Kilconquhar, Elie

Rona wrote - Parking on the Main Street in Elie we set off eastwards along the high street heading for the drive to Elie House. Entering through some grand entrance gates we headed up the lovely meandering drive, passing Elie House on our right hand side. Shortly we left the Tarmac drive and walked on lovely dry paths through a woodland. Shortly we reached Kilconquhar Loch and stopped at the old jetty. When doing the recki a couple of weeks previously a couple of Herons flew up from a nesting site directly in front of us, but no such luck today. However the view over the Loch was lovely, looking towards Kilconquhar Church and village - so peaceful. Continuing thought the woodland on an old estate path we eventually reached a quiet road which meant a short stretch of quiet road walking which took us to the entrance driveway to Shell Bay Holiday Park. After a short stretch on this road we turned off into a forest trail and saw some giant hogweed between 4-6 foot tall. Glad it wasn't in my garden! Time was rapidly running out and as it was a really warm day we were desperate for our coffee stop, so we cut the walk short and walked the perimeter of the holiday park before reaching a lovely farm track which took us into Earlsferry. Passing the golf course with lots of golfers out today, we then had a brisk walk along the Main Street towards Elie and our coffee stop the Elie Coffee Shop, where we partook of a great selection of delicious scones and tea and coffee. The perfect end to a day but thinking of our friends who for various reasons couldn't be with today. Look forward to seeing you back with us at the next walk

 

Rameldrie, Cupar

Dianne  wrote –

The walkers were kindly invited to visit Margaret and Walter Simpson’s cottage near Kettlebridge today. We had to follow a map just to reach the cottage as it sits at the back of beyond. Just before we got there we had a wee panic driving through a muckle dub which was so deep we held our breaths till we got through to the other side. Such a lot of work has gone on at the cottage since we last saw it. Idyllic setting.

 Inside, Walter had one of the two  open fires blazing and we were enthralled by the bellows, wood saw and baskets of kindling hanging up to dry and the very old black kettle sitting at the fireside.  We were invited to look at the bedrooms in the attic space which we accessed by way of the staircase from an old double decker bus. Margaret and Walter told us the history of the cottage (1705) and how they came to have possession.  Margaret then led us on a beautiful country walk starting from the cottage which is named Dam’s Rameldrie (engraved above the lintel on the door). We could smell those country smells, especially the wild garlic, as we walked along the edges of fields, tracks the tractors take and bridle paths.   Through Devon Woods, past Hiltonhill Farm Coaltown of Burnturk and Cults, around 5 miles we think. Charlie knew this walk and took us a short detour for a ‘surprise’ which turned out to be Eastwood pets’ cemetery among some trees. Mmm…thanks Charlie.

We saw an eco house en route – very interesting until we discovered that the materials came from Sweden. Not sure how to balance out that long expensive journey with environmentally friendly views. Scotland surely could have provided sustainable materials to create such a building? Right. Off soap box.

Back on track we depended on Margaret’s directions passing by her neighbours who were tidying their gardens. A couple of us bought some eggs there. We passed Rameldrie Mill and the burn which runs down below Dam’s Cottage. Back at the start again, Walter had the kettle boiling for tea and coffee and we enjoyed some scones, gingerbread and a yummy fruitcake which Margaret had made for us. They are really such perfect hosts. They even laid on entertainment – indoor carpet bowls which the Reds v. Blacks played with a degree of skill but mostly with not a clue. So after our refreshments and a bit of fun we set off for home, only stopping at the cottage garden for a cutting of sage.

The weather was just perfect this afternoon – calm and warm with only a wee threat of the wet stuff at one point.  17 walkers and as always we had a great opportunity to talk, and importantly listen to each other, getting a flavour of what is happening in folk’s lives.  Sometimes when we get home we think of these friends who need our thoughts and prayers. Lots to be thankful for today.