Craighorn Fall, Alva Glen – Smugglers' Cave, Alva Glen loop from Alva
Craighorn Fall, Alva Glen – Smugglers' Cave, Alva Glen loop from Alva
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hikers
Craighorn Fall, Alva Glen – Smugglers' Cave, Alva Glen loop from Alva
01:21
4.38km
160m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 18, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
1.53 km
Craighorn Fall, Alva Glen
Highlight • Waterfall
Alva Glen is a diverse and attractive glen. The forest floor is carpeted with many wild flowers and there’s a variety of wildlife to spot, such as the kestrel and the long tailed wagtail.
The glen is managed by the Alva Glen Heritage Trust which is run entirely by volunteers. They regularly plant new tree and shrubs in the area as well as removing non-native species of plant.
Each year the formal garden and waterfalls are illuminated by coloured lights. These stunning Alva Glen illuminations have been attracting people from all over central Scotland for many years.
As you follow the path from the car park you reach the first of five waterfalls, the highlights of the glen, including the 23m Craighorn Fall and the Big Fall, a hidden waterfall which cascades magically into the Smugglers Cave. You can also see a number of ancient hill-terraces, known locally as ‘The Delvins’, on the slopes of the glen.
The glen was once the centre of a busy textile industry and the remnants of an old dam and numerous workshops can be spotted. There are a number information signs to tell you about the history of the area.
Tip by
2.18 km
Smugglers' Cave, Alva Glen
Highlight • Cave
Tip by
3.51 km
Waterfalls of Alva Glen
Highlight • Waterfall
Alva Glen is a diverse and attractive glen. The forest floor is carpeted with many wild flowers and there’s a variety of wildlife to spot, such as the kestrel and the long tailed wagtail.
The glen is managed by the Alva Glen Heritage Trust which is run entirely by volunteers. They regularly plant new tree and shrubs in the area as well as removing non-native species of plant.
Each year the formal garden and waterfalls are illuminated by coloured lights. These stunning Alva Glen illuminations have been attracting people from all over central Scotland for many years.
As you follow the path from the car park you reach the first of five waterfalls, the highlights of the glen, including the 23m Craighorn Fall and the Big Fall, a hidden waterfall which cascades magically into the Smugglers Cave. You can also see a number of ancient hill-terraces, known locally as ‘The Delvins’, on the slopes of the glen.
The glen was once the centre of a busy textile industry and the remnants of an old dam and numerous workshops can be spotted. There are a number information signs to tell you about the history of the area.
Tip by
4.38 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.98 km
1.37 km
Surfaces
2.86 km
1.21 km
118 m
116 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Tuesday 19 May
16°C
10°C
58 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.