East Wemyss to Kirkcaldy

On the way to church this morning I noted that the thunderclouds were nursing their wrath across the Forth and I prayed they would remain over the Lothians. Naughty.
Today was the return meeting of Bennochy and St Andrew's Erskine Walking groups and we had planned to do part of the coastal path. We assembled outside the kirk at 1.30 and shoogled into as few cars as possible to take us to Pathhead Village where we caught the No 13. There were so many walkers getting on the bus the driver's schedule went skew-wiff as it took a good 8 minutes to swipe all the bus passes - some of us young ones had to cough up £2.40 for the fare though. It was a bit of a mystery tour but we got to East Wemyss around 2.30 and began our walk at Macduff Castle descending very steeps stairs to the coast below. Now if I had done my homework, I would have been able to describe the Wemyss caves which do actually start below Macduff Castle. They are not open to the public any longer except for organised tours during the summer months. Apologies to Charlie for giving duff information; the caves are at East Wemyss, not West Wemyss. Must do better.

It was nice to speak to new people, discovering a little about their lives and comparing notes about churches. To start with, the sun was hitting the Forth and it glittered like glass. I recognised sandpipers at the waters edge. All very pleasing. Ah well, by the time we were approaching West Wemyss, the heavens had opened and we had to don our waterproofs pretty sharpish. This did not dampen our spirits though or halt conversations in any way. That's what becomes of hoping bad weather stays with the folk across the water.

Only about 50 feet above sea level we noted Wemyss Castle. This 12th century castle is the ancient seat of the Earls of Wemyss and their families and is currently inhabited by the clan chief Michael Wemyss and his wife Charlotte. Looks a bit like Colditz don't you think?

This next photo is of a mosaic created by children from the local primary school and adults from the community with the permission of Michael Wemyss. Swans are depicted on the Wemyss family crest and also the Primary school emblem. There is also a Sycamore bench there, created by a local craftsman though we didn't take time to rest.

We reached the village of West Wemyss passing the church which was bought by the Wemyss family from the Church of Scotland promising the upkeep of the exterior provided that it always remains a church. We should be grateful that this condition ensures that worship will continue here for the foreseeable future. This quaint little village has a lot of history still to see including the Tolbooth dating back to 1511 and again the Wemyss family has been instrumental in protecting, renovating and investing to keep the village alive. Very recently the Wemyss Arms was renovated through funding from the Lottery and is now a very attractive Bistro and Hostel called the Walk Inn. Let me recommend the onion soup with crusty bread and the ploughman's lunch.

Just outside the village is the lovely little harbour which now only has a few small pleasure boats but historically was a busy port exporting coal and bringing back wood, flax and iron from Baltic countries. 

We knew that, just as we had descended all those steps at the beginning of the walk, we would have to ascend at some stage so here we are hanging on for dear life as the steps were steep and treacherous at some parts. But the view of the Wemyss at the top was worth getting puffed for, though the photo below is a bit peely-wally and doesn't do the view justice.

 

Following the formidable red stone sea wall to the former Royal Burgh of Dysart, and now dried out considerably, we stopped for a photo shoot with Pan Ha' and St Serf's Tower in the background. Pan - from the salt pans which lay here on the Ha' - haugh meaning flat land. St Serf's Tower is the only remaining part of the church and tower and was used as a battlement in the World Wars.

Onward past the picturesque harbour at Dysart, we enjoyed reading the names of the boats. Through the tunnel and we could see Ravenscraig Park above us. At this point, I heard the words, tea... coffee...cookies... so I phoned Margaret and Bob who had offered to open the kirk up and get the kettle boiling for our return. Steps now quickening we emerged from the park onto Dysart Road and crossed to Pathhead village where we had left our cars.
As promised, the refreshments were ready waiting for us at the church (in the St Andrew's hall actually), and we were ready for them. Charlie, leader of St Andrew's group, thanked the Bennochy folk for the goodies etc and acknowledged that the groups have an affinity. We think we will meet again.
And before they left we simply had to go into the sanctuary and show off our new stained glass window to our new St Andrew's friends which received their glowing admiration.
Thank you Isobel, Charlie, Jane, Moira, Mary, Dave, Vicky, Thelma and Lorraine for your good company today. Fond thoughts.

Easter Morning 8th April 2012

Up with the larks this morning the walkers left the church at 0730 heading for Falkland Hill. We took the minibus hoping that we might have some new people just wanting a taster on Easter morning. We did have one newbie, Lewis, who was enticed to come along by the promise of a bacon butty back at the church. We missed several of our usual walkers, some of whom had a doctor's line.
It was a lovely clear morning, though a bit parky, and even from the car park at Purin Hill we saw for miles across the Forth, north to south. We chose a nice flat spot to have a wee short time of celebration. Rona gave us the Easter message - old familiar words delivered in her own inimitable way, and Charlie prayed a lovely prayer, almost in verse. Thank you R & C. We all sang a couple of hymns - and we really belted them out - and felt content with this good start to Easter Day.

Meanwhile, in the background, Lewis was getting the tail secured onto the kite, and as we began the climb up the East Lomond, it was sent flying with the message HE IS RISEN for all to see. We had some fantoosh stunts and a couple of nose dives (the kite that is) but the wind was just strong enough to keep it flying a good long time. Other people we passed who had already been up the hill asked us for a photo of our kite, so they must have the message as well.

