Walking in and Around Kinross-Shire
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
080512 Map.qxd 19/05/2008 08:58 Page 1 (1,1) Many different views of the internationally important Kinross-shire Walks Loch Leven Nature Reserve and its residents are avail- 3. John Knox’s Pulpit able and there are opportunities to view Gliders and The newly developed Loch Leven Heritage Trail has Hang Gliders up close! awakened interest in Kinross-shire as a walking venue. These walks make good trips for younger children, with an end Approximate Distances and completion times are given It provides a wonderful flat, fully accessible route Milnathort and Kinnesswood and following signs to Glenlomond for all the walks. There are steeper sections on most around the majority of Loch Leven. Parking: (NO 172 070) there is space for several cars on the r walks. The easiest in terms of climb is the Loch Leven However for those who are prepared to do a little bit of John Knox Pulpit Walk Path. For the Bannet Stane, there are a Heritage Trail which has some steep sections access- climbing there are tremendous rewards to be found ing the parking at Findatie but is otherwise quite flat. elsewhere around Kinross-shire. The hills around Loch Bannet Stane, John Knox Pulpit, Rumbling Bridge and Leven afford stunning views both of the Loch and over Stronachie all climb, but gradually. The most intense the numerous counties surrounding Kinross-shire and fast climb is probably within the Benarty walk. spanning the area from the River Forth to the south The weather can change quickly so be aware and pre- and the River Tay to the north. They provide a reason- pared. You should have appropriate clothing and able challenge for those who find Munros a stretch footwear. There are sharp drops on Bishop Hill, and/or perhaps too far away. For younger kids of Dumglow and Benarty which can be hazardous when around 6-8 years these walks are a good length and visibility is limited so take care. Let someone know you height to provide the thrill of reaching the top but not are out and when you are likely to be back. taking too long to get there. There are venues steeped in history such as John These maps are intended to be used in conjunction Knox Pulpit, Stronachie which housed a distillery, East Walking Directions: The path to Knox's Pulpit is quite with a more detailed map, please do not rely purely on Lomond with its Limekiln walk and the Rumbling clear and is a pleasant gradual incline to the Cave them. Bridge. which you will see up on the hillside on your left. You return by the same route. Above all Enjoy! If you are fit and up for a more daring excursion you can join the two features and the summit of West Lomond in a circuit. Once you reach the Knox’s Pulpit continue beyond the cave, you will come to a stream Walking Map Key which follows a rough track up to the West Lomond Summit. The path downhill again is very short and steep and you will pass the Bannet Stane as you North approach the road and parking areas again. Free Parking View Point Food Toilets Route Alternative Route For more information visit www.kinross.cc 1. Loch Leven Heritage Trail This newly developed Trail allows a short or lengthy tour or the periphery of Loch Leven. An accompanying Heritage Trail WWaallkkiinngg leaflet has been produced for the launch of the complete walk in September 2008. There are wide flat walkways and good facilities at appropriate intervals. It is suitable for all manner of people from children to cyclists, from bird watchers to dis- iinn aanndd aarroouunndd abled people, from walkers to people just wanting to admire the scenery. There are sections where dogs should be under close control to avoid wildlife disturbance. Watch for indicative signs. The size of the walk can be changed according to your needs as parking places can be found at various places around the loch. Parking: The Pier (NT 159 990), Kinross, KKiinnrroossss--sshhiirree Burleigh Sands, North Kinross, Findatie B9097, Vane Farm Nature Reserve B9097. Walking Directions: As previously mentioned you can begin at any number of places. These directions start at Kinross Pier where you will find good facilities & food. At the Pier turn left & follow a small walkway to the Kirkgate Park, it is rare to find the park empty, with its children’s play equipment, open spaces and picnic benches it is a hive of activity. Once in the park turn right and walk away from the town. At the end of the park is a building commonly known as the Watch Tower, to the right of this is the path. It is very obvious and simple to follow. Along this stretch is a right turning through the trees down to a Bird Hide. Distance: 12.1 km Climb: 98m Time: 2 hours 30 mins 080512 Map.qxd 19/05/2008 09:00 Page 1 (2,1) & The Bannet Stane 4. Michael Bruce Way and Portmoak Moss focus. They can be found by leaving the A911 between These walks can be found along the A911 and at the southern village sign for Scotlandwell where there is parking for d and Wester Balgeddie which lead into Fife. Portmoak Moss. The most common place to start is at Portmoak Church. There are separate leaflets which will give you ight. You need to walk back along the road to the start of the more information about the historical and natural significance of these areas. couple of spaces a little further along on the road side. Parking: The Lomond Inn, Kinnesswood, Portmoak Church car park (NO 181 020 - not on Sunday mornings!), Portmoak Moss, Scotlandwell . Distance: 5km Climb: 154m Time: 1 hour 15 mins Walking Directions: Leave the Bannet Stane parking and follow the trail which is close to the dyke. You will see the Bannet Stane appearing just as the hill starts Walking Directions: The entry to the path can be to rise more steeply. You return by the same route. found along from Portmoak Church, just beyond the northern Scotlandwell sign, on the other side of the road. Follow the sign pointing up the inset steps Distance: 2.8km towards Bishops Hill. There is a steep climb until over Climb: 137m a couple of stiles. A path runs along the top of Time: 45 min Bishopshire Golf Course. You will reach a kissing gate where you can turn left and head down hill to the main road. Or stay on the side of the hill and proceed until you join the top edge of Kinesswood. You can now walk down through Historic Kinesswood to the main road. Turn left along the main busy road through the village. The Lomond Inn on the right pro- vides refreshment as well as some stunning Loch views. To continue on the trail proceed through the end of the village and turn right down into Graham stone which is a Turf Farm. There is a footpath sign here directing you towards Portmoak Moss. There are Trails around the moss which will lead you to the parking at Portmoak Moss and back onto the main Distance: 5.4km road up through Scotlandwell. The Well Inn is situat- Climb: 124m ed in the village for refreshment or head back to the Time: 1 hour 20mins Church car park. 2. Stronachie & Black Hill This short walk will take you along well used paths meandering through a large forest which opens out occasionally to some spectacular views. It can be found around 5 miles to the North of Kinross off the A91 which can be accessed from Milnathort or via Gallowhill Road from the main road through Kinross. Follow signs for Stronachie. Parking: (NO 070 078) Room for 4 or 5 cars in large lay-by with a stile and an orange gate at the start of the walk. Distance: 3.6km If you follow the main path you will eventually come Climb: 92m across the 18th hole on the golf course and Mary’s Time: 1 hour Gate, at this point you have 2 choices turn left and it will lead you around the rest of the golf course and eventually back into Kinross, the right path takes you further around the loch. If you take the right, it will lead you along the edge of a field across a large bridge and into a flat area more commonly known as Burliegh Sands. Follow the path towards the car park then turn right across a small bridge. The trail From there the path is very simple to follow, it will again is very simple to follow, along this stretch you guide you round the hill and you will eventually meet can see some beautiful views of the Loch between with the first junction turn left down the hill this will the trees. As you get further round the loch after a lead you back to the car park. If you wish to go anti- small bridge there is a left turning up through a field clockwise simply follow the red signs after turning to Loch Leven’s Larder, which is a good place to right at the V junction. rest. If you’d rather carry on, follow the path straight There is also an alternative path to the right from the on which will lead you further round the loch. There parking area following the first red signs. This path are wooded areas and a good view of St Serf’s will take you along the edge of the forest, turning left Island around this part of the loch.