Kirkcaldy to Thornton (5 miles)
The harbour is easily accessible from the bottom of Kirkcaldy High Street. Grain shipments are still brought in for the nearby flour mill. Across the road is the Merchant's House Café - situated within one of the town's oldest buildings. Walk up Dunnikier Road and maintain a straight course, skipping over the crossroads and reaching the brow of the hill. As you descend, the huge Victoria Hospital complex lies to your right. Skirt the edge of the facility until you hit the end of Dunnikier Road. Straight across is the arched entrance to Middle Den. Follow the tarmac path through the trees and emerge upon the busy thoroughfare of Dunnikier Way. Turn right and cross the road at the traffic lights after 250 yards.
Enter Dunnikier Park and make your way towards the mansion house in the distance. It now functions as a hotel. Dog-leg around the right-hand side of the property, passing through the old gardens. A large map stands on an access road showing the various paths around the old estate. Basically you want to keep heading north, taking the route that runs right alongside the golf course (which will be on your immediate left). This footpath continues all the way to the A92 dual carriageway. Turn right for a short distance and use the footbridge to cross over. Seek out a trail just a few steps from the bridge which runs north, basically continuing the straight line course. With the A92 rapidly disappearing behind you, the traffic noise soon eases and the pleasant path takes you between the fields.
After crossing a minor road, a group of wind turbines appear and it's interesting to observe them at close quarters. A metal bridge takes you over the River Ore and a (rather bumpy) path runs downstream all the way to the edge of Thornton. A couple of fish & chip shops (with seating) can be found in the village. Dom's won the "best in Scotland" award a few years ago. A bus or train will take you back to Kirkcaldy.
