Cambus Pools (0.5 mile)
The small village of Cambus lies at the meeting point of the rivers Forth and Devon. There are accessible flat paths to Alloa and Menstrie and these can be combined with a visit to the pools - a wetland reserve with reed beds, grassland and open water attracting waders, warblers and wildfowl. From the village centre, proceed towards the vast Diageo cooperage - the whisky scent hangs heavy in the air and the surrounding trees are all black as a result of the vapour. Cross the River Devon on the bridge by the weir. The adjacent 19th century cast-iron arched structure is now closed due to safety concerns.
A footpath follows the Devon down to the Forth and a bench provides a lovely place to sit and appreciate the panoramic view. The Ochils rear in the background and across the meander on a peninsula you can see the serried ranks of storage buildings at the former Bandeath munitions depot. The paths winds its way between the pools which provide a haven for wildlife on this former industrial landscape. Back in Cambus, the Tearoom provides an array of refreshments.
