Ochil Hills Woodland Park

Located on the southern slopes of Wood Hill, 1¼ miles (2 km) east northeast of Alva and a similar distance west northwest of Tillicoultry, the Ochil Hills Woodland Park occupies the policies of the former Alva House. The park includes attractive way-marked woodland walks and a play area for children.

Dating from 1636, Alva House was the home of the Erskine family, who became the Lords Alva. Sold to the Johnstone family in the 1770s, the house was recast as a substantial mansion by Robert Adam in 1789 and further extended c.1820. When the last of the Johnstones died in the 1920s, the house could not be sold and collapsed during World War II after having been used for military target practice. Rubble marking its location was obvious as recently as 2002.

The stable block dates from c.1810 and is the work of the architect William Stirling. It has been renovated as visitor centre which includes displays on the formation of the Ochil Hills and the history of Alva House. Other original structures include an 18th-century Ice House and the brick walls of the 19th century kitchen garden.


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