We all climbed at different rates but gathered at the top to take in the terrific 360o views across Fife and the Lothians and as far as the Ochils for those with good sight. Falkland village nestled below and looked like it wasn't quite awake yet.  Now its not as easy as you'd imagine to come down a hill; you have to be careful not to overbalance and go head over heels. So we were all looking at our feet watching every step we took, not really paying much attention to where we were being led. And so a short detour was taken across the long grass, ' just for a wee change of scenery', according to the male leader. Aye, right.....
We still had wonderful views as we drove down the hill in the minibus, taking in the landscape which resembled quilting created in every shade of green and brown. It was a rather quiet return journey, all of us now anticipating the smell of bacon sizzling in the pan back at the kirk.
As expected, Janis and Hilda got their sleeves up at the cooker the moment we returned and the rest of us made preparations  for the breakfast. Sharing breakfast is a time of fellowship which always seems more meaningful than other meals, especially on a morning such as today. Janis had made a beautiful lemon cake for us as well so we were fed way beyond sufficiency.
We were looking forward to hearing Robin this morning and we were not disappointed. A contemporary slant on the Easter service lifted our spirits, but of course we had to finish with a rendering of Maccabeus that GF Handel composed in 1746 so surely something for everyone today.
Braw singing Bennochy.


                  He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! is the message for Easter Day.

And He is still rolling stones away.

Balbirnie to Star

A slight change of plan today due the two walk leaders for the day being incapacitated, one feeling poorly and the other because her wee granddaughter has been poorly and in hospital. Our thoughts were very much with you. So, rather than the 7 mile walk around Cupar and Springfield we hastily selected the above country walk. Look further back on the blog site and you’ll see the description of the walk for August 2009.

We were later in starting off as it was Bennochy’ Kirk’s Stated Annual General meeting so at 13.15ish, 8 of us set of for the car park at Balbirnie Park. Well the sun was shining and what had been a pea souper the previous day turned into a beautiful warm and sunny Sunday

There was a lot of bird activity and bird song in the air. The fields were yielding up new growth. Gardens and countryside was coming alive again and we cast off our winter layers of clothing. Is that sunburn I see?

All too soon we reached the lovely village of star where we were surprised to find some trees wrapped in knitted blankets. Can you spot the tree huggers? Have the Graffiti Grannys Group (The GG’s) been at work here?


A bit further on and stopping by the play park we came across a pirate’s birthday party. Never slow in coming forward we asked if there was any coffee on offer but as we weren’t dressed as pirates we were informed to head for the local pub, The Plough Inn. Well we always do as we are told as the photograph will testify.

Suitably refreshed we took a lovely wee off road track which took us off the village street to just before Robbshowe Steading, where we crossed the road and carried on down a beautiful track to eventually take us back to Northhall Road in Markinch and back to our starting point at Balbirnie Park.

We ended our walk with our Gaelic Blessing with one line in the verse reading “May the sun shine warmly on your face”, well it certainly did today, a beautiful day. We have not forgotten our friends “May the rains of adversity fall gently on your heart” and we hope you are back with us soon.

by Rona

Townhill, Dunfermline

Well that was very different today. It was decided that we should team up with the Walking Group from St Andrew's Erskine Church in Dunfermline who know Townhill like the backs of their hands, and so there were 23 people and a dog - Pele - on the walk.

We met at their church where we had coffee and delicious home made scones in the eatery and were shown inside the sanctuary, chapel and main hall. What a lovely light and airy space with tasteful modern church furniture. The walls in the sanctuary were draped with colourful banners made by their very talented craft group and the cross is actually formed with clear windows in the wall of the church allowing the light to flow through. Simple beauty.
The coordinator of the walking group, Charlie Downie, led us a lovely 4+ mile walk around the loch which is now the home of Waterski Scotland although there were only ducks and swans on the loch today; too early in the season.

We walked through Townhill Park which surprisingly none of Bennochy Walkers had ever seen before, and through Townhill woods which were a wee bit glaury but a pleasant walk all the same.

We tended to walk in pairs beacuse of the width of the paths and I thought at one point that there must have been eleven different conversations going on at any one time. A guid blether was had by all. Our cars were back at St Andrew's Erskine church so after our little prayer we said our goodbyes there, promising a return match in our neck of the woods next time. There was a nice connection made with St Andrew's today and we were glad we took the initiative to get to know them. Lovely people, good company and generous hospitality.

And would you Adam and Eve it? The r--n stayed off until we were back in our cars once again? Now that's a bit more than coincidence.

Dalgety Bay

BENNOCHY WALKERS

On Sunday 5th February our walking group went to Dalgety Bay, some by train and some by car. We set of from the station to Hillend Village to walk up Letham Hill Woods. The views from the top of the hill, taking in the Firth of Forth, the bridges and Edinburgh were stunning and the weather was perfect. Our descent to the coastal path was very muddy and slippery but we had no mishaps.

We took the path round St Davids Harbour and on to Dalgety Bay, we got a bit lost on our way to Dobbies Garden Centre, but we all got there in the end! Tea and scones were enjoyed by all.

It was then back to the station to complete our 5 mile circuit. We all had a great afternoon out.

Janis McDonald. Walk Leader

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