Suggested Walk : Falkland to West Lomond

The topography around Cupar is generally flat and easy to walk, though there are some gentle hills if you prefer that. Our chosen walk takes you from Falkand to the West Lomond. It's quite easy, and a nice half-day outing. Falkland is easy to reach from Cupar - about 15 minutes by car.

The route starts and finishes at Craigmead car park, between Falkland and Leslie. If you are travelling by public transport, buses call at Falkland, and you can enjoy the walk to the car park.

West Lomond is, at 522m, Fife's high point so it naturally commands a splendid view which more than repays the effort needed to reach it.

From the car park, set off along the clear path. Please heed any notices regarding the route (there is an information board in the car park). Considerable work has been done to stabilise the path in recent years.

The hill looms ever larger as you approach it, while down to the left is Miller's Loch. At the foot of the hill, follow the marked path which takes a rightward gradual ascent, a kinder line than the former brutally steep direct assault which was becoming badly eroded.

From the summit you can see much of Fife, across the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh and north to the hills guarding the Highland Fault. It is a superb panorama and this is definitely a place to linger on a fine day. You may also see gliders soaring after take-off from their field at Portmoak.

When you are ready to leave, return to the foot of the hill then head south-south-east to cross a stile after some broken ground. Reach another stile at Lothrie Burn and turn left for Harperleas Reservoir. Pass along the north shore of the reservoir, where you will usually enjoy a good variety of birdlife.

From the end of the reservoir, head north-west to the ruin of Ballo Castle to pick up its access track. This leads out past East Ballo Farm to the minor road. Turn left for a short walk back to the car park.

If you still fancy more exercise, you can turn right at the car park and add East Lomond to your list of hills. The walk to East Lomond is a good alternative to the West Lomond route if you only have a short time available - and the panoramic view over Falkland and the Howe of Fife to Cupar is quite spectacular! For those with just a very short time, ascend the bulk of East Lomond by car from the eastern access road. The summit can be reached in just a few minutes.

What to Do In Cupar

Cycle Scotland route