From the railway station, descend to street level and take the path on the downhill side of the bridge. This parallels the embankment for a short distance before ducking under the viaduct. Climb up the dirt path and follow the forestry route through the den, high above the water. Stay on the left hand side of the burn. Ignore the opportunity to descend and cross a bridge (we can take this option on the way back). When the main path forks, bear right and pass below the huge concrete viaduct carrying the A92. After 400 yards, a set of stairs leads up the side of the gorge to bring you to the cairn marking the site of the last fatal duel in Scotland. From here, double back along the path skirting the field boundary. You will quickly arrive at the remains of Carden Tower. Built in the 16th century, only the foundations are left today.
Retrace your steps to the little bridge over the burn. A path leads up the opposite slope and brings you to a minor road. Turn right and follow the pavement back towards Cardenden Station. A colliery once stood in the fields to your left. Pass under the railway bridge and follow the main road past the shops - an area known locally as Bowhill. After negotiating a double-bend, take the stairs up to an old mineral railway embankment next to the Chinese takeaway. A path junction appears after 200 yards. Press straight on, before making a right turn to emerge on Jamphlars Place. Turn right on to Bowhill View and walk towards the pit wheel and coal wagon which mark the location of Bowhill Lady Josephine Colliery. My maternal grandfather worked here. Follow the main road down to the war memorial and bear left at the roundabout to reach the historic Auchterderran Old Parish Church. Have a look around the graveyard and return to the town centre on the main drag. Pop into the cemetery to view the grave of local footballer John Thomson - a Celtic & Scotland goalkeeper who died after an accidental on-field collision in 1931. The headstone is adorned with green & white scarves and flags.
