Our neighbourhood

We donned our rainwear before leaving the church on the last of  our outings for 2013.
because the walk was so short, we added a bit of interest by making it a clue searching game. 18 clues were placed in the windows of folk we know, folk we don't know, shops, churches and railway station. Only one Fife council establishment removed the clue before the time! The fun was wearing a bit thin though by the time we returned to the church, drookit.

While we were away, the Stark clan had been busy in the kitchen making a Christmas curry for the walkers. But promise of valuable prizes to be won kept us studying the results of the game, trying to work out the anagram.  Steven and Kerry were the lucky winners who discovered the answer, ' O Come let us adore him.'

At 3pm our guest arrived. No, not Santa. Liz Houston a very talented art teacher whom we were very fortunate to book, got the group organised making paper flowers out of Christmas paper and we formed these into a Christmas wreath for display in the sanctuary. Liz also showed us how to make an origami Christmas tree which those who have grandchildren will take home to entertain the children in the lead up to Christmas.
The aroma coming from the kitchen was getting to us by this time so when the plates of chicken curry and rice and nan bread were served, we were very receptive!
Mary had brought her home-made ginger wine for us which always gives that seasonal kick. Many thanks to  the Stark  family, Mary and Joe, daughter and son in law Ashley and Craig, and not forgetting the delightful, well mannered and hardworking ( chips off the old blocks!)grandchildren Kirsty and Blair who served us and cleared up afterwards.
 

May you and your families jingle all the way as you celebrate the miracle, the gift and the promise of Christmas. Love to all.

 

 

 

  

 

Lochore Meadows

Ian reports

15 of us set off from the church just after 12.40 and after a relaxing run through the metropolis of Lochgelly and the picturesque hamlets of Glencraig and Lochore we arrived at the Meadows car park.

Although there wasn't much in the  way of sunshine it was a pleasant day. The walk took us around the loch via the path which is strangely called "Around the Loch". At the start we encountered the only part which involves a bit of an incline in The Clune where the normally resident cattle were absent. Just before entering Cadgers Wood some of the more observant of us noticed a large white cross laid out on the side of Falkland Hill. Apparently it had been laid down earlier that morning by St Andrews Ambulance Corps and was to mark the start of National First Aid Week. Thanks for the info Hilda and Kerry. The view back over the Loch from this point was worth a snap or two for those who had cameras.

 

We were unfortunate not to see any of the wildlife which inhabits the parkland but we did meet many friendly souls doing the same as us. We passed three gentlemen on their second time around but when I asked if they were lost they assured me they knew where they were. We stopped in front of Chapel Wood to have a group photo taken and this didn't go down well with a nearby fisherman. He was actually sat in his car reading his Sunday paper but he had a rod set up so I guess that must count as fishing.

 

We got to the end of the 3.6 mls walk in just under an hour and 30 minutes, a bit early for our planned cuppa at Cluny Clays so some of us headed back up to the old Mary Pit entrance and along the Pit Road as far as the Equestrian Centre, down through Quarry Wood and back along the lochside to the cars.A total of 4.6 mls. Everything was set up for us at Cluny Clays where they looked after us really well with tea and coffee, cakes and scones. Thank you all for a very pleasant afternoon.

Lochore Meadows 24th Nov 2013

Ian reports

15 of us set off from the church just after 12.40 and after a relaxing run through the metropolis of Lochgelly and the picturesque hamlets of Glencraig and Lochore we arrived at the Meadows car park.

Although there wasn't much in the  way of sunshine it was a pleasant day. The walk took us around the loch via the path which is strangely called "Around the Loch". At the start we encountered the only part which involves a bit of an incline in The Clune where the normally resident cattle were absent. Just before entering Cadgers Wood some of the more observant of us noticed a large white cross laid out on the side of Falkland Hill. Apparently it had been laid down earlier that morning by St Andrews Ambulance Corps and was to mark the start of National First Aid Week. Thanks for the info Hilda and Kerry. The view back over the Loch from this point was worth a snap or two for those who had cameras.

 

We were unfortunate not to see any of the wildlife which inhabits the parkland but we did meet many friendly souls doing the same as us. We passed three gentlemen on their second time around but when I asked if they were lost they assured me they knew where they were. We stopped in front of Chapel Wood to have a group photo taken and this didn't go down well with a nearby fisherman. He was actually sat in his car reading his Sunday paper but he had a rod set up so I guess that must count as fishing.

