Local Activities
Transcription
Local Activities
[Year] Local Activities Events and activities for all the family in and around Fife Contents Adventure ...........................................................................................3 Fishing ................................................................................................5 Gardens and Beaches ..........................................................................7 Golf Courses and Golf Tours ...........................................................19 Hair and Beauty ................................................................................24 Historical Attractions ........................................................................16 Horse Riding .....................................................................................26 Museums and Galleries ....................................................................26 Off- Road ..........................................................................................28 Walkings ...........................................................................................29 Watersports .......................................................................................30 2 Adventure Cluny Clays Cluny Clays is one of the fantastic attractions set in the rolling Fife countryside, with top of the range facilities for numerous activities and sports, as well as purpose built meeting and conference facilities. If you are looking for an active family day out, shooting in Fife or if you have friends visiting Cluny Clays has something for everyone including; Clay Pigeon Shooting With over 30 clay pigeon traps set up in a sporting target layout that includes a 70' tower Cluny’s has targets suitable for beginners and experienced game and clay shooters In addition they have Olympic and English skeet layouts and Down the Line shooting. For beginners, and visitors who don't have a shotgun certificate, Cluny Clay offers a 20 shot 'starter' or a 10 shot 'taster'. All 'starters' and 'tasters' include instruction, gun hire, clays, cartridges, shooting jackets, and eye and ear protection. Experienced shooters with shotgun certificates are required to register beforehand but have access to ranges covered and set up with compact sporting targets. Air Riffle Shooting Cluny’s air-rifle shooting range is great for families, mums and dads to learn the basics of safe rifle shooting and enjoy target shooting. There are 11 lanes each with an automatic target changers plus knock over targets. The air-rifles that we use are fully equipped with a telescopic sight and available for left and right-handed people. Knock over static targets, make pellets fly and challenge your rivals for the bullseye. Archery Whether you are experienced or not Cluny Clays have packages for both. Bring your own equipment or hire equipment from them or have one of the professional instructors talk you through it. A Cluny instructor will safely have you hitting the bullseye from different distances using a recurve bow. For more experienced and club archers who have their own equipment you can book a hall for private sessions. 3 Cluny Kids Cluny Clays offers great facilities for families and kids from beginners Clay Pigeon shooting and junior Golf lessons to Cluny’s adventure park and indoor play area. A great opportunity for parents to play with their children, the adventure park features; Bouncing cushions for the under 5's Bouncing cushions for over 5's and grown up's Straw Mountain Kids maze Ziplines Low ropes obstacle course Kiddies electric trikes Dens & Hides Picnic tables Also featured are climbing walls, inflatable slides and trampolines making Cluny Kids a great place to run wild. Elite Falconry Scotland Elite Falconry provides the opportunity to experience the art of hunting wild quarry in its natural state using a trained bird of prey. At this centre they train hawks, falcons, eagles, vultures and owls to fly and behave in a trained and controlled state while retaining their natural instincts and behaviour. This ensures your experience day, flying demonstration, corporate event or pest control services are of the very highest standard. This centre is not open to the general public. Everything they do is designed around prebooked guests having 100% of their attention for their experience and to focus their time to maximise the time spent handling and flying the birds they meet. For those who do wish to go hunting, they give short training session and safety briefing on site. Then take you in their Land Rovers to the hunting grounds to ensure a superb day of sport. Newton Hill Country Sports Located at Wormit, Newton Hill offers visitors the opportunity to fly fishing in their 5 acre loch brimming with natural brown trout and clay pigeon shoot. Open all year round for open shoots, corporate days or just individual practice, all you have to do is call and book a time. Beginners are especially welcome, and full instruction is provided by trained instructors. Guns and ammunition are provided if required. 4 Virgin Balloon Flights The peninsular of Fife is a fantastic region over which to launch majestically into the skies in a hot air balloon. Rising up from Falkland Golf Club from your balloon basket you will see breathtaking views of Her Majesty the Queen’s Royal Palace of Falkland. Once airborne you can expect to see the Ochil and Lomond Hills, the North Sea and the Firth of Forth let alone some of the 48 conservation areas within this stunning county. Let your imagination run free as you drift serenely with the wind over some of Scotland’s most captivating countryside. Offering a variety of deals from romantic packages for two to group flights, Virgin balloons can guarantee a breath taking experience and a feeling of freedom that is totally unique with a champagne toast after landing. 