Auchtermuchty

Scoop Waddell here reporting on today's beautiful walk around the Common Loop, Glassart's Den and The Clink at Auchtermuchty. We chose a Saturday this time so that we could get an early start hoping that some folk might have managed to return in time to get to the Rovers in the afternoon. There were two new faces, Audrey and Carol, and they were warmly welcomed. After several of the more assertive members deliberated in which cars we should travel, we all piled in and were ready for the off, except for one who simply had to go and spend yet another penny at the church before we finally left around 9.40am. There's always one eh...
It was a lovely winter's day with frost sprinkled across the fields and on the trees like icing sugar. Low fog was suspended eerily above the surface of the fields and the Lomonds, viewing the opposite side from our usual perspective, were dark blue with low lying cloud resting atop.
Once gathered at Muchty we began at the Cycle Tavern in Burnside and made our way up Bondgate towards the school. We all knew this walk was on a gradient so weren't surprised to be out of puff fairly quickly, those with the shortest legs bringing up the rear, but not dawdling by any means. We remarked on the old street lights which must have been converted from gas light but are still in working order. When we ran out of houses to nose into, the tarmac became rough path which took us to part of the Common Loop called Whitefield. Further on, and walking down towards a car park was the area known as the Mairs which used to be the main road from Auchtermuchty to Newburgh.We gathered again at the information board at the car park and tucked our troosers into our socks for the next glaury part of the walk. Across the main road we slipped through a space in the hedge and descended some steps which led us to a boardwalk then a footbridge o'er the burn.

Single file was necessary here and great care taken lest we slid on the wet mud. We emerged at the entrance to Glassart's ( Glessart's to the locals)Den

and began a fairly steep ascent through the community woodland where we happened upon several enormous fir trees across our paths having been blown down by the recent gales.

We were glad to pause for a short blaw at a picnic table half way up. A great vantage point and perfect for a photo.

Now once we had reached the top, the idea was to add on the adjoining Clink walk, but we did get a wee bit off track there until some local dog walkers put us right. Out in the open now we had the most wonderful vista of the hills with Muchty ahead of us at the bottom of Mournipea. At this point the group became very spread out. Neither those striding out in front nor those strolling at the back willing to compromise. Mmm...
In the town, the first person we saw resplendent in his kilt and playing his famous accordion was a bronze sculpture of the Laird of Auchtermuchty, Sir Jimmy Shand. And of course we had to be photographed with him.

A brisk Bluebell Polka along Distillery Street brought us to the Cycle Tavern where we started and where we had planned to have a bowl of broth to thaw us out. Now then. I had made a call last night to say that our walking group was going to descend on them around 12 and asked what kind of soup would be on offer, to which the response came, "Ah've nae idea." An enquiry about scones brought the same apathetic reply; no vestige of interest in pleasing her customer, and so I thanked her and hung up. Having been there a couple of weeks earlier when doing the practice walk, and detecting the same attitude I was a wee bit concerned. The lady behind the bar today was not at all delighted to see us and went away to find out if there would be enough soup, returning after some time with the right answer and telling us where to sit. Others in the group who approached the bar also felt unwelcome but the last straw was when we were told that they only had 6 soup plates so we would have to eat 6 at a time. I called time on lunch at the Cycle. We left, though some did use the facilities before walking out. It was astonishing that in these days of businesses going to the wall through lack of trade this pub did not value 15 people enough to treat us courteously and jump through hoops to ensure good service. They not only lost over £60 but their reputation has been tarnished. I have to wonder what tourists would have made of their attitude. Anyway, we had to try somewhere else - Forest Hills Hotel - but they don't do lunches at all. Helpfully suggested the Cycle Tavern though.
After a super walk we could have done with a nice cosy pub lunch before our parting but the moment passed and the consensus was to go home hungry.
A short and very hurried prayer, then back to the cars, still moaning our heads off about the Cycle. Nursing a grudge is very satisfying sometimes, but think on this:

Let's just move on then....
Oh and it was a draw for the Rovers.

Thornton

MORE PIX TO FOLLOW
Not a lot of people would have chosen Thornton to have their Christmas Day out. And on this date, mid December, it could have been snow or terrific winds, both of which Fife suffered earlier in the week. But as always, Bennochy Walkers were blessed with perfect walking weather - dry and cool. 17 of us took to cars as far as ASDA where we parked up and then walked on to Thornton. The path was good as far as the M90 which we crossed via the bridge, stopping in the middle to watch the speed of cars and count the red ones! One red one tooted at us and the passengers waved. Quaint customs die hard. There was a parting of the ways over the bridge as 2 members decided to wade through the mud via the country walk, while the rest - the sensible ones - took the main road from Kirkcaldy to Thornton, though it wasn't at all busy with traffic today. We stopped to steal some holly from a tree, but then there is no way 15 people can steal furtively. So when we arrived at the venue almost all held a sprig of holly. The venue was the building fondly still called 'the Crown' - the old Crown Hotel. The owner, Mike Catignani,who conducts his business Solutions Developed from this building, had kindly allowed our group to use 'the Crown' for our activities and he greeted us warmly with tea/coffee and biscuits for all.

The activity we chose was wreath-making and had asked along local man George Wallace, an expert in this department, to help us to put something together which we could call a wreath.

Little did we expect the preparations which George had made before he came. He had two black bags filled with holly, every single piece wired by hand last night while he watched the TV!( We felt a wee bit daft having nicked one sprig each!) He had also made the moss rings for us and brought along a variety of decorations for us to dress the wreaths. How could we go wrong? We didnt. With George's help we all made beautiful wreaths as you can see in the picture and we were delighted with our efforts. Just to make the day perfect we had fish suppers delivered by DOM's and more tea and coffee served by Mike. An old Bing Crosby CD playing in the background and ginger wine to warm the cockles. Picture the scene.....
Relatives transported us from Thornton back to Kdy and we were feeling very Christmassy and content.
So it wasn't a bad idea then to go to Thornton for our Christmas do. Grateful thanks to Mike and George for making this happy day possible.
Wishing all our followers a warm, peaceful Advent and may the wonder of the Christmas miracle bring special love and happiness to you and your families.

PS And here is one I made earlier in situ

Kennoway Den

There was a definite air of solemnity when we gathered today. Remembrance Day is becoming more significant year by year as our country continues to lose young men and women serving with our armed forces. Robin, our minister, conducted a very moving service which left the congregation deep in thought and gratitude to those who have sacrificed all for the security of our country, protection of our people, and for justice in other lands. We prayed for all who have suffered terrible injuries, for innocent victims of war and for those who must endure the loss of loved ones always. We will remember them.
We left promptly so that we could get our walk in and have our refreshments before dusk at 1608. It was a short journey to the Leven roundabout near Windygates where we parked up in the car park there. We had our gaiters on today as a warning had been given re the probability of a glaury walk. A short distance towards Leven, we turned off onto a perfectly flat, straight tarmaced path which leads from Methil I believe, to Kennoway. This surface allowed us to stride out and get off to a favourable start. At Kennoway we crossed the road which led out to the countryside, a gradual but not stressful incline for a good mile. On a clear day the view from the top takes in Elie Bay to North Berwick, and westerly to Moss Moran. Today however, was a grey day limiting our views to Methil. The road led us passed Grange of Kingsdale farm which we only noticed at the end of the road had a 'Private Road' sign up. Now we had to get on to the road - Linkwood Road - which is fairly narrow and on which traffic travels fast despite poor visibility, so we were given fair warning by Rona who was leading today, and proceeded with care. Just before reaching the town we branched off into Kennoway Den and felt safe again. The Den must be at its best in autumn.

The winding path took us through carpets of leaves of every colour and the trees were hanging on to the last of their foliage before the onset of winter nips them away.

