Part of Local Fife Bike Route
Surface- Roads,cycle paths, gravel paths
Difficulty-Fairly easy route, a few short climbs,
Recommended bike- MTB, Hybrid (providing hard wearing tyres) not recommnded for Road Bikes
Time we completed route (beginners) - Approx 2hrs
Signposted Route: Yes, clearly marked with Fife Cycle Route on roads. (We detoured at Morton Lochs onto the B road which is not part of an official cycle route) Tenstmuir has its own signposting of routes.
Worth taking a camera? Yes, scenic at Tayport overlooking the sea, also a harbour too.
Weather on day we completed route: Sunny, overcast, slight rain, strong breeze.
We parked car just outside Tayport (car park just down from the main car park at the bridges). The ride gets off to a good start as its on a cycle path and this part of the route is the most scenic (you could take a pic from the car!). This then takes you down into Tayport where you are now on the streets but its well sign posted with the bike route. It weaves in and out housing estates and takes you past the local harbour with small sail boats. The route continues through a lovely little caravan park and then back onto the street before going off road.
The route really is off road here with what I would call a 'bone shaker' path till you get into Tenstmuir Forest. There are a couple of picnic benches here and makes for a great view over towards Carnoustie and beyond. When you get into Tenstmuir (there is a green gate) turn right and continue along the wooded path until you see a sign for Morton Lochs. Follow the signposts down to Morton Loch (its not so well signposted further on though!) when you see the sign for Fetterdale make sure you turn right and then follow the path down which will bring you to the Loch (you will see a bridge with cars possibly parked below). Great little bird hide and we had a large buzzard swoop out in front of us en route! Continue out onto the gravel path ie once leaving the bird hide take a right onto the road. This takes you out of Tensmuir and down a rough path bringing you out onto a B road. Take a left onto the B road and continue down until you see a sign for Ternsmuir Forest and Beach. This take you left along some great little country road with great views over the fields and the distance. Its fairly flat too so a nice easy four mile cyle back into the forest, passing a clay pigeon shooting centre on the way if you fancy trying another activity.
You enter Tenstmuir Forest by its main entrance which can be busy at weekends with lots of cars, so be wary. If you are cycling you don't need to pay the £1 admission fee into the car park. Please be aware the park closes to vehicles every night with closing times varying depending on the season. Later closes tends to be in the summer months.
There are some great picnic tables near the car park with built in BBQ stands on the tables so if you have an instant BBQ with you here would be the place to use it. Toilets are also located nearby and a kids play park. If you fancy a walk the beach is just over the hill with some great views over to St Andrews.
Continue through the car park to the gate which then takes you towards the forest trails (we contined straight along ie never detoured from path) but there are plenty different routes so you could add or cut a few miles off if you wish. We were following the 'pine cone' symbol on the outer route around the forest. Its pretty sheltered on this route. Its worth stopping at the sign for Kinshaldy Beach and having a look over the water to Dundee. There are also remanants of world war two fortifications on this beach. (There are also obesrvation towers located within Tenstmuir too but are off the cycle routes) .
Back on the route and there are a few small rises at this section, advisable to have a puncture repair kit too as this section is tough on the tyres. You eventually return to the gate where you first entered the forest where you take a right and head back towards the caravan park and then towards Tayport. After the harbour there is a slight climb to get out of Tayport before a slow rise back on the cycle path till you reach your car.
Lovely scenic route, variety of routes in forest too. The downside for me is the route is really rocky in some places and could be improved for cyclists to make it more bike friendly! We managed to get a slow puncture. So I would rate this 6/10.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Circular Tour of Loch Leven -12miles
Surface- Main roads, fine gravel path round Loch Leven
Difficulty-Minor inclines into Kinross (if beginner suggest you target road first) then a nice stretch around the Loch which is mainly flat.
Recommended bike- Hybrid, Tourer, MTB (I used a mountain bike) (Road bike would not cope well with gravel path but can still go around Loch Leven on roads approx 13 miles, road condition occasional pothole)
Time we completed route (beginners) -1hr 20 mins
Signposted Route: No but its circular ie follow round Loch so you can't go wrong!
Worth taking a camera?Yes some lovely shots of the distant hills and plenty wildlife at Loch Leven.
Weather on day we completed route: Overcast, sunny with a very slight breeze on the road section
We parked the car at Vane Farm car park and then set off left along the main road to Kinross. A few little climbs here on the road but nice and wide for you and cars. That's if people give you room! When you get to the end of the road turn right where you will pass through Gairneybank and then into Kinross.