 

We got to the end of the 3.6 mls walk in just under an hour and 30 minutes, a bit early for our planned cuppa at Cluny Clays so some of us headed back up to the old Mary Pit entrance and along the Pit Road as far as the Equestrian Centre, down through Quarry Wood and back along the lochside to the cars.A total of 4.6 mls. Everything was set up for us at Cluny Clays where they looked after us really well with tea and coffee, cakes and scones. Thank you all for a very pleasant afternoon.

Blairadam 3rd Nov 2013

Bennochy Walkers Blairadam Forest

 

Well, following a dreich Saturday, Sunday dawned bright and sunny albeit with a cold, westerly wind. A dozen walkers set off for a walk in Blairadam Forest at Kelty.

 

Parking at Baxters (formerly Kathellen) we strode across the B914 and entered the forest. A vast amount of tree felling had been taking place and what previously would have been dense wood now gave a great panorama which includrd the “sleeping giant”, West Lomond, Largo Law and Bay, the wind turbine at Fife Energy Plant at Methil and Berwick Law

 

Striding on, we were careful as the narrow road we were walking on also led to another parking area for walkers and the Forestry Commission Blairadam Depot. The nice day had brought a lot of people out from young people’s groups to families and dog walkers. A short walk into the forest we took a fork to the left of the track which took us along the Glen Trail alongside Kelty Burn. We noted along this track some type of old building work which caused some discussion. Having now had the chance to look at an information leaflet I can say that what we saw was the “remains of the “100 foot bridge” which carried the railway over the Glen to the Blairenbathie pit” which was just one of the many pits in the area

 

Walking to the end of the glen we exited it via an underpass of the M90 and continued on until we reached Keltyhill, where we commented on the lovely old cottages, one even had a clock tower with a commemoration plaque. Moving briskly on we headed towards Kelty and cutting through a large park area eventually came to the footpath over the M90 and again back into the forest for a brief time. The last half mile was what could be classed as a “lang hing” as what goes down must eventually go up again. However the thought of tea, coffee and scones at Baxters, fair geed us up because some of our “tongues were fair hinging oot”.

 

Back at Baxters we enjoyed the lovely scones, butter and jam and general chat around the table before we managed to squeeze a wee look at the shop, fair bedecked with Christmas goodies. What a lot we packed into the afternoon and as always the good company made a good walk even better

Raith Woods October 2013

Coaltown of Balgonie

With the sun shining and a lovely breeze 10 walkers set off for the Thornton to Coaltown of Balgonie circular walk. We welcomed a new walker to the group (Linda) and there were some celebrations amongst group members. Isobel has celebrated her daughter’s wedding and June and Bob their Golden wedding – congratulations to all.

 

Parking at Glenrothes with Thornton railway station car park and heading through Memorial Park, a junior club football game was taking place. The football supporters amongst us probably would have liked to spend a bit of time there. Anyway walking briskly on past Thornton Bowling Green and Primary School we headed off down Station Road and after the underpass to the Regional road we took a left turn onto a track which then lead out into the countryside. Walking was fairly easy on farm roads and tracks, some slight inclines but not too much to get us out of pech. It was really a day to daunder but 7.2 miles lay ahead

 

The farmers looked to be quite busy today with trailers full of newly harvested potatoes being transported and barns full of grain. The hedgerows were full of brambles together with Rose hips and Hawthorne berries. The Rowan berries and Elderflower berries were hanging heavily from the trees. What a country feast. The walk linked nicely with the church service this morning which was a Harvest Thanksgiving, a celebration of all Gods goodness to us.

