Bandrum circular (2.5 miles)
Fife has a superb system of core walking paths spread across the county. Moreover, they are well signposted and detailed maps can be downloaded here. This is exactly the sort of network that all local authorities should strive to provide. From the village store in Saline, walk uphill towards Steelend on the B914. There is a pavement and our core path turns off to the right just after passing the Steelend Miners Welfare Club. We are now on a farm road with a moderate ascent. Nearby Saline Hill and Knockhill (pictured below) are prominent.
Upon reaching the peak of the climb, the roads drops away sharply but we turn right almost immediately along another core path, this time a narrow grassy track but again suitably signposted. A short distance ahead we see a curious monument known nebulously as "The Temple"
Some digging around online reveals that the structure was built by a local naval captain to commemorate victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. This would put the building at over 200 years old. It appears to be some kind of folly and is the focal point of Bandrum Hill, which is really more of an escarpment. At 738 feet, the elevation provides nice views all the way to the River Forth and westwards along the Ochils range. Closer at hand are the remains of the mining operation that took place at Comrie Colliery - one of the last deep pits in Fife to close.
We skirt the boundary of Saline golf course, losing height as we work our way down to the B913. The only option here is to walk the 200 yards along this road back to the centre of Saline. This walk could easily be combined with the Saline Glen trail.