When in Kinross head down the High street there is a sign showing you down to Loch leven just near the bend. You need to cross ove the other lane of traffic down to Kirkgate. Once on Kirkgate you will see a small walled road on the left head down here and you will find a kids play park, picnic area and views over the Loch. Head towards the castle on the Loch. Below is a link with info about this castle and its famous history.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Leven_Castle
You will get to the end of the car park and then you turn left continuing around the loch (you are now off road until you get back to your car). There is a bird hide not far along on the route (on right) and well worth a look if not for the views that it gives you. There is abundant wildlife when we were there saw roe deer and a hare amongst all the bird life. The route takes you through wooded areas, past a golf course on the left, continue right and head over a wooden bridge and then onto Burleigh Sands area of Loch leven. Great place for sunset photos at certain times of year (Oct-Nov). Continue along the path which then turns right and taking you through another wooded area. This side gives you more open space to see onto the Loch and is very scenic.
Further down the path you can detour (signposted and a turn left) if you wish for a coffee or a well deserved bite to eat up at Loch Leven's Larder (they also sell fresh produce within their farm shop) with superb views over the Loch. Meanwhile for those who continue the area surrounding the path is now marshland. This continues for a small stretch and there are a couple of gates to negotiate through here too. You then head through a more wooded area with plenty bends and twists, just watch out for people on foot. The rest of the journey is mainly now in woods till you exit out onto another bridge.
When you come off this bridge turn right and continue up the farm road and go straight on passing the house with the water mill underneath. There is another great view from this side and a bench if you want a late picnic here though there was plenty midges the day we went! Make sure you have insect repellant on!! There is now a short sharp climb up to Vane Farm continue along the path and then it will bring you to a tunnel. Once through the tunnel there is a flight of stairs for you and the bike to climb (you can push it up the side of the steps). Once up the stairs you will now be in the vane farm grounds where your car should be located nearby.
A nice and easy route with plenty to see and is very scenic. The fact its a circular route too is also beneficial so would give this 8/10.
Difficulty-Minor inclines into Kinross (if beginner suggest you target road first) then a nice stretch around the Loch which is mainly flat.
Recommended bike- Hybrid, Tourer, MTB (I used a mountain bike) (Road bike would not cope well with gravel path but can still go around Loch Leven on roads approx 13 miles, road condition occasional pothole)
Time we completed route (beginners) -1hr 20 mins
Signposted Route: No but its circular ie follow round Loch so you can't go wrong!
Worth taking a camera?Yes some lovely shots of the distant hills and plenty wildlife at Loch Leven.
Weather on day we completed route: Overcast, sunny with a very slight breeze on the road section
We parked the car at Vane Farm car park and then set off left along the main road to Kinross. A few little climbs here on the road but nice and wide for you and cars. That's if people give you room! When you get to the end of the road turn right where you will pass through Gairneybank and then into Kinross.
When in Kinross head down the High street there is a sign showing you down to Loch leven just near the bend. You need to cross ove the other lane of traffic down to Kirkgate. Once on Kirkgate you will see a small walled road on the left head down here and you will find a kids play park, picnic area and views over the Loch. Head towards the castle on the Loch. Below is a link with info about this castle and its famous history.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Leven_Castle
You will get to the end of the car park and then you turn left continuing around the loch (you are now off road until you get back to your car). There is a bird hide not far along on the route (on right) and well worth a look if not for the views that it gives you. There is abundant wildlife when we were there saw roe deer and a hare amongst all the bird life. The route takes you through wooded areas, past a golf course on the left, continue right and head over a wooden bridge and then onto Burleigh Sands area of Loch leven. Great place for sunset photos at certain times of year (Oct-Nov). Continue along the path which then turns right and taking you through another wooded area. This side gives you more open space to see onto the Loch and is very scenic.
Further down the path you can detour (signposted and a turn left) if you wish for a coffee or a well deserved bite to eat up at Loch Leven's Larder (they also sell fresh produce within their farm shop) with superb views over the Loch. Meanwhile for those who continue the area surrounding the path is now marshland. This continues for a small stretch and there are a couple of gates to negotiate through here too. You then head through a more wooded area with plenty bends and twists, just watch out for people on foot. The rest of the journey is mainly now in woods till you exit out onto another bridge.