5 Fishing Goldenloch Fishing Newburgh The Goldenloch is a family friendly fly only fishing, set in the beautiful countryside of North Fife, Established in 1985, that's 26 years experience looking after anglers of all ages. Fly fishing as a sport is one of life's most rewarding experiences and this loch provides you the perfect opportunity, you only have to bring yourself, and a little bit of patience, with help on hand for the inexperienced fisherman. Goldenloch also offers tuition sessions for the amateur or novice with all equipment provided. Tuition sessions are booked in advance. Goldenloch Pier Lochore Meadows Situated in Crosshill Lochgelly, this 260 acre loch in the middle of the Lochore Meadows Country Park is well stocked with brown and rainbow trout for both bank and boat fishing. The loch is also used by sailors, canoeists and occasionally windsurfers however the west half of the loch is reserved for angling only. Cameron Reservoir The man-made reservoir is approx ¾ of a mile long and up to 250 yards wide, and was originally used to supply water to the surrounding area. No longer used for this purpose, the reservoir provides excellent natural feeding and this is reflected in the quality of the fish caught. Due to the abundant natural fly-life and the reservoirs shallow nature floating lines and imitative flies are popular tactics with anglers. The water is stocked with breeding-quality Cameron Reservoir Brown trout and Rainbow trout. Lomond Hills Fisheries Located near Leslie, Glenrothes the fisheries, with three reservoirs, offers top quality boat and bank fly fishing in the middle of the Fife Regional Park. For the fly fishing enthusiast 6 Lomond Hills Fisheries provide a wonderful opportunity to test your skill, and fishing tackle, to the limit. Whether you chose early season sunk line fishing with lures to spring and summer float lining with traditional dries, buzzers and other imitative patterns the fishery always proves to be a real sporting challenge. The River Eden Running through Cupar the River Eden is a 20 mile long river with increasing numbers of salmon and some sea trout. There is a 15 miles double bank controlled by the Eden Angling Association and fishing is best in September and October. Heatheryford Trout Fishery This well established fishery has 3 fishing lochans of 10 acres, stocked weekly with rainbows and brown trout perfect for a tranquil day out surrounded by beautiful scenery in the Kinross area. Some 8000 good quality hard fighting fish are stocked annually by stocking on a weekly basis ensuring a healthy supply of fish in a variety of sizes and difficulties to be caught. Single fly and barbless hooks are preferred. There is no catch & release if fishing with BOOBY NYMPH. For those wishing a relaxed day of fishing, Heatheryford’s beautiful surroundings View from Heatheryford Bank are an idyllic place to simply sit on the bank with a single line in the water and await a bite from the depths. 7 Gardens and Beaches Aberdour Silversands This delightful tree-lined beach with its seasonal cafe, picnic area, showers and adjoining park is deservedly one of the most popular in Fife. It is only a short walk from the Aberdour station. If you are coming by car, there is a large car park hidden away among the trees some 50 metres back from the beach. Disabled parking is provided right beside the shore. Aberdour itself is steeped in history and has itself many wonderful buildings to view. Aberdour Silversands Anstruther Billowness Beach A small sheltered beach just beyond the Anstruther Golf Course club house, it this award winning beach has rock pools on either side and is backed by a mass of pink rugosa roses. A hidden gem along the coast, Billowness beach boasts beautiful views all year round. Burntisland Beach This white sandy beach with its promenade is just to the east of Burntisland. At low tide a great expanse of flat sand is exposed and it possible to walk from here all the way across the sands to Kinghorn. Behind the beach and railway line is a play area with crazy golf and a bouncy castle. The Beacon Leisure Centre with 25m pool, flumes and a wave machine is nearby. Cambo Estate Gardens Located near Kingbarns this large romantic Victorian walled garden is designed around the Cambo burn with weeping willows, waterfall and rose-clad wrought-iron bridges. Naturalistic plantings of rare and interesting herbaceous perennials add to the informal atmosphere of the garden. Crail Harbour Beach This small sheltered beach lies just to the west of the old harbour. Car parking is off the main street, with a short walk down to the shore. On the beach beside the harbour, there are fossilised trees related to Horsetails, dating back to the Carboniferous geological period and in the town itself Dark Age preserved slabs in the Parish Kirk. 8 Crail Roome Bay This attractive little beach is at the bottom of some low cliffs the east of Crail. It can be reached by a footpath down past the 16th Century doocot or along the path from the old harbour. Elie Earlsferry Beach A delightful beach it links the historic burghs of Elie and Earlsferry. At low tide this is one great expanse of flat sand. When the tide is in the water comes right up to the Elie houses and the only way along the shore is via the main street. At the western Earlsferry end, with its colourful beach huts and sand dunes, there is ample room whatever the tide. Earlshall Castle Gardens Situated at Leuchars these fascinating gardens next to the castle were laid out along the lines of a 17th century design by Robert Lorimer in 1890. There is a particularly fine topiary. Elie Harbour Beach A sheltered beach, it is famous for its cricket matches held here (at low tide) on alternate Sundays between May and September. The harbour with its massive former granary is the home of Elie Water sports. They offer a range of courses and activities and also hire out boats, canoes, kayaks and even mountain bikes. Elie Ruby Bay This sheltered beach just below the car park gains its name from the occasional garnets that are found here. Behind the bay is the prominent Lady's Tower; it was built in the 1770s as a summer house changing room for Lady Janet Anstruther of Elie House. It was said that when she went swimming in Ruby Bay a bell ringer was sent round the town to ensure that people kept away. Kingsbarns Beach A most rewarding beach, it stretches for about a mile along the coast with a series of coves and small beaches. Even on a busy day it is easy to get away from the crowds. Almost hidden among the rocks and buried