Dunfermline Cairneyhill (3.4 miles)
From William Street on the western edge of Dunfermline, take the public footpath opposite the intersection with Cameron Street. It is signed Dean Plantation and leads away from town, quickly disappearing down a dip between the fields and with a corresponding muting of traffic noise. Keep straight ahead at the next path junction, making your way towards the farm buildings. Remember that official core paths such as this one give you an absolute right of way through farmyards at any time. Negotiate a couple of tight bends and arrive at a main road where we turn right.
We only need to walk a short distance on Lundin Road before entering Dean Plantation at the obvious Forestry Commission gate. Turn immediately left down a narrow path which swings round to bring you face to face with an impressive ancient oak. Keep following the track which opens up to reveal the Crossford Burn flowing through a deep gully below. Resist the temptation to tackle the slope straight way - it can be treacherous. An easier route down is available a short distance further on but care must still be taken. Get down on your hunkers! It's a pleasant stroll alongside the burn and a carpet of bluebells are in evidence during late spring.
The path does ford the stream at a few points but stepping stones are in place and hopefully you would be wearing stout footwear for a forest walk in any case. We emerge from the woodland facing a large blue barn. Make for this, still following the course of the burn. Pass through a gate and turn right at the buildings, taking the farm road towards Cairneyhill, now part of the Fife Pilgrim Way. Let the markers guide you to the A994 on the outskirts of Cairneyhill. Walk downhill to the centre of the village where Nicky's Garage sells a range of hot & cold food (friendly service guaranteed). There is also a cafe at Fairley's Garden Centre and a couple of shops. Pub grub is available at the Maltings Hotel. Frequent bus services will return you to Dunfermline.