 

Well it got really warm walking and casting off layers of clothes we were desperate to get to out coffee stop at the Balgonie Arms. As it hoved into view the sighs of relief were audible. Elaine and Margo did us proud. The table was set for us and the scones, tea and coffee went down a treat, so much so we had to have seconds! Reluctant to leave we bade our farewells and set off to complete the walk, only 2 miles to go

 

Leaving the Main Street in Coaltown we made our way again back into the countryside and I’m certain there was more of a spring in our steps. Ponies in a near by field came to say hello thinking perhaps we had some goodies to share……sorry we had eaten them all. Eventually back at the car park having enjoyed each others company and looking forward to our next outing, we said the traditional Gaelic blessing,

 

Auchterarder

Charlie wrote:
What better way to welcome in the month of September than to make a foray into beautiful Perthshire to the town of Auhterarder, once famous for weaving, malting and distilling.Fifteen pairs of feet mustered at the town's car park,and then with bodies attached, set off on a little adventure on a cloudy, windy, but fair afternoon.
The walk of 4.7 miles in and around the town took us through the settlement of Castleton and via Oak Walk to a woodland area, populated with birds, animals and fish, all carved in wood by members of the local community. Naturally clever.
Then across town to walk by the Ruthven Water with its weir and fish ladder, a required photo stop. On past the Old Glen Ruthven Mill and to the stairway, giving splendid views of the Ochil Hills, back into town for delicious scones and cake, topped with much banter and chat.

Auchtermuchty

Hilda wrote:

The walkers revisited Auchtermuchty today.  We did the first walk in January 2012 and as I recall it was a lovely winter’s day although cold and frosty but what a change in the countryside on a beautiful sunny summer’s day. We had thirteen in the group and when we arrived in Muchty it was a bit busier than usual due to the Muchty Festival holding the final day of celebration. 

 

We headed up Bondgate towards the school and straight on to part of the Common Loop.  We had our first wee breather at the Mairs car park before crossing the road and picking our way through a tricky pathway and crossing the burn. The next part of the walk took us through Glassart’s Den.  Now having done this walk before I thought I knew the way but I soon realised the picnic table at the top of a hill where we were to have the next stop had been completely missed! Oops.  However, we were all enjoying the walk and the company and the omission didn’t seem to have made any difference.  We passed the lovely house belonging to Jimmy Shand Jnr which is positioned to benefit from the most amazing scenery.  Further along the same road is the plot where his father Jimmy Shand Snr had his home.  It was demolished and another lovely house rebuilt on the site. On the last part of the walk we visited the bronze sculpture of Jimmy Shand and had a few photos taken.

 

Back where we started and music beckoning us we headed up to The Square where a fair crowd of people had gathered to join in the festivities.  We listened for a while but when the MC announced the Dashing White Sergeant, Janis was off like a shot, dragging Audrey and Charlie with her.  I was “persuaded” by Mary to make another set and the rest is history.

Yes, we were neat about the feet in our walking boots!  Soon it was time to depart and we left Muchty for the Covenanters Hotel in Falkland.  There we enjoyed delicious hot scones and a generous helping of tea/coffee in pleasant surroundings.

 

Another successful day with the Walkers.

Rosslyn Castle

Viewforth High School's old minibus came belting along Elgin Street at 10mph just before 10.00am and a good few walkers had already gathered, fair dying to get away on the summer trip to Rosslyn Chapel. We had been watching the weather forecast all week hoping for a fair day and prayers were answered. We left at 10 on the dot once all the seats on the bus were occupied, and just as if the radio had been switched on, the blethering started.  
50 mph all the way to midlothian seemed like eternity so it was about 11am by the time we reached Roslin. We knew we would have a delay before our guided tour began so had planned to bring along a wee snackette to keep wolves from the door. It was lovely just hanging about in the sunshine, eating our picnics in the grounds of the chapel and admiring the stunning architecture of the chapel built by William Sinclair the 1st earl of Caithness for the Sinclair family.

Although the Sinclairs no longer live or worship here, one Helen Sinclair was the founder of the trust in 1995 with the intention of conservation of the chapel through opening it up to the paying public. Little was she to know what would happen ten years later .
As this is a working church  - St Matthew's Episcopal Church - at 1200 a few local ladies conducted a short service of prayer and so the majority of us took part in that before our guide began her talk at 1215. Boy did this lady know her stuff. She talked at a great rate of knots giving the history of Rosslyn from its creation in 15th century until the present fascination  instigated by Dan Brown's  novel the Da Vinci Code and a Hollywood blockbuster of the same name. We were enthralled by her knowledge of the carvings which were captivating as they depict stories of religious, masonic, pagan and Knights Templar  -  it is no wonder that this building attracts so much international interest. We were told that, before the movie, the chapel had 30,000 visitors per year. They now have 140,000 per year. We were told the story of the Apprentice's pillar and the Mystery over his murder by the master mason. We took time to trace some of the carvings of note including Green men, the seven sins and the seven virtues, Lucifer in chains and the pendant keystone in the middle of the roof.  You somehow expected to see Tom Hanks running down the stairs to the crypt but he wasn't there. We checked.
Outside once again we took some more photos and then headed off on a four mile walk from Roslin to Polton which had been advertised as 'absolutely flat'. Hmphh.

