This gently winding, burnside wander begins to the right of the large Centennial Stone within the grassy, welcome area. It is an accessible path that is suitable for all, including those using buggies and manually propelled wheelchairs. An adult of average fitness could complete the walk in around 10 minutes, but with plenty of opportunities to sit and enjoy the wildlife and views along the route, it is likely to take you much longer!
The Alder Path runs alongside the Cashel! Burn for much of its length and the burn is home to many special Scottish species, including extraordinary wee diving birds called dippers, elusive European otters and water voles, making their plucky return after previous over-predation by American mink. The burn is also used to produce sustainable electricity for the national grid and the outflow can be seen from the 'hidden' picnic spot.
Tree species that can be seen from the path include oak, rowan, birch, alder, ash, hazel and hawthorn. There are benches and resting places at regular intervals along the route, as well as a perfect wee picnic spot, surrounded by alder trees, right beside the water. Take your time, settle down, relax and wait to see what you will find as you begin to blend into this diverse riverbank community - you might not want to leave!