Walk 289 - Aberdour to Burntisland - July 2024

On a hot summer’s day, I know it’s hard to believe, twelve Strollers met at Aberdour railway station to walk along the Fife coastal path to Burntisland.

Setting off down Shore Road we went to the harbour admiring the golden sands, lovely views out to Inchcolm and back across the Forth to Edinburgh. Crossing the Dour Burn we headed off along the path towards Hawkcraig and turned up Dougals Road, which had been built, using pick, shovel and dynamite, by a resident in the 70s to give better access to the houses there.

From here we went through the car park down to Silver Sands and a stop for ‘brunch’ at the nice cafe there. Being the school holidays the beach was thronged with families and school parties. The good weather was obviously bringing everyone out.

We re-joined the path looking out for seals basking, with no joy, as we walked and along to the Starley Burn Waterfall. The odd colour of the rocks is due to the lime content of the water. Continuing along the path to Burntisland we passed all the new housing occupying what was once the site of the Alcan aluminium works. We turned right up the hill to Rossend Castle, then it was down through the old town gate passing the site of the Burntisland Shipyard, which now deals with undersea cables, and into the High Street.

Time for a coffee or ice cream and then back home to enjoy the rest of the sunshine, or take in the funfair on the links. 

Thanks to Drew for the walk and hoping the weather is as good next time.

 

Outing to Mellerstain - 10 July 2024

We weren’t doing a long distance trip this month so the bus load of 35 left at the later time of 10am. A last minute change of venue had to be made a Thirlestane Castle cancelled. Barbara persuaded the organiser at Mellerstain to let us visit on a day they would normally be closed.

Because Mellerstain is in the same area we stopped as planned at Carfraemill for coffee and ‘the best scones ever!’. The girls there were friendly and efficient so we kept to our time schedule.

On to Mellerstain with David, our driver, squeezing the bus through the gate without a scratch on the bus. The two guides, Jill and Morag, welcomed us and we split into two groups. One group visited the gardens for half an hour before their tour.

We had been to Mellerstain in 2012 so many folk had never been before. Even with a return visit we all found the house beautiful. Both guides are knowledgeable and entertaining so our tour (an hour and a half) flew by. Some people had difficulty with the stairs but braved them right to the top. It was worth it.

At 2pm we travelled on to Kelso where we all spread out for a little shopping or whatever! 

We arrived at the Stair Arms Hotel in time to settle in a lovely dining room before high tea was served at 5pm. The staff there were also friendly and efficient. We enjoyed our meal and there was plenty laughter in the room. 

Our drive back home was lovely because the weather was still good. We did notice, however, that Edinburgh had been washed again while we had our superb day out in the Borders.