Undulating is the nicest euphemism I heard. There was nothing of any interest at Polton so we came back via the same route only this time because there was climbing involved, comments became a bit more blunt.

We were glad to have a wee seat at this memorial for a photo and catch our breath again.

Back at the minibus, we changed out of our walking boots (!!) as we were going for a meal at Melville Inn Lasswade. Now we expected to be there in 4 miles but when it looked like we were getting  a bit lost we had to stop and ask a local for directions. The driver made one of her unusual manoeuvres to face the other direction and we were off again.  Hilda, the navigator, who has never been to Lasswade before, did her best, but was eventually told to belt up by the driver who was crabbit and hungry by this time. Melville Inn came into sight and we were relieved. It was a lovely, comfortable place for 17 of us to eat  and very reasonably priced. We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals and then it was 'Home James" at 50mph  again.
What a lovely crowd on today's walk: we are all so comfortable with each other.
Back safe and sound at Elgin Street everyone appeared very content with this year's trip as they said their goodbyes. Just to take the minibus back now.
As always the driver completes the log, checks the inside and outside of the bus and removes all possessions. Just a cotton pickin minute..... where did the driver's walking shoes get to?
(!!) She just pictured them sitting there, abandoned in the middle of the bus park at Rosslyn Chapel and wondered if their paths would ever cross again.....

Dysart to Kirkcaldy

Although this was just a wee short walk, it was a bit special as we were treating it as  a pilgrimage. It was also special because we had children with us -  Keiran, Brodie and Morgan. At church this morning, the worship committee were taking the service as Robin is on holiday. Their theme was Pilgrimage and so the Walkers decided to support them by actually doing a walk involving saints who have a place in Fife's history. We started at St Serf's tower in Dysart  at 9am reading a wee passage about how St Serf came to be connected with Fife.
The weather could not have been kinder. Warm, sunny and so quiet. Only our chatter broke the silence walking through the woods at Ravenscraig. So, so peaceful. We made our way down the Path and past Nairn's buildings, as was, at the harbour, then crossing at the traffic lights at Pillans Pie shop, as was. Up Coal Wynd past Beatties bakeries, as was, along Townsend Place then down Oswald's Wynd past Allen Litho, as was. We walked through the grounds of the Old Kirk and on to St Bryce Kirk, the parish church of Kirkcaldy. We read a little about St Bryce or Brice and then crossed over to Adam Smith college before making our way back to Bennochy where we managed to find time to get some refreshments before the service at 11am when our Worship Committee made a great impact on the congregation with their talks, prayer and old hymns prompting thoughts of our history and  how and why we came to be here. A wonderful start to a day.

Lochore to Cardenden

The recce for this walk was done a few weeks ago with the South Queensferry Ramblers. We thought there wouldn't be a big take up today as it was advertised as a 7 mile ramble with lots of mud and steep gradients. Sixteen walkers took it on and I heard comments like, " It's not that muddy." Hill? What hill?"  We must be getting fitter and braver then.
Starting off at Lochore Meadows we crossed the Main Road into the housing estate and then off into the country through what is called Torres Lane. There is a very gradual incline up to the point where Hare Law Cairn was pointed out. The Victorians from Ballingry discovered the foundations of a wall under a pile of stones at this point. Within the wall they found three cists , kitchen utensils , teeth and bones inside a food vessel. The cairn was left open overnight to allow locals to view the discovery but the treasures had all been nicked before dawn.  So now there is just a wee mound with a tree planted there to mark the spot.

