Knock Hill (6.5 miles)
The racing circuit at Knock Hill has been a popular motor sport venue for many years. The hill overlooking the track is a prominent landmark in West Fife, easily identifiable by the transmission masts upon the summit. The simplest way up would be to park near the circuit off the A823 and take the access track to the summit. The walk described here approaches the hill from the west, starting in the village of Saline.
From the the small car park adjacent to the bus turning circle, cross the main street and take North Road before turning almost immediately right on to Bridge Street. Follow this quiet minor road for just under a mile until you reach the hamlet of Balgonar. A track to the right (signed as a public path) leads behind Waxwing Farm. The route climbs gently and offers a nice walk through rolling countryside. We skirt the foot of Saline Hill and neighbouring Knock Hill comes into view over on the right. The track runs out after a mile and a half where we climb a small wire fence to pick up a signed Fife Core Path (ignore the private road which continues uphill).
Make your way past some ruined buildings then pick up the obvious course of an old railway embankment. This was one of the most obscure mineral lines in Fife, serving coal pits in the area but in operation for just 30 years. An infilled bridge structure appears after 300 yards. From here you can descend the embankment and pick a course across the moorland towards the hill. You could also continue along the railway, pass through a farmyard and use the transmitter access road. The latter is the best option if the ground isn't dry. If it's a sunny day, why not have a crack at a more challenging climb? Boots are strongly recommended for this option as the ground is boggy in places. Work around to the right of the hill and follow the faint sheep tracks upwards. A short but steep ascent is required. Look for the groove between two jutting pieces of hillside.
The slopes are entirely grass covered and no scrambling is required. It is a slog though and it's good to sit down for a break and take in the views (which is why I recommend this route when everything is dry). Once past the worst of it, simply stroll to the summit where sheep may be grazing. You can see the entire racetrack and Loch Glow Reservoir beyond. There are also fine views across Dunfermline to the River Forth, the bridges clearly visible. Return to Saline by the reverse route.
