Torry Burn Trail (5.5 miles)
A core path follows the Torry Burn which makes a nice alternative to simply walking along the pavement from my home village. Head up Muirside Road beside a hairdressing salon in the middle of Cairneyhill. This single track is part of the Fife Pilgrim Way and marked as such. Cross the railway line and swing right at a fork. When you reach the A985, cross with care and pass through the gate directly opposite. Turn right along a disused section of road and descend towards the stone bridge over the Torry Burn. A narrow path leads off to the left just as you reach the water. If there has been a lot of rain, it's perhaps best to avoid this route and stay on the Pilgrim Way which takes the B9037 as you meet the train tracks again.
Otherwise push along the core path which snakes high above the stream. A cemetery appears through the trees on the opposite bank. The path ends at the edge of Torryburn village. Follow the pavement downhill and turn left, passing the historic church and graveyard. The panoramic Torry Bay opens out as you skirt the shore. It is a well-known spot for wading birds and you join the Fife Coastal Path at this point. Pass under the railway as Torryburn merges into Newmills. After climbing a short rise, look out for an ivy-covered archway leading away to the right. This takes you into the grounds of Torrie House - now a private residence - dating from 1813 but substantially remodelled in the 1950s. Nice views of the Firth of Forth are available behind you as height is gained. Walk below an arched-bridge and past the ornate gates which offer a glimpse of the historic property. In a grassy field to your left is the tiny Loch Roy - in reality a pond. The estate road runs down to the A985 but this is not a realistic option for walking back to Cairneyhill. Instead go back to Newmills and return by the far quieter B9037 which has a pavement. You could also jump on the number 8 bus to cut your mileage in half.