When you come off this bridge turn right and continue up the farm road and go straight on passing the house with the water mill underneath. There is another great view from this side and a bench if you want a late picnic here though there was plenty midges the day we went! Make sure you have insect repellant on!! There is now a short sharp climb up to Vane Farm continue along the path and then it will bring you to a tunnel. Once through the tunnel there is a flight of stairs for you and the bike to climb (you can push it up the side of the steps). Once up the stairs you will now be in the vane farm grounds where your car should be located nearby.
A nice and easy route with plenty to see and is very scenic. The fact its a circular route too is also beneficial so would give this 8/10.
Monday, 19 April 2010
Route: Newcraighall (Edinburgh) to Temple (Midlothian) 12 miles, Return: Temple to Newcraighall 12 miles
Part of National Cycle Route (1)
Surface- Minor roads (except Dalkeith where you cycle through the High Street) quite a lot of potholes, cycle paths, a short gravel path
Difficulty-Gradual climb on way to Temple (407ft), coming back mainly downhill
Recommended bike- Hybrid, Tourer (I used a mountain bike) (Road bike would not cope well with gravel path could probably avoid by changing your route and need to watch out for some potholes (mainly from outside Bonnyrigg to Temple ie on the B roads) some of which could do some damage to your bike!)
Time we completed route (beginners) - 1 1/2hrs to Temple, 1 1/4hrs coming back from Temple: Total 2 3/4hrs.
Signposted Route: Yes, clearly marked with National Cycle Route 1. ( I won't bore you with the road names etc)
Worth taking a camera? Ok, reasonably scenic, few rivers and countryside views over to Fife and Midlothian.
Weather on day we completed route: Sunny, overcast but strong wind on return route which we were facing into.
Parked the car at Newcraighall Railway station located near Fort Kinnaird Retail park (cost us 50p so don't forget the change!) coming out of the car park head right under the bridge and you will see your first sign for Route 1. This will take you by the newly built Queen Margaret University. You then venture through a few small housing estates and by the golf course before heading out to Whitecraig. When heading out of Whitecraig be wary of the cycle sign where you have to cross the other lane of traffic to head up the cycle path, you don't get much warning! This route takes you past some power lines and gives you views over nearby towns. We never saw many people on this section of the route in fact it was fairly quiet on the cycle paths but it was a Monday.
Continue on and you will eventually pass the new Dalkeith High School Campus with its astro pitch located on the right. You then stay on the same side of the road you are on (don't cross at the road crossing, the sign is a little misleading here) ie turn right and head up towards Dalkeith where there is a small hill to take you up to the High Street. You need your wits about you on the High Street the roads are busy here (most traffic to the Borders passes through this town) so make sure you get in the right lane (we got caught out on the return route) and keep out from all the parked cars as a few opened their doors. There are plenty shops, cafes, pubs and hotels if you need to refuel. Heading out of Dalkeith and keep your eye out for the route sign which again has you crossing over a lane of traffic (you may need to pull in for this one as the road is pretty busy) where you then head through a park area. Make sure when the route veers off you head left down towards Innerleithen on Route 1.
This route is on cycle paths till you come out at Bonnyrigg through a housing estate and then onto a main road where you eventually head uphill to a large roundabout, where you head straight over. This is where the B roads kick in and they are in quite bad condition in some areas, it certainly made for a bumpy ride on the mountain bike. This is all pretty much uphill to Temple passing through a lovely little village called Carrington where you can purchase fresh eggs though they might be a little scrambled by the time you get home! There are some short downhills but then another uphill after so make sure you have plenty of stamina in the legs for the last stint. There are certainly plenty open fields nearby for a picnic, we stopped just before Temple at one of two bridges for lunch before then heading back the same route.
Going back is pretty much downhill all the way so makes for a great ride and gives the legs a rest after the climb! Be sure to be careful when you get to Dalkeith again for the main roads and make sure to stay in lane for going straight over on the High street! There is a slight uphill once you head back towards Whitecraig and to Queen Margaret University. Though it was really windy here and made pedaling a little hard with the wind facing us.
All in all a good route but the roads could do with a little maintenance but was well signposted there and back. Next time we may start further down this route. I would give it 6/10 just because of the state of the roads.
Surface- Minor roads (except Dalkeith where you cycle through the High Street) quite a lot of potholes, cycle paths, a short gravel path
Difficulty-Gradual climb on way to Temple (407ft), coming back mainly downhill
Recommended bike- Hybrid, Tourer (I used a mountain bike) (Road bike would not cope well with gravel path could probably avoid by changing your route and need to watch out for some potholes (mainly from outside Bonnyrigg to Temple ie on the B roads) some of which could do some damage to your bike!)
