Dunfermline heritage (1.5 miles)
Dunfermline was formerly the royal capital of Scotland and many monarchs were born, crowned and buried here over the ages. The town is also the birthplace of famed philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. This walk takes in some of the cultural highlights. Dunfermline is well served by public transport from all over Fife and other parts of Scotland.
Start at the junction of High Street and New Row. Proceed downhill until you meet Canmore street on the right. The imposing building on the corner is the Alhambra Theatre. Opened in 1922 for stage and screen productions, the Alhambra gravitated towards cinema before becoming a bingo hall in the 1960s. It remained in this incarnation for some 40 years until finally reverting to theatre status. Fortunately the historic interior has remained intact and catching a show is highly recommended.
Continue along Canmore Street to the intersection with Guildhall Street. On the opposite side of the crossroads is the world's first Carnegie Library, opened in 1883 and funded from Andrew Carnegie's vast personal fortune. Around 2500 such libraries were built around the world. In 2017 a museum and art gallery was opened alongside the historic library to form one complex. The museum examines the history of Dunfermline and West Fife and the gallery hosts changing exhibitions. Admission is free and an excellent tea room can be found on the premises. Across from the library is Khushi's Indian restaurant which serves excellent cuisine and invites you to bring your own beer (free of corkage). What a winning combination!
Have a look at the striking Abbot House which is unmistakable in pink. It is the oldest building in Dunfermline but currently closed due to a dispute over funding. This is a great shame as was a wonderful place to explore and featured a popular cafe, lovely gardens and an adjacent brewery where you were always welcome to stick your head round the door.
Stroll into the grounds of Dunfermline Abbey and take in the atmosphere. There is a charge to visit the ancient sections but entry to the present-day church is free. Here you will find the tomb of Robert the Bruce and a small exhibition. After leaving the abbey, work your way downhill to the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum - a superb telling of the great man's life story. There is no admission cost.
Just uphill from the museum on the sharp bend is a gateway to Pittencrieff Park. Universally known to Fifers as Dunfermline Glen or to locals simply as "The Glen" - the sprawling green space was another of Andrew Carnegie's gifts to his home town (it had formerly been a private estate). Visit the glasshouses and gardens and explore at your leisure. You may even see a peacock strutting around!
Exit the Glen by the main gates and turn left on to Chalmers Street. Cross the road and head for the far corner of the car park. The last stop on our heritage tour is St Margaret's Cave, formerly a place of pilgrimage and now open to the public free of charge. Once inside, a lengthy flight of steps descends to the shrine dedicated to Scotland's former queen and only female saint. Do take the the time to read the information boards which explain how the cave was saved in the 1960s from being buried under concrete.
PUB STOPS - The best place for real ale in Dunfermline is the Commercial Inn, just off the High Street. At least half a dozen ales are always available and in excellent condition. The pub has a traditional interior and hasn't changed much over the years. It doesn't have to.
You could also visit the Guildhall & Linen Exchange, a Wetherspoons establishment which offers a rotating selection of beer. Another possibility is the East Port Bar which has at least a couple of ales on tap within a more modern sports bar setting.
