Dunfermline to Ladybank
The ride starts at Dunfermline Queen Margaret Station which is found on the north east side of Dunfermline. It takes about a 30 minute train journey from Edinburgh on the ‘Fife Circle’ line. On leaving the station, travel on National Route 1 and head north uphill, past the hospital. You’ll find the well sign posted entrance to an old railway line 300m after the main hospital entrance. The Old Railway was once known as the Townhill Tramway and was used to transport coal from the Townhill Collieries.
Continuing on the old railway line, you pass Townhill Loch, the Scottish National Water Ski Centre. After leaving the railway, continue north for approximately 1.5 miles on quiet country lanes. The ride then joins the slightly busier B915 for 1.5 miles. Leaving the B915, the road climbs fairly gently into the Cleish Hills, ascending 100metres over 2 miles. This is mostly a single-track road passing through plantation forestry. The majority of the ride is in Fife, but as you leave the forest you enter Perth and Kinross where you’ll see great views of Kinross-shire and Fife. The ride then begins a 170 metres descent - please be aware that this descent can be quite steep in places. You’ll find yourself on fairly flat roads taking you to Kinross where there are many opportunities for refreshment. Kinross is next to Loch Leven, which is the largest loch in lowland Scotland. Leaving National Route 1 from Kinross main street, follow brown tourist signs to Kirkgate Park and from the end of the car park take the Loch Leven Heritage Trail round the north of Loch Leven for 3.5 miles. Follow the signed route to Loch Levens Larder - an organic cafe at Channel Farm. Should you continue round Loch Leven, you’ll get to the RSPB reserve, Vane Farm, which is found at the south end of Loch Leven. The Loch Leven Heritage Trail is 8 miles of tracks, running from Kirkgate Park to Vane Farm in a clockwise around Loch Leven.
From Channel Farm, there is a short section along the busy A911, before rejoining National Route1 by turning into Wester Balgedie and following this narrow road, which runs at the base of the Lomonds. Look out for the Bonnet Stane below West Lomond hill. The ride then takes you into rural idyllic village of Strathmiglo. You can continue into the town before coming back out on the same road to turn south up a short steep hill and follow the wooden finger post signs directing you to the Falkland Estate until you get to the Pillars of Hercules Farm, where you’ll find food and drink served all year – Look out for the Sustrans milepost! Taking care not to venture onto the main road, take the track south through the Falkland Estate and follow the signs to Falkland.
Falkland is full of history and you’ll find Falkland Palace as well as many listed buildings here. Leaving Falkland on Newton Road, turn left at nearby village Newton of Falkland onto tracks and small roads towards Ladybank. Please take care when crossing the A92. Arriving in Ladybank, you’ll find the station in the town centre.
Route submitted by: Sustrans
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Key route details
- Region/Area:
Fife and Perth & Kinross
- Distance:
30 miles
- Time needed:
4 - 5 hours
- Classification:
Challenging
- Traffic:
Quiet country roads with a 10 mile traffic free section
- Surface:
Mostly tarmac
- NCN Route:
National Route 1
- Start:
Dunfermline Queen Margaret Station
- Finish:
Ladybank Station
- Access:
Train stations at Dunfermline and Ladybank
- Weather:
-
Wed
max: 2°C min: 0°C
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Thu
max: 6°C min: 2°C
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Fri
max: 7°C min: 3°C
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Sat
max: 6°C min: 1°C
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