminals in his house anymore! Beside that is a strange pillar with a stone on top that’s...
Clackmannan Tower
It’s a short walk up towards Clackmannan Tower, atop a small hill known as the King’s Seat. This castle belonged to the Bruce’s with Lady Katherine Bruce, a staunch Jacobite, being one of the last residents She would host wild parties here, even knighting the poet Robert Burns with the...
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