Alva: Glen landscapes, parks and the Alva Games

Alva offers two distinct points of focus when planning a stay: the landscape around Alva Glen and the parks with their local history, as well as the Alva Games. If you are looking for a hotel in Alva, you can first consider whether hills and landscape or parks and an event date are more important for your trip.

The landscape around Alva Glen

Alva Glen lies above the town of Alva, at the foot of the Ochil Hills. Its slopes are home to old hillside terraces, locally known as “The Delvins”. Hillside terraces are step-like areas of terrain; at The Delvins, this landscape feature has its own local name. This makes it possible to distinguish the Glen’s location at the foot of the hills from the terraces as separate features of the landscape.

Historic traces in Alva

Wood Hill, between Alva and Tillicoultry, is what remains of the grounds of Alva House; the house itself has since been demolished. Ochil Hills Woodland Park has a children’s play area. Information boards there also describe the former splendour of the old estate. The play area and boards thus bring together a recreational feature and a historical theme in the park.

Johnstone & Cochrane Parks and the Alva Games

Johnstone & Cochrane Parks are in the town of Alva on the A91 between Stirling and St Andrews. Johnstone Park was gifted by James Johnstone in 1856. The Alva Games have been held in the parks for over 160 years; the event takes place every year in July. It is the last surviving sporting and games event in Clackmannanshire. The year 1856 refers to the founding of Johnstone Park; the figure of over 160 years refers to the Alva Games’ long tradition of being held in the parks.

The programme includes athletics, cycling, Highland dancing and heavy events. There are also four hill races over Torry. The combination of different types of competition gives the Alva Games a different profile from a single sporting event. For your travel plans, the recurring annual date in July is especially relevant.

Recreational features of the parks

Johnstone & Cochrane Parks have two play areas. One is located in the former boating pond and has a creative design. There are also picnic tables and football pitches. A multi-use sports area and a recently installed outdoor gym add further sporting facilities to the parks. Alongside the landscape and history, the parks also offer specific features for play, picnics and sports.

The Alva Games are a clear point of reference when choosing when to travel: they take place every year in July. The landscape, local history and park features offer other points of focus for a stay in Alva.

Discover more destinations: Alloa, Sauchie, Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, Dollar

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