We couldn't have chosen a better time to see the Den in it's glory. The burn was running fast and it was so picturesque, those of us who had astonishingly never heard of this place were captured by it's beauty.

Our lungs now detoxed we emerged from the Den straight across the road into the Burns Tavern where staff had been advised of our arrival. Now, not only did we have a room of our own (nothing to do with our attire) but we were served tea and coffee and three huge plates of scones of all different species! Jams and cream in plentiful supply and excellent service. Whatsmore the price was reasonable. We all agreed that we would share our experience with others and patronise it again both as a group and with our families. Bruce Forsyth's new catchphrase jumped to mind : "Kennoway Burns, you're my favourite."
Still well before dusk we had another 15 minutes of walking back to our cars where we gathered and prayed before departing for home, grateful for fellowship shared and more memories made.

Kettlebridge and Dams Cottage

Autumn in Kettlebridge

Sunday afternoon was dry but overcast as we set out for Kettlebridge. Known previously as Holekettle it developed after the building of the turnpike road around 1800. More information can be gained online at the Gazeteer for Scotland website. It is a lovely area with some very old cottages.
Parking the cars on the A914 Cupar Road we crossed over to enter the road leading to Chapel House and farm passing by a roadside lodge. Walking up the gentle incline tongues were chattering, deterring any wildlife but two curious horses came to say hello. Continuing on the road and skirting Chapel House we admired the gardens and elevated position. There was a pre-Reformation chapel neat Chapel House and it may be that the remains of the chapel have been built into one of the outbuildings at Chapel House.
Following the track around we soon heard the sound of a heavy vehicle and as good citizens in the countryside code we stood aside on the verges to allow the tractor to pass. The driver did not as we thought wish us a pleasant walk but instead stated that we were disrupting his family’s privacy and whilst he would allow us to continue our walk we were not to return. He also made it very clear that he would not enter into any discussion regarding this. This dampened our spirits a bit and was our topic of conversation for quite a while. Thankfully of all people we met on our walks, now nearing 40, a person with this type of manner is in the minority. Our next encounter was a large padlocked gate, guess who it belonged to? Well undaunted we fairly louped it, well to varying degrees we got over it. This small track led us onto Flemington Road which we followed in a southerly direction until we turned right at a T junction and followed the road, some of the time through fields and other through wooded areas until we reached Glenlia Road.

This road was mainly through wooded areas but some of the trees were magnificent colours. At one point Joe looked back the way we had walked to catch sight of two deer crossing the road.
At the end of the wood we took a small track which led onto Middleton Road and our coffee stop came into view. We were delighted to see Dianne, who made it for the coffee and cake and Margaret and Walter Simpson and their son Eric and their beautiful Dams Cottage. Margaret gave us a guided tour of the area, garden and cottage and supplied us with the history of the surrounding area. In the living room the massive log fire was burning and we were asked through to the kitchen to sit around the farmhouse table eating rich fruit cake, scones and as much tea and coffee as you could manage.

Following this we retired to the living room to partake of a game of carpet bowls. Yes, you’ve guessed, none of us are trying for our national carpet bowling team!

The hospitality we encountered with Margaret, Walter and Eric more than compensated for our earlier encounter and as a result we were very reluctant to leave. Plans are afoot to make this visit an annual outing. Bidding a fond farewell we set off down Candren Way with a spring in our steps and then taking a track which followed a wee burn we reached the A914, yards from where we had left our cars. Another beautiful walk.
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see”. ~Mark Twain