There are terrific views of the Lomonds, particularly Benarty from there, but today the mist was dumbing down the beautiful greens we saw on the recce.
We also talked about the Westfiled plant down there on our left which is the first power plant in the world to burn poultry litter and turn it into electricity and fertiliser. Now that's smart. Let's all start keeping chickens to help keep the leccy bills down.
We only just reached the metropolis of Cardenden when we had to veer off to the right at Woodend into the countryside again. The half way mark.
The challenge that we'd been warned about was there in front of us. Not sure if there is a name for a climb of 200 feet - a Pimple maybe - but it certainly got our hearts pumping. We hovered at the top to catch our breath and to watch the rain come tumbling over the Lomonds heading our way. It was all downhill from there which isn't always easier though. By the time we were on flat ground again it was absolutely pelting! Some of us were not exactly prepared for bad weather as we are normally fortunate, but no matter what we were wearing we were all drookit when we got back to the Lochore Meadows cafe ony to find it had closed at 3.00pm today. Sack the walk leader. We would have made an awful lot of puddles on their floor so maybe just as well. It was encouraging that most folk enjoyed the length of this walk and so there will be more similar ones in the summer months ahead.

Loch Leven

The plans for today had been changed several times so it was news to the walkers that we were travelling to Loch Leven in the minibus. We ususally do a circular but this was a one way walk so Bob and Margaret kindly took their car so that the minibus driver could be driven to the start of the walk to pick up the minibus. Got that?
Anyway, we parked up at Loch Leven Larder and began the walk in the rain. Unfortunately we were very exposed at the start with no trees to protect us from the rain or the wind. But we progressed at a good rate even with wet trousers and cauld knees. Once we reached the path through the woods we were sheltered and dried off pretty quickly. With Carsehall Bog between us and the Loch, we didn't get much sight of the water at this point but we did get fabulous views of the hills which still have little pockets of snow atop. The Bishop Hill was amazing - you can just make it out behind the walkers.

We kept looking for gliders as the Scottish National Gliding Centre is nearby at Portmoak, but a wee glider would have been buffeted around up there today.

Joe spoke to a chap at the beginning of Black Wood. It was he, and presumably a squad,  who created the meandering path through the woods and was able to tell that thousands of people now use this trail for walking and cycling. He is naturally pleased and proud of this achievement and appreciated seeing our group of 15 walkers enjoying our exercise. We passed many walkers and families on their bikes having fun in complete safety which was lovely to see. A little closer to the loch now we were able to see various species of bird life for which the loch is famous. We also made use of the bird hide which had been bequeathed by a gentleman with a love for the outdoors and wildlife. What a wonderful gift.

 We only managed to recognise swans and mallard ducks but this is a fantastic spot to watch birdlife in every season. See RSPB Vane Farm website. We kept looking for red squirrel as we continued along the trail, but no sightings there either. We did see a heron however  which stood long enough to be photographed. Near the end of the walk was a gentle rise which took us to Findatie carpark. We had advised the owners of the cafe of our fondness for scones and so there were plenty to choose from and a lovely cup of coffee as well. 4.5 miles and no peching.  Another successful outing.

Falkland

It was popular last time, so Mary procured another Treasure Hunt in Falkland this time. We were late starting off today as there had been a lot going on at church, meetings etc so we only had time for the treasure hunt without the walking. In teams of 4 we wandered around the village keeking at folks' window sills and door lintels and snooping up closes looking for the answers to the clues. We were even in a graveyard all looking for someone who had been a parochial teacher. Got him too!

Some clues were either at the very top or very low down on a lamppost; we thought Audrey had collapsed when we saw her lying down on the road, but she was just determined to get the clue before anyone else. It's fun watching how competitive we get and protective over our answer sheets.
It was bitterly cold when we arrived at The Hayloft for refreshments. Our glasses steamed up in the heat of the cafe, and the smell of treacle scones hit the spot. We were treated well by the staff who really should have been closed by 4.00pm so we gave them full marks. Back at the carpark we said our usual wee prayer and wished each other a safe journey home.

Auchtertool

This was a surprise to folk today as the planned walk had to be abandoned due to the walk leader getting lost on the recce, falling over a dyke and ripping her brand new trousers on barbed wire. If you believe in omens, indications were that it would be wise to switch to another town today so we chose a walk we've done before around Auchtertool.
Because it was a short journey from home, 14 of us squeezed into 5 cars and parked up in the Main Street Auchtertool. Janis led the walk as she is very familiar with this one. I looked back to the blog on 31st July 2011  - exactly the same route taken as last time but a bit muddier. We had refreshments at The Tiel as last time. It was really lovely with a good variety of cakes and scones to choose from.
Everybody happy.

