As part of our 1000 hours challenge we enjoy exploring, adventuring and spending time outdoors. My kids will happily walk and climb for a few hours, especially when hot chocolate is on the menu so we often set off with a flask and mugs to find the perfect hot chocolate spot.
Devilla Forest in Alloa is one of our favourites. It is a Forestry Commission site so has good way-marked paths. There is a carpark, which can be busy but we have always found that if you hang around for a short while a space will become available.
There is a nice 1.2 mile trail called “The Red Squirrel Trail” which is a circular trail around a small loch which is easily accessible by a buggy. Along the route you’ll find lots of different trees, burns, wildlife and dens so plenty to keep the kids occupied and interested. My trio really enjoy climbing the trees and posing on the many tree stumps along the path! Every time we come on this walk we have to get a new set of tree stump poses!
There are quite a few dens dotted along the path which are fun to explore and lots of paths shooting off from the main path but these are often uneven terrain so not so suitable if you have a buggy. There are also picnic tables and benches along the route which are declared (by my kids) to be the perfect spot for a snack!
One of my favourite things about Devilla is the different trees, plants and wildlife you can spot depending on the time of year. We visited back in August and the forest was covered in purple heather which was really pretty. We also saw many huge dragonflies and tiny frogs on our walk. The kids were very excited to find brambles and blaeberries for the picking and ended up with matching purple fingers after some additional snacks. There were also plenty of people on the trail foraging for mushrooms but that knowledge is a skill we don’t have so the kids just look but don’t touch!
Key info
Parking:
Free car park available on site
Toilets:
No toilets available
Cafe:
Pack snacks and a flask as there are plenty of benches along the route but no cafe on site.
Top Tips
The car park can fill up on a nice weather day but we have found that if you circle a space usually becomes available.