North Queensferry to Aberdour

We chose to do this part of the Fife Coastal Path on a Saturday because it is a bit longer than we usually walk - 8.2 miles - and so we started earlier in the day. Given that it was a dreich morning we weren't expecting many walkers to turn up at Kirkcaldy railway station in time for the 1200 to NQ. However, ten 'hardy chiels', as Rona described us, met up and made the short train journey, the majority taking advantage of a discounted price using their special Scotrail loyalty passes. The pedometers were set at Waterloo Well at North Queensferry, right under the magnificent Forth Bridge which makes us all feel so very proud to be Scottish.
A couple who were busy in the morning met up with the first lot an hour later at Inverkeithing and so there were 12.
It is strange that when it is drizzling, the walkers go at a fair skelp, thinking I suppose that we would become less wet if we walk quickly. It didn't work today though. The Path was in excellent condition and because most of us had done the coastal Path before we were familiar with the route, another reason for making good progress. The Forth was pretty grey but we could see how the river was beginning to widen out after the narrowness of the stretch between South and North Queensferry. On the way, we passed St Bridget's Kirk just on the outskirts of Dalgety Bay. This is a 12th century ruin but is kept to a pretty good standard by Historic Scotland despite the public being able to access it without charge. On a nice day we would have had a picnic here, but onward we did wend, heading away from the coast for the next stretch.When next we had a particularly good view of the Forth,we noted that a helicopter had landed on Inchcolm Island and wondered if perhaps someone had fallen or taken ill while visiting the Abbey. Again this is a lovely spot to visit in summer months with a picnic. Ferries run from S Queensferry regularly allowing people to spend an hour or two on the island soaking up the history and beauty of the medieval monastic buildings, the seals and birdlife and interesting coastal defences from WW2. Now walking on tarmac we had Aberdour golf course on our right. The group was well spread out today as it turned out that one poor soul at the back had developed blisters! The first to arrive in Aberdour made a beeline for the Woodside Hotel and prepared them for a dozen soaking wet, tired, hungry and now blistered walkers to descend on them expecting coffee and scones to be served. We were not disappointed. We had a lovely cuppa and nice scones/ cakes although a little pricey. But we were made very welcome so that helped. A short distance left to walk to Aberdour station which was absolutely beautiful with hanging baskets and bedding plants all out in bloom. The station is always so pretty it regularly gets a prize for being the best kept station. They even have a greenhouse there, bringing on plants for next season. I hope they know how much people admire and appreciate their efforts. It only took a few minutes till we were back in the Lang Toun all ready for a hearty tea. Fish suppers seemed to be a popular choice tonight.

Birnie and Gaddon Lochs and Collessie

We've been meaning to do this walk for a good long while but were glad we made it today - all will be revealed.
As we made our way by car to the parking area at Birnie, the sky was several colours of grey and I began to think of the Dulux paint chart which always has interesting names for the tones of colours, and I wondered what they would have chosen for today's predominant shade. Battleship perhaps.
Carrying on regardless, 14 of us met up and began a circular of Birnie Loch. It is quite a nice walk but there are so many young trees surrounding the loch now that you can really only see it clearly at one or two places where there are seats. And so we missed a lot of the bird life for which the loch is famous. This picture of bullrushes was taken a few years ago but we stood at the spot where the photo was taken. It's even prettier now.

From the safety of the loch walk we made our way to the wee village of Collessie across the very busy A91. There were two new walkers today - Allan, Christine's cousin on holiday from Vancouver and Isabel whom we all know well. Approaching Collessie Isabel remarked on a wee window we could just see through the trees which she remembered from her childhood as this had been her grandparent's home and we said we would walk that way to get a better look. We passed the most picturesque cottages,especially Rose cottage, which is thatched and immaculately painted. We also passed a standing water tap in the street where Isabel remembers collecting water for her grandparents as they had no running water in their house. Further on we visited the church although it was closed today. Had we visited last week we could have seen inside as the church took part in Fife's Open Doors Day. Some of us like reading the gravestones though, so spent a wee while there and took some photos.