Glenrothes

It's exctly 2 years since we did this walk, and not surprisingly exactly the same weather.  As before we began at St Columbas church car park and headed for Riverside Park. The paths, and particularly the steps down into the park, were impassable because of snow and ice so all 15 of us cautiously teetered down the banking, without any calamities. The obstacle course continued through the park as we had to avoid pretty deep puddles as well as flowing water. Our boots were well and truly tested today. The river Leven was in full spate and we wondered if it would stay put when all this snow melts. We've seen a lot of floods on the news recently including some freak weather in Fife. We just have to accept that this could be the norm from now on and take precautions to avoid our land

and properties from being drowned.

We passed the once magnificent Leslie house, built for 7th Earl of Rothes, and in our lifetimes an eventide home owned by the Church of Scotland. Sadly after a fire destroyed the building in 2009 it is just a shell, gutted and left for us to remember how majestic it once was. Emerging near Fettykil Fox we crossed the road and made for the Whinneyknowe housing estate near Leslie. The rain came on a bit there and we felt a bit exposed to the elements. Just off Ballingall Road there are stairs which take you right to the Balgeddie House Hotel and so we made our way there, looking forward to our refreshments by then. The management of the hotel was expecting us, and despite being forewarned about our muddy boots, they had set a long table for us in a delightful room. Pots of tea and coffee and gorgeous hot scones with jam and cream were served which made everyone warm to the hotel and talk about going back there for a meal or a spa. Very good service.

Once refreshed, we found our way to the woods through mire and glaur but safely to Whinneyknowe once again. There is a long straight path which led us directly to Balgeddie Lodge near the main Leslie Road. We had intended to take a lovely wee walk next to the river, past the waterfall and under the A911, but barriers had been placed there for our safety lest the river burst its banks and so we had to take a detour through the park again but from a different angle.
The last part of the walk was uphill so a few of us were peching a bit by the time we reached Napier Road. And the chat at that time was sharing memories of first houses after marriage in Glenrothes.
That seemed to happen a lot in the 70s/80s because Glenorthes Corporation at that time built good social housing for families with gardens, garages and dining rooms. Previously unheard of for 'ordinary' folk to have a dining room.
You don't notice the miles going by when you're chatting. It must have been around 5 miles though.
Back at our starting point we said our prayer and our goodbyes. Another good one chalked up.

BURNTISLAND

A Guid New Year tae ane an' a', an' mony may ye see.

I wonder what 2013 will bring to the folk in the walkers group? Good health and happiness I hope, and wee touch of prosperity wouldn't go amiss. Keeping near to home again just incase we had snow, we chose to walk from Kinghorn to Burntisland. We don't usually like walking near main roads but today we drowned the traffic noise out with all the blethering we were doing. A lot of chat to catch up on re Christmas and New Year festivities.
The weather was great for a brisk walk and the scenery across the Forth as always deserves a mention. Inchkeith seemed to be standing out in 3d and the view would have made a great jigsaw for those with that interest. Once in Burntisland, we walked up Craigkennochie Terrace just to ensure we took in the very best views. We were all admiring the beautiful old villas and guessing the current market prices. We crossed over to Manse Place where the houses were a mixture of 19th to 21st century yet all fitted into the area comfortably. Once in the High Street conversations changed to the types of shops, and sadly the empty premises, but there was a good community feeling about the place. Our waterhole today was Potter About, a lovely and very well managed cafe/bistro /shop/and childrens play area, where we had organised 14 scones to be waiting for us.  Unfortunately we were looking forward to  some live music but the musicians were unwell. It is a nice atmosphere in the cafe though so we enjoyed our visit all the same. We could have chosen at that point to take a bus back to Kinghorn but the vote was to walk back again as it was still daylight. Once back at the start where Stephen informed us that we had walked 5.8 miles, we stood in the grounds of the former Cabarfeidh Nursing Home, formed an impromptu circle and as is our habit, said a wee prayer before departing for home. We do know how fortunate we are. Lang may our lums reek.