Crawford Priory (3 miles)
Start in the village of Springfield which lies a couple of miles outside Cupar. Proceed along Manse Road and cross the railway tracks at the level crossing. Follow the farm road round and if you glance between the trees you will see the remains of a mineral railway bridge across the River Eden. It is unusual to find a steel structure like this intact as they were normally dismantled for scrap.
Stay on the farm track which itself crosses the river and passes through a steading. The route rises to pass over an old stone railway bridge. At this point, take the route to the left which leads towards a large white house. Pass through a gate, branch left and continue for a few hundred yards until you arrive at the old priory. It is visible from a distance.
Despite the name, the priory has no religious history and was rather a grand stately home. It was abandoned in 1968 and has fallen victim to the ravages of nature and vandals. As is often the case with these ruined properties, the interior contains piles of fallen masonry and rotten floorboards. Roofs were generally removed to avoid tax and this ensured a swift decline. If you fancy poking around inside there is a lovely sweeping staircase to be found. Other bits and pieces survive but the overwhelming feeling is one of dereliction. Still, it is easy to get a sense of how grand this building once was. Make your way back to Springfield by the reverse route.