So it was here we followed Isabel to visit her roots. We saw the house, and as she was showing us where the dunny was, a lady in the adjoining house came out so I felt it necessary to explain why we were exploring her neighbour's property. We had noticed and admired a thatched stone building which we guessed would have been the village washhouse at some point. Now the lady I spoke to who remembered Isabel's family clearly, offered to show us inside the old washhouse as it is now her art studio. And what a revelation that was. Marianna Lines - www.stoneline.co.uk - is an artist in Celtic and pictish designs on wallhangings, canvas, screenprinta and greetings cards. She has copied traced and rubbed actual pictish patterns from ancient stones and reproduced them in colours made from natural dyes. We had a very quick tour of her studio but will pay a visit again when there are fewer of us. We were glad to have made her acquaintance and that Isabel shared her family history with us. Moving on, out of the village and back to the main road where we walked along the verge with great care, one walk leader at the front and one at the back wearing high viz jackets - very fetching.
We reached the safety of Gaddon Loch this time and still looking to see if we could identify some wild life. The website states the following are resident - Winter wildfowl, especially Wigeon and Goosander. Breeding Redshank, Lapwing and Oystercatcher, Maiden Pink.
Mammals include Otter, Bank Vole, Pipistrelle Bat and Red Squirrel

We just can't stop blethering long enough to seek these out but we noted there is a 'hide' which would offer those keen on birdlife some peace and quiet to wait and watch.
The words 'coffee'and 'scone' were being mumbled so we made our way to the Fife Animal Park for refreshments. They had been forewarned of our arrival and a long table had been set for us. Nice cuppa and goodies and quite inexpensive. And as expected, once our walk was over, the rain started.
So like Andy Pandy and Teddy when they closed the lid of the basket, it was ' Time to go Home.' If you are singing this, I know your age.

Letham Glen Leven

This was the first walk the group (5 of us) did in 2009. There were 17 walkers today! Flushed with success at the good number we strode out in the wrong direction and added another half mile on to the 'easy' walk I'd advertised.
We were hardly started, and appreciating the lovely gardens in Letham Glen when a few of us were tempted to 'have a go' on the newly installed exercise equipment.

" You've always wanted a shot on a camel. Goan then!" was Bob's encouraging invitation to his lady wife who couldn't resist temptation.
Hilarity over, we got down to the business in hand. It is a gentle incline through the park and we needed a wee pause once we reached the open countryside again. How nice it was to hear Winnie say that she had to walk through Letham Glen to reach her school, and even more interesting that we passed Coldstream Farm Cottage where she and her family lived in her early teens.

We were blethering goodstyle and almost missed the lovely cottage and grounds called Cuffabout.The sun at this point was so warm, we shed a layer or two and donned our sunglasses. Crossing the main road into Blacketyside Estate we admired Blacketyside House painted white and situated in an idyllic setting. Field upon field of fruit bushes under polytunnels on our right indicated that this business is flourishing. And when we reached the farm shop/restaurant and noted a huge expansion being built, this emphasised the good times that the company is having. Blacketyside would have been our choice of coffee stop, however, there is a large noticeboard stating that the restaurant is closed on Sundays with a Bible text beneath.

Exodus 20:8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work,10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens,the earth,the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy."

We were all, of course, supportive of this audacious statement in these times and will continue to patronise the business during weekdays.
Safely across the very busy road into Silverburn estate we stopped for our preplanned picnic in the gardens. "Margaret? What have you done with ma piece?" We were amused at Bob's dependence on his wife for providing the scran. That was a really lovely time just looking closely at our friends and pondering on what was happening in their lives.
Some are facing difficult times, and love and prayers go with them.
Fed and watered, we moved on,but just as far as the toilets! This proved to be a drawn-out affair as there was a long queue for those who wouldn't spend their penny in the gents! We crossed the golf course, silently of course, and saw a few skelps as we pressed on. Now, right at the shore, the view was breathtaking. No wonder folk used to come to Leven for their summer holidays. We walked towards the town again with the sea on our left, breathing in the summer smells of newly mown grass, seaweed, and faintly, the burgers from the amusement arcade on the promenade.

Back through the town we reached Letham Glen in stages as 17 of us couldn't walk at the same rate. But we gathered and said our wee prayer as usual, so may the Lord hold all in the palm of his hand until we meet again.