Markinch to Leslie (8 miles)
The large town of Glenrothes was constructed after the war but a rail connection was not provided. A freight line did pass through, running between the neighbouring settlements of Markinch and Leslie. Most of this trackbed has been converted to a footpath which forms the basis of this walk. We begin in the centre of Markinch which has a station on the East Coast Main Line.
From the station car park, pick up the path which runs parallel to the main tracks for a short distance before curving away. We pass the old Haig Whisky distillery before reaching a junction which was where the line split. The right-hand branch served the Tullis Russell paper mill which closed in 2015 (my wife being one of the last employees to leave). Bear left and continue towards the Balbirnie Viaduct which is 125 yards long and features 11 arches. The path peters out shortly after the crossing as a chunk of the railway has been lost to roads and housing. The necessitates a dog-leg around Alburne Crescent and Alburne Park before passing under the A911 along Woodside Way. We soon encounter a network of paths next to the Lomond Centre. Take the route signed for Leslie. We are now back upon the trackbed and we follow this footpath all the way through Glenrothes. It is officially known as Boblingen Way but this is not always reflected in the signage.
Eventually we cross South Parks Road and meet the mighty Leslie Viaduct. Over 200 yards long and a whopping 14 arches (my great great grandfather George Fraser worked on its construction), the bridge takes us high above the River Leven on a curving trajectory. Once across, follow Glenwood Road up to Leslie High Street. Turn right along the lengthy thoroughfare. A good place to stop for a pint is the Burns Tavern which always has a real ale on dispense. As you pass the Greenside Hotel, a stone gateway across the road leads down to Leslie House. Now a burnt-out shell, the property was regarded as one of the finest Restoration-era homes in the country. Should you decide to have a look at the house, you can avoid backtracking by taking the path to the left as you walk round the side of the building. This takes you over the Lothrie Burn and back up to the main road.
The rest of the walk follows the A911 back to Glenrothes town centre. This road intersects with the A92 at a large roundabout, a footbridge taking you across to Alburne Crescent near the Balbirnie Viaduct. You can of course chop out this leg by taking a bus back but there doesn't seem to be a direct Leslie to Markinch service. A change is required at Glenrothes Bus Station.
Should you decide to keep walking, The Fettykil Fox stands on a roundabout just outside Leslie. A large bar & restaurant, several ales are available. The only outlet for cask beer in the centre of Glenrothes is The Golden Acorn - a Wetherspoons pub which nevertheless always features a varied selection.