in the sand are the remains of an old harbour. There has been a harbour of sorts here since the 16th Century. It was extended by Robert Stevenson in 1813 and served as a shore station during the construction of the Isle of May lighthouse. Lady’s Tower Ruby Bay, Elie 9 Kinghorn Beach This attractive beach in the historic burgh of Kinghorn has a harbour on one side and a lifeboat station on the other. The station is one of the busiest in Scotland with the lifeboat being towed down the beach and launched by tractor. Lower Largo Beach A wide sandy beach with rocks lower down the shore, it runs just below the houses of Lower Largo, an attractive village and the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk. Selkirk was a member of several buccaneer expeditions to the South Seas in the early 1700s. Cast away on an uninhabited island off Chile he survived for 4 years before being rescued and becoming the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's book 'Robinson Crusoe'. Pettycur Beach A large beach with a vast expanse of flat sand at low tide, it stretches all the way from Kinghorn to Burntisland. It is well known as the venue of the annual Black Rock '5'Race when up to 800 competitors run from Kinghorn across the sands and around the Black Rock, a rock that at high tide lies a mile offshore. St Andrews East Sands The award winning East Sands is the more intimate of St Andrews two great beaches. It is a short distance from both the cathedral and the castle and can be reached by a bridge across the harbour. From this beach you can enjoy fishing, windsurfing, surfing, swimming and canoeing. St Andrews West Sands One of Scotland’s most popular and famous beaches this superb 2 mile stretch of sand is just a short walk from the centre of town. The hard flat sand on the lower beach is great for walking and running on – it was here that the opening sequence for the Oscar winning Chariots of Fire was shot. St Andrews West Sands Tentsmuir Sands This superb beach stretches north for 5 miles from the mouth of the River Eden to the Tay estuary. Signposted off the A92, the beach is reached by a road through Tentsmuir Forest 10 ending at a large informal car park with a good information centre, picnic area and a small play park. From here paths lead out across low dunes to the beach where you can find a surprising number of seashells. At the northern end you will have a good chance of spotting both grey and common seals hauled out on the sand banks. 11 Golf Courses and Gold Tours Anstruther Golf Club Anstruther Golf Club was founded in 1890 and has seen many changes over the years. The initial layout comprised 7 holes with trenches through the middle of the course and poles scattered over the greens to stop gliders landing during the war. In more peaceful times the course was extended to an excellent 9 holes which is kept in superb condition throughout the year. The course is located 9 miles south of St Andrews and stretches along the shoreline between Anstruther and Pittenweem. The spectacular views over Anstruther Harbour and out to the Isle of May, Bass rock and south west to Edinburgh are simply breathtaking. Golfers should beware of Anstruther Golf Club’s version of Amen corner which comprises a series of 3 challenging par 3’s starting with The Rockies voted the toughest par 3 in the UK! View from Anstruther Golf Course Burntlsland Golf House Club An inland 18 holed course with lovely views over River Forth designed by Willie Park (Jnr) and James Braid, this testing course has generous fairways but some tricky par 3s. Straight driving and accurate irons are required. Charleton Golf Club Collinsburgh Parkland course in the middle of the Charleton estate with spectacular views of the Firth of Forth said to be one of the most attractive golf courses in Fife. Crail Golfing Society Founded in 1786 Crail is the 7th oldest golf club in the world. The club has two great links courses with superb views over the North Sea. Elie Golf House Course Golf has been played here since the 17th century and James Braid learned to play here. Excellent holiday golf course on links with almost no trees and situated in the beautiful East Neuk of Fife. Kingsbarns Golf Links This championship-standard traditional links course, with spacious fairways and great sea views from every hole, has a well earned reputation as one of Scotland's top golf courses. 12 St Andrews Bay Golf Resort Overlooking St Andrews the resort boasts two championship standard courses, the Delvin and the Torrance. These two cliff-top courses, in a traditional links style, offer a superb golfing experience. St Andrews Duke Golf Course The Old Course Hotel's championship Duke’s Course boasts a spectacular setting above St Andrews making it the only heathland course in the 'home of golf' and a refreshing alternative to the links courses. Carefully designed to complement the beautiful countryside and make the most of the stunning views over St Andrews, the beaches and the sea, the course presents a challenge to golfers at every level. Its style ranks alongside the great inland challenges which demand accuracy and inventive play as well as power golf. And with five separate tee positions at every hole, The Duke's has the flexibility and challenge to appeal to St Andrews Duke Golf Course golfers at every level, with the venue being chosen to host the 2014 International European Amateur Championship, one of the 4 Majors in the world of Amateur golf. St Andrews Links Golf Academy Offering individual instruction including a programme specific to those tackling the St Andrews Links Courses, a visit to the St Andrews Links Golf Academy is must. Hone your short game skills in the practise area including replica Hell’s Bunker or improve your drive in one of our 60 flood lit bays. St Andrews Links St Andrews is the legendary Home of Golf. The British Open has been played here in Fife 28 times and now returns on a five year rotation. Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are all among the golfing superstars to have won on the landmark Old Course, perhaps the most famous course in the world. It is still a public course, though you must enter the ballot for a slot. St Andrews Links