Time we completed route (beginners) - 1 1/2hrs to Temple, 1 1/4hrs coming back from Temple: Total 2 3/4hrs.
Signposted Route: Yes, clearly marked with National Cycle Route 1. ( I won't bore you with the road names etc)
Worth taking a camera? Ok, reasonably scenic, few rivers and countryside views over to Fife and Midlothian.
Weather on day we completed route: Sunny, overcast but strong wind on return route which we were facing into.
Parked the car at Newcraighall Railway station located near Fort Kinnaird Retail park (cost us 50p so don't forget the change!) coming out of the car park head right under the bridge and you will see your first sign for Route 1. This will take you by the newly built Queen Margaret University. You then venture through a few small housing estates and by the golf course before heading out to Whitecraig. When heading out of Whitecraig be wary of the cycle sign where you have to cross the other lane of traffic to head up the cycle path, you don't get much warning! This route takes you past some power lines and gives you views over nearby towns. We never saw many people on this section of the route in fact it was fairly quiet on the cycle paths but it was a Monday.
Continue on and you will eventually pass the new Dalkeith High School Campus with its astro pitch located on the right. You then stay on the same side of the road you are on (don't cross at the road crossing, the sign is a little misleading here) ie turn right and head up towards Dalkeith where there is a small hill to take you up to the High Street. You need your wits about you on the High Street the roads are busy here (most traffic to the Borders passes through this town) so make sure you get in the right lane (we got caught out on the return route) and keep out from all the parked cars as a few opened their doors. There are plenty shops, cafes, pubs and hotels if you need to refuel. Heading out of Dalkeith and keep your eye out for the route sign which again has you crossing over a lane of traffic (you may need to pull in for this one as the road is pretty busy) where you then head through a park area. Make sure when the route veers off you head left down towards Innerleithen on Route 1.
This route is on cycle paths till you come out at Bonnyrigg through a housing estate and then onto a main road where you eventually head uphill to a large roundabout, where you head straight over. This is where the B roads kick in and they are in quite bad condition in some areas, it certainly made for a bumpy ride on the mountain bike. This is all pretty much uphill to Temple passing through a lovely little village called Carrington where you can purchase fresh eggs though they might be a little scrambled by the time you get home! There are some short downhills but then another uphill after so make sure you have plenty of stamina in the legs for the last stint. There are certainly plenty open fields nearby for a picnic, we stopped just before Temple at one of two bridges for lunch before then heading back the same route.
Going back is pretty much downhill all the way so makes for a great ride and gives the legs a rest after the climb! Be sure to be careful when you get to Dalkeith again for the main roads and make sure to stay in lane for going straight over on the High street! There is a slight uphill once you head back towards Whitecraig and to Queen Margaret University. Though it was really windy here and made pedaling a little hard with the wind facing us.
All in all a good route but the roads could do with a little maintenance but was well signposted there and back. Next time we may start further down this route. I would give it 6/10 just because of the state of the roads.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Newport on Tay to Newburgh - 15miles, Return- Newburgh to Newport on Tay 15miles
Part of National Cycle Route (777)
Surface- Roads, mainly minor roads, not too many potholes
Difficulty- Fairly hilly route with lots of ups and downs. Steep hill outside Balmerino (on way to Newburgh), great hill for coming back down though!
Recommended bike- Any (I used a mountain bike, quite tough going up hills)
Time we completed route (beginners) - 1 1/2hrs to Newburgh, 2hrs coming back from Newburgh: Total 3 1/2hrs.
Signposted Route: Yes, clearly marked with National Cycle Route 777. (Therefore I won't bore you with the road names etc)
Worth taking a camera? Yes, very scenic route and some amazing views.
Weather on day we completed route: Sunny with a slight breeze
View Newport on Tay - Newburgh in a larger map
Parked the car on Blyth Street (off Cupar road) in Newport on Tay. There is large church on the corner as you turn into the street.
Set off downhill along the high street in Newport and continued along the road. Roads fairly quiet along the town and great views as you head out towards the direction of the Tay Rail Bridge (on the B946). The scenery is great along here with lovely old build houses, harbour and views over to Dundee.
2 1/2 miles in you head out towards the countryside and very quiet roads. We saw a few cars and a few motorcylists along with people out on their bikes for what was a great day for cycling. This is where the first of some very small hills start. I saw one big hill in the distance at this point and thought, oh no, but thankfully we detoured to the right at this point, so don't be put off!
