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Howe of Fife

Hilly at times but with great views of rolling countryside and the Tay Estuary.

This quiet part of Fife has some lovely scenery with views over rolling farmland and the Firth of Tay. There are also some steep hills! The route described here is circular. You might prefer to do it over two days possibly staying in Falkland or St Andrews.

* Alternatively if 65 miles is too long the route can be shortened by using the 12 mile yellow coloured linking section (12+24 = 36 miles, see map).

Of course everyone has heard of St Andrews, its golf club is recognised as the ruling body for the sport world wide. The other small towns such as Newburgh, Auchtermuchty and Falkland have a rich history and still retain much of their original character. You'll find too that the wee towns and villages of Fife are not generally lacking in pubs and shops to fuel you on your way.

The route is described starting and finishing in St Andrews but you could equally well begin in Falkland or Newburgh.

Leave Falkland on the B936 heading for Freuchie. After Freuchie the route takes to back roads but before this there are a couple of major road crossings which need care.

The route becomes quite rural after Freuchie with good views but this also means you have some steep hills to climb, not to mention no eating places for a few miles. Despite the name Chance Inn, a remnant of coaching days, has no Inn.

Shortly before Ceres there's a brief section on the A916 by Craigrothie, you only have 200 metres on the A916 - don't miss the turn-off!

There are pubs in Pitscottie and Craigrothie but the availability of food at these is uncertain, if you need to buy a meal much the best place is Ceres which has a good supermarket near the attractive village green, one of the few in Scotland, and a choice of other eating establishments.

When news of the victory at Bannockburn was received in Ceres games were immediately held on the village green in celebration, and they have been held annually on the village green every June since then. The Fife Folk Museum is in Ceres; housed in an interesting old building it explains the history of rural Fife with an emphasis on ordinary people.

Between Craigrothie and Pitscottie the route is on the B939. After Pitscottie the route takes to a minor road running north to the River Eden before turning east to head for St Andrews. This is very pretty, though there is a stiff climb shortly before you get to Strathkinnes. After that it's just a cruise and you roll into St Andrews thinking of cups of tea.

Features:

• B&Bs / Hotels Nearby
• Circular Route
• Full Day Ride
• Part National Cycle Network
• Route To Link Up With Others
• Route With Bar Meals
• Route With Place To Visit
• Route With Tea Room
• Several Day Ride
• Train Station

Additional Features:

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