Culross Historical (2 miles)
Culross is a charming village in the southwest corner of Fife. The Royal Burgh is partly owned by the National Trust and more information on things to see and do can be found here. Culross attracts visitors from far and wide, due in no small part to the association with the popular TV series Outlander which is broadcast in many countries. This walk takes in some of the historical points of interest both in the village centre and a little further afield. Start at the car park on the eastern edge. Culross is also on the Dunfermline to Falkirk bus route.
Walk towards the village and look for an ascending grassy path on your right just before you reach the primary school. It is signposted for the abbey and is also part of the newly established Fife Pilgrim way. Ignore a narrow vennel to your left and stay on the path. Soon you will arrive at the abbey grounds where it is free to stroll around. When your're done here, keep heading uphill on the narrow road and you will see an opening in a stone wall to your left just as you pass the village boundary. A Scotways sign invites you to skirt the edge of the field in the direction of the historic West Kirk. If the route looks too muddy or you don't have suitable footwear, press on up the slope and turn left after 120 yards on to a minor road opposite the gatehouse for Culross Abbey Mansion. Either way, you are doing two sides of the same square.
The field path is around 350 yards long and a doorway at the far end emerges on to an unclassified road. Go straight over and follow the dirt track. This is all well signposted for the old church. We then take a right turn uphill and hook up with a track coming from the upper route which avoids the right of way through the field. If you opted for the road walking, you will have kept straight on at a sharp bend to follow a farm track to the junction we now stand at. Bear left towards the West Kirk and explore the ancient gravestones and ruined building. An overgrown mausoleum is tucked away in the corner. Retrace your steps to the path junction and proceed all the way down to Culross village. You will emerge at the western car park. From the shoreline, you can see the old pier jutting into the Forth. It is still accessible to the public.
A possible detour is a 400-yard stroll along to the street-level entrance to Dunimarle Castle and gardens. Visitors are welcomed Thursday to Sunday during the warmer months and you can wander around the grounds for a nominal fee. At the time of writing, a tour of the castle and the adjacent chapel costs £7 and can be arranged on demand by calling the caretaker's mobile number shown on the entrance board. Alternatively, approach George as he goes about his gardening duties. The buildings are now privately owned after standing empty for almost 40 years.
Follow the main road back into the village and you simply cannot miss the palace with its yellow coat of paint. Stroll around the winding cobbled streets and enjoy the atmosphere. The Mercat Cross is a nice place for a souvenir photo. There are several cafes offering drinks and light bites. For a more substantial meal, seek out the Red Lion where cask ale is available. Wander back to the shore path and follow it to the car park.