You continue through countryside, small villages and farmlands to a lovely little village called Balmerino (if you detour off, its signposted) you can visit the abbey. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/balmerino/abbey/index.html
This though is where the steepest hill of the day is at 5 1/2 miles and is a hard climb to the top as the road continues to climb (though not as steeply) for about 1 1/2 mile. The height climbed is approximately 443ft. Once you have done this its downhill the rest of the way to Newburgh. Nothing beats the sun shining and the rush of the cool air as you whizz down the hills. I would like to say the wind running through my hair but health and safety prevails and I always wear a helmet! Remember if you are going back there is a few more hills to climb back up! There are some fantastic views on the way down and worth stopping for a photo or a well deserved break. Worthy of a note were the spring daffodils and lambs along the way.
After an amazing downhill ride and great views we cycle into Newburgh (watch out for the Ducks crossing sign, honest) and along the High Street stopping for a well deserved picnic at the local park which has picnic benches and a nice view over to Mugdrum Island. The Park is located at the far end of the High Street and where route 777 then detours over to Auchtermuchty if you wish to continue.
Great lunch then we set off back the route we came but was certainly more hilly on the way back with a gradual climb of 514ft as we left Newburgh. This was the hardest part going back as the rest of the hills are not as big a climb to the top. However after lunch I was certainly ready for this hill! Especially as the slight breeze was now making my climb a little harder! Going back this way there are amazing downhill runs too and with great roads its easy just to let go and enjoy the ride.
All in all a great afternoon of cycling with a great route (if a little hilly), good roads which were reasonably quiet, fantastic scenery and some great downhill runs. My rating 8/10. Next time I need to remember the sunscreen!
Surface- Roads, mainly minor roads, not too many potholes
Difficulty- Fairly hilly route with lots of ups and downs. Steep hill outside Balmerino (on way to Newburgh), great hill for coming back down though!
Recommended bike- Any (I used a mountain bike, quite tough going up hills)
Time we completed route (beginners) - 1 1/2hrs to Newburgh, 2hrs coming back from Newburgh: Total 3 1/2hrs.
Signposted Route: Yes, clearly marked with National Cycle Route 777. (Therefore I won't bore you with the road names etc)
Worth taking a camera? Yes, very scenic route and some amazing views.
Weather on day we completed route: Sunny with a slight breeze
View Newport on Tay - Newburgh in a larger map
Parked the car on Blyth Street (off Cupar road) in Newport on Tay. There is large church on the corner as you turn into the street.
Set off downhill along the high street in Newport and continued along the road. Roads fairly quiet along the town and great views as you head out towards the direction of the Tay Rail Bridge (on the B946). The scenery is great along here with lovely old build houses, harbour and views over to Dundee.
2 1/2 miles in you head out towards the countryside and very quiet roads. We saw a few cars and a few motorcylists along with people out on their bikes for what was a great day for cycling. This is where the first of some very small hills start. I saw one big hill in the distance at this point and thought, oh no, but thankfully we detoured to the right at this point, so don't be put off!
You continue through countryside, small villages and farmlands to a lovely little village called Balmerino (if you detour off, its signposted) you can visit the abbey. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/balmerino/abbey/index.html
This though is where the steepest hill of the day is at 5 1/2 miles and is a hard climb to the top as the road continues to climb (though not as steeply) for about 1 1/2 mile. The height climbed is approximately 443ft. Once you have done this its downhill the rest of the way to Newburgh. Nothing beats the sun shining and the rush of the cool air as you whizz down the hills. I would like to say the wind running through my hair but health and safety prevails and I always wear a helmet! Remember if you are going back there is a few more hills to climb back up! There are some fantastic views on the way down and worth stopping for a photo or a well deserved break. Worthy of a note were the spring daffodils and lambs along the way.
After an amazing downhill ride and great views we cycle into Newburgh (watch out for the Ducks crossing sign, honest) and along the High Street stopping for a well deserved picnic at the local park which has picnic benches and a nice view over to Mugdrum Island. The Park is located at the far end of the High Street and where route 777 then detours over to Auchtermuchty if you wish to continue.
Great lunch then we set off back the route we came but was certainly more hilly on the way back with a gradual climb of 514ft as we left Newburgh. This was the hardest part going back as the rest of the hills are not as big a climb to the top. However after lunch I was certainly ready for this hill! Especially as the slight breeze was now making my climb a little harder! Going back this way there are amazing downhill runs too and with great roads its easy just to let go and enjoy the ride.
All in all a great afternoon of cycling with a great route (if a little hilly), good roads which were reasonably quiet, fantastic scenery and some great downhill runs. My rating 8/10. Next time I need to remember the sunscreen!
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