Alloa lies on the north bank of the Forth and has a rich industrial heritage. It was a major brewing town for two centuries. Coal was exported from the busy port and several rail lines converged at the town centre. This walk takes in some of the remnants of the working past and also pays a visit to the medieval tower house. The river no longer serves as a trading artery and Alloa isn't generally regarded today as being on the seaboard.
Starting from the railway station, make your way across the busy A907 to the Speirs Centre. Aim for the tall chimney. This council-owned building serves as a library and community centre and also features a small exhibition on Alloa's brewing past. Head round to the Station Bar at the junction of Primose Street and the main road. Follow the signed cycle path which runs along the side of this former station hotel.
Two narrow tunnels are encountered on this route. They are part of a horse-drawn waggonway which ran from coal pits north of the town down to the docks. Before the mass building of railways, the only way to move minerals over large distances was by horse bound for onward sea transport. The tunnels date from the 1760s and are possibly the oldest of their type in Scotland. The waggonway was in operation until the 1920s.
After 650 yards, the path meets another at a right angle. Turn left to pass alongside the Royal Mail depot then take a right down Broad Street. Keep going until you reach the river. A short section of walkway runs alongside the shore. To the left are some rotting remains of the docks - they were abandoned in 1970. The industrial plant to the right with the slender chimneys is the glassworks, one of the few traditional industries remaining in the town. Retrace your steps back to the path by the mail office.
Follow this route through the park, signed for Alloa Tower. Now owned by the National Trust, the tower is open from April until the end of October and is worth a look around. It dates from the 14th century. Fine views of the Forth Valley can be had from the rooftop and nearby Clackmannan Tower is clearly visible atop a grassy mound. Take the path back towards the town centre. You will catch sight of a chain pub called The Old Brewery. This is where McLays produced their ales until closure in 1999 - the last old-school brewery in Alloa to shut its doors forever. Unfortunately no real ale is available on the premises. Thankfully Williams Bros have kept the flame burning in the 21st century.
