Walk of the week: Dollar to Tillicoultry and back

Several bridges were planned; however, a cheaper option was chosen which included the diversion of the course of the River Devon. The line closed to passenger traffic in 1964, but continued to carry coal from the Dollar mine until the early 1970s.

Although much now is but a line on the map, the well-preserved section between Dollar and Tillicoultry, squeezed between the A91 and the River Devon, is known as the Devon Way – ideal for a festive season stroll.

From its source high up in the Ochils, the Devon descends 400m eastwards to Crook of Devon, then bends sharply west and meanders its way to reach the Forth near Alloa. With an almost imperceptible descent from Dollar, look out, on reaching Tillicoultry, for the old white railway marker which gives the gradient as 1 in 436.

Making the most of a dreich day, I was reminded of a previous almost identical day, in terms of weather and an old railway line, when we enjoyed a stroll by the Glazert Water, from Kirkintilloch to Clachan of Campsie. If you enjoyed that walk you will appreciate the Devon Way. Inspite of, or maybe because of, the weather, I had a pleasant stroll; so much so that I wondered why this was my first visit.

THE ROUTE

There are a number of access points from Dollar to the well-surfaced track-bed path which also serves as part of cycle route 767. I went down East Burnside, crossing Park Place and past Strathdevon Primary School and playing fields. (At this point the railway curved southwards on a steadily rising massive embankment across the Strath to reach the Devon. With a long high span supported by pillars, one now with a couple of trees, it must have been an impressive bridge.) However, head west for Dollar station, now just a long platform on the right, then under the arched bridge carrying the B913. The first stretch is through a tree-fringed cutting, hidden from the A91. At a signpost, ¾ mile from Dollar, the line crosses a minor road from Lower Sheardale. The road is briefly followed before a slight climb regains the track-bed by a signpost – “Alloa 5 miles, Tillicoultry 2 miles and cycle route 767”.

Further west, the close-by A91 on the right is seen and heard and to the left is the first sight of the meandering river. Pass on the right a small picnic area with a sign, “Devon Angling Association, fishing by permit only. No Sunday fishing”. On reaching Tillicoultry, 2¾ miles from Dollar, cross the A908 to the site of the railway station, now a grassy recreation area.

At this stage I decided on an extra loop, going further west to Glenfoot. Pass a wooden sign, “Devon Way for Hillfoots Link”, but continue on the still signposted 767 cycle way, curving left to cross the Devon by an arched footbridge. A slight climb leads to the A908, with the cycle path going parallel to, but separate from, the road.

Suddenly seen below is the railway embankment leading to the remains of the bridge that spanned the river. Later on the right a stepped path descends to the Glenfoot road and so by pavement to the 1889 Glenfoot Bridge.

Immediately turn right by the river bank on a muddy path to reach brick built pillars. Climb to the embankment which gives a high and dry return via the sewage treatment works to the Devon Way.

A Good New Year to one and all!

FACTFILE

Map Ordnance Survey map 58, Perth & Alloa

Distance 8 miles

Height Negligible

Terrain Well-made pathway, mostly on railway track-bed

Start point Burnside, Dollar

Time 3 to 4 hours

Nearest towns

Recommended refreshment spot The Vanilla Pod, coffee bar & bistro, Bridge Street, Dollar

MAP REFS FOR GRAPHICS

Start 963979

Track-bed 963976

Cross A908 921966

Head south from 917966

Reach A908 916962

Leave A908 910962

Head east from N bank of river 911965

Embankment to sewage wks 916965