Culross to Dunfermline (8.5 miles)
The Fife Pilgrim Way has two starting points which converge upon Dunfermline Abbey. The trail is fully waymarked and the Culross leg begins at the palace in this historic village. The route climbs up the charming cobbled streets towards the abbey and you may wish to explore the grounds. A broad grassy path takes you back to the main road and past the ruins of St Mungo's Chapel. Look out for a right-hand turn that brings you to a foot crossing over the railway. Walk parallel to the tracks for a while before crossing over at an elaborate metal footbridge.
The trail reaches the village of Newmills and we loop away from the road before entering the next village, Torryburn. The way markers point along the main pavement but it's worth taking a little detour beyond the car-park at The Ness. Head along Low Causeway and have a look at Craigflower House. Now a block of private apartments, it was once a grand estate mansion and later an all-boys school. Pick up the B9037 again and follow the pavement uphill past the cemetery and as far as the traffic lights. Branch right on to an old disused road which dips down among the trees before rising to meet the modern A985. Cross with care and proceed down Muirside farm road into my home village Cairneyhill.
Turn right upon meeting the A994. A couple of convenience stores offer snacks and there is a café inside Fairley's Garden Centre. As you leave the village, turn left on to a stony track called Hilton Road. A few ancient rusting cars are encountered and the path skirts a patch of woodland before dog-legging around a private home. After passing a large barn, we reach Crossford Village and cut through a few streets before taking a long straight tarmac farm access road. Follow the signs through the steadings and proceed along a quiet country path with Dunfermline now looming ahead. We enter Pittencrieff Park at the edge of town and work our way towards the historic abbey. Consider yourself a true pilgrim's apprentice!
