Dunnikier Park 24th January

The walking group were pleased to have Irene and Lorraine join us on Sunday 24th January . We left Asda's car park to walk through dunnikier park and the woods that skirt the golf course. The top path was very muddy with big puddles but no one had a Dawn French moment thankfully. We carried on along the path to carberry road and the industrial estate , it's not the prettiest place in kirkcaldy but it's not helped by the fly tippers who think it's ok to dump rubbish there ! The rest of the estate is very tidy and we walked on to the garden centre, June met us there and we all enjoyed tea and scone etc at the cafe. Back along the main road to our cars we were pleased we went on the walk, the weather was ok dry and mild for a change. Thanks to all who joined Audrey and me and for your great company.
 Janis

Limekilns

The planned walk to Anstruther had to be abandoned today as the weather was pretty wild and one by one, walkers were chickening out until we were down to four people. So we chose the Limekilns route we did in 2012 instead. Folk seeing us with walking gear on at church thought we were mad but we four carried on regardless in the pelting rain.
By the time we parked up at Limekilns it had calmed down to a monsoon so we donned our waterproofs and made our way along the promenade, Taking the path along the saltpans road at Charleston and past the old harbour, we found a 'short cut' through glaur to West Road and out into country roads. We walked a circle bringing us back into Charleston village where coffee and scones were enjoyed at the Elgin Hotel.
Making our way back to the car, it was dry but cauld and Janis Phil, Carol and Dianne agreed that it had been worthwhile doing the walk to blow away the cobwebs from the old year.
   

Ravenscraig Park

Sandra   Hilda   Isabel         Ian                                                                                 Mary Kerry  Janis Wilma       

                                                                          

Cupar and the Simpson Bridge

Eleven walkers left the church at the usual time and headed for Fluthers Car Park.   Yes, it was raining, but the optimistic group thought it might be ok.

We left the car park, walking past the War Memorial into Station Road, turned right into Waterend Road and from there we walked along the riverside as far as Millgate.   On a good day this would be a beautiful, peaceful walk seeing flora and fauna on the way to the nature ponds but...it was raining more heavily.

From Millgate we walked into Millbank (it was raining even more heavily) and then into Brighton Road, passing some lovely houses whose gardens would normally have caused us to 'stop and stare' and the playing fields but no-one was playing as it was pelting down!

We entered Cuparmuir and it was then that the decision was taken to abandon the walk; defeated we returned to the car park.   Rained off!

However....smiles soon returned when we arrived at Muddy Boots.   Warm, drier, and with cups of tea or coffee and lovely scones, cream and jam, the usual chat and laughter returned.

Maybe not the best walk we've ever had, but I'm sure we'll remember it and maybe even try it again when the weather's fairer.

Devilla Forest

Happy to report that, on a pleasant October day, 18 members of the Walking Group took part in a forest walk.   There were 2 groups, 1 group of 7 decided on the Red Squirrel Trail and the remaining 11 took to ramble the wider area of the forest.

The Red Squirrel Trail is adjacent to the Car Park and is 1.2 miles in length.   There is an abundance of Scots Pine trees which conveniently make an ideal habitat for the Red Squirrel who just happen to like pine cone seeds.  The trail loops around a beautiful woodland loch, the Bordie Loch, taking in the Standing Stone which marks the Battle of Bordie in 1038.   Alas no squirrels to be seen but a most enjoyable walk nevertheless.

The ramble headed northwards to join the trail for Kincardine passing the ruins of a military base, Preybrae Second World War Explosive Research Station.   At the next crossroads, the Dunfermline/Alloa trail was selected and part way along a diversion was made to the east end of Peppermill Dam for a photo shoot.   The dam was created to be the water supply for the local paper mill which has since closed.   The dam remains as a peaceful haven for local wildlife.   Steps were retraced back to the crossroads, continued eastward to find a fork in the trail, taking the right hand option, known as the Coastal Cycleway, to the Car Park.   A walk of 2 hours covering 5 miles.

 The Potting Shed Cafe within the Walled Garden was but a few minuted away by car.   A comfortable and interesting venue for coming together over tea/coffee and scones.  

Dams Cottage Rameldry

Today we paid a return visit to Walter and Margaret Simpson’s lovely cottage in the beautiful countryside above Kingskettle (see blog June 2014)

We were warmly welcomed by our hosts and we had a lovely relaxing afternoon, enjoying good company. We split into three groups, some to stay at the cottage in front of the blazing fire, discussing various local topics with Walter One small group set forth led by Margaret, on a 2 mile route through countryside and wood while the slightly larger group headed off on a 4 mile walk

Now walking up the side of the horses’ field at the start of the longer walk, one of the walkers decided to try and entice one of the beautiful horses to come over to us for a photo opportunity. Leaning forward she grasped the fence, yep electric fence, and felt her feet tingle as the electric surge went through her. Yes she’s now got curly hair!

Both walking groups returned to the cottage at the same time and a lovely afternoon tea of scones and goodies followed

Yes you’ve guessed it, the rain stayed off until we were leaving and heading back to the cars

Thanks to all for a lovely afternoon of friendship  

Rumblingwell to Cairneyhill

After church on Sunday 16 August with no coffee provision after the service due to building developments in the halls,  4 walkers had their lunch in the church garden, sitting on the benches recently installed. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and the flowers were blooming and I think as the group gathered there were comments that it would be lovely just to spend the afternoon there

We were a small group, 9 in total, mainly folks working or on holiday but sadly some called off with sore bits, so we were thinking about them. Now believe it or not but preparation for this walk involved sun screen lotion, yes you've read it correctly, not many days this summer that we can say this

Heading off in 2 cars we drove to the Rumblingwell area of Dunfermline where we walked along the old rail track, now a lovely Tarmac path which goes all the way to Clackmannan (11.5 miles). As typical of rail tracks often the views are restricted due to the embankments, however we had distraction in the form of red and yellow raspberries, which we had our fill of as we walked along. The farmers were out in the fields and a Combine Harverster was out cutting the golden harvest. Lots of chatter and laughter could be heard, so much that at times we didn't hear the cyclists approaching us.

After about 2.5 miles and a couple of sookie sweeties later we headed left of the path and took to a lovely quiet road, Pitdinnie Road,  which led from Carnock to Cairneyhill. Stopping briefly for a photo stop we headed on past Forreter Park Golf Course towards Fairleys Garden Centre where we enjoyed cake and coffee before having a wee browse around the plants and shop. Mary couldn't resist the buying urge and bought a lovely flowering plant which will certainly add colour to her garden

Heading for home we got the Kelty bus which dropped us off at the "Glen Gates" and we walked the last half mile back to our cars

Finishing with our walkers prayers and keeping all our walking friends close in thought we headed back to Kirkcaldy with skin tones just a little pinker