Tillicoultry Glen Path Show path on map

Start location: Tillicoultry Glen parking area, Upper Mill St, Tillicoultry ( NS 914 974 )

End location: immediately east of Upper Mill St's bridge, Tillicoultry ( NS 914 974 )

Geographical area: Stirling, Clackmannan and Falkirk

Path type: Leisure Path

Path distance: 2km

Accessibility info: Suitable for pedestrians

Route Description

Tillicoultry Glen has reportedly been closed beyond its first bridge. Clackmannanshire’s ranger service reports that high water levels have washed part of the path away and there are several sections where the path is undercut and in danger of collapse. It is suggested though that visitors can instead use the alternative route out and back above the east side of the glen, rather than the affected westerly stretch which passes through the glen. For updates, ahead of any visit check Clackmannanshire Council’s website, and also take note of any onsite signage.

This is an anti-clockwise loop route up above then down the most picturesque part of Tillicoultry’s Mill Glen. The start and finish are at the top of Upper Mill Street in Tillicoultry, where there are information boards plus a green & white sign to Blackford. The first section follows this hill route to Blackford, up the slopes to the east of the glen, first through trees and shortly out on to open hillside (short turf, benches, zigzags). The gradient eventually eases and a level section leads left onto the slopes immediately above the glen, eventually ascending to a bridge (NS912982) at the junction of burns below the south ridge of The Law. However, the loop path splits away from this path leading up to The Law, instead bearing left to head over a metal bridge (NS911981) and heads down the glen again. In the course of the descent the path crosses and re-crosses the burn a further five times to arrive back at the ornamental garden at the top of Upper Mill Street.

This route is not recommended for unsupervised children, and it is only suitable for use on foot.

OS Landranger 58 (Perth & Alloa)

Last reviewed November 2024, but updates especially welcome.

Heritage Information

According to the Third Statistical Account (1952-61) for Tillicoultry Parish, the Tillicoultry Burn formerly powered eight woollen mills. The associated sluices and a dam are marked on older Ordnance Survey maps, and remains of some of this infrastructure can still be seen in the glen.

The lower part of the gorge was developed in the 20th century as a nature trail. Mill Glen is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its interesting igneous geological features.