Glenrothes to Coaltown of Balgonie

This is a short walk (approx 3.75km or 2 miles) from Woodside (Glenrothes) to Coaltown of Balgonie, Fife.

Starting from Woodside Way in Glenrothes (the blue star on the map above), head eastwards along the tree lined footpath which starts at the bus stop.

Photo 1 – Lady’s Walk and Woodside Way (looking southwards)

There is a hanging sign marking it, the ‘Lady’s Walk’. Lady’s walk is supposedly a medieval path first used at the time of Alexander III. It leads to Lady Nina Square in Coaltown of Balgonie, but I can’t find any reference to who Lady Nina was. If anyone knows, please let me know in the comments section below.

At the start of the walk, you go past the Carlton Primary School on the left, and the back of the Velux factory on the other side of the path. Beyond, there are open fields, which this year were full of Oilseed Rape, which is getting a very common crop for farmers to grow nowadays. Up until very recently, this crop was grown primarily as an animal feed, but the explosion of vivid yellow fields of rape that has occurred over the last few years, suggests that more and more is being now used to produce bio fuels eg biodiesel. As an amateur photographer, this eruption of yellow flowers during May and June, provides ample photo opportunities!

 

Photo 2 – Field of Oilseed Rape

 

Photo 3 – More Rapeseed Oil Plants

 

As you head towards Coaltown of Balgonie, you can look northwards and see the village of Markinch. From this viewpoint, the largest feature in Markinch is the old red brick Haig whiskey distillery. St Drostan’s church can also be seen to the left of the distillery. The Norman church tower dates from 1180 AD.

Photo 4 – Looking north to Markinch and the old Haig Whiskey distillery

 

At the end of the tree lined avenue, the path bears right. Follow the lane parallel to the railway line (don’t cross the bridge), until you get to the school playing field. The photo below is of white dead-nettle, plenty of which grows on the side of the lane.

Photo 5 – White dead-nettle

 

Crossing over the playing field leads you to a small lane that comes out on the Coaltown of Balgonie Main Street, opposite the village hall.

Photo 6 – Coaltown of Balgonie Village Hall

 

Turn right along the Main Street, this takes you past a typical Fife cottage (single storey cottages are the norm!). Take the next right turn up School Road, which takes you back to The Lady’s Walk.

Photo 7 – Picturesque cottage in Coaltown of Balgonie

 

This is a short walk of approx 2 miles over flat terrain. See map for locations of photos.

 

 

Advertisement