Historic Culross

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
4 kms	01:30 (hrs:mins)	60 metres	Explorer 367: Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy & Glenrothes South

Description

Looking over to the historic town of Culross

The Royal Burgh of Culross is a town which time has passed by, to wander through the narrow cobbled streets of Culross is to experience life from a past time. The walk starts in the carpark, which has display boards, and toilets. Cut down the lane immediately past the building close to the road, turn right to pass the unusual Bessie Bar's malthouse with the forestairs up its gable and next to this is the Palace which was built in 1597. Turn up the next street, the Back Causeway, cobbled and with a clear 'croon o' the caussey' (crown of the causeway). Before going up the the Tanhouse Brae, have a walk down the Mid Causeway to see Bishop Leighton's House.

Carry on up the Tanhouse Brae aiming for the castle-like tower of the church. Outside the church turn right to circle the graveyard. At a gate Culross Abbey is visable, this dates from 1608. Once out of the churchyard, continue up the road leading inland. Just past some lodge gates follow the footpath sign for the West Kirk. Cross a minor road, continue on the track and then turn right at a T-junction and finally left at a Y-fork.

Continue along the track until it crosses the tree-lined but abandoned driveway of Donimarle Castle. Go through the gate, left, and down this grassy avenue then, just before the last two big trees, veer right on a green path to come out on the tarred drive which descends to the coast road. Cross this towards the sea and find a footpath beside the railway which leads back to Culross.

Access Info

By Car: From the west, cross the Kincardine Bridge and then follow the B037 for three miles to Culross.
From the north and south, follow the M90, turning off at Junction 1. Head along the A985 west for about 7 miles and then follow signs for Culross. Alternatively, follow the signposts for the Fife Coastal Tourist Route.

Nearest train station: North Queensferry - dist approx 2 miles.

For details of bus and rail services in Fife, call Fife Council's Public Transport Line on: 01592 416060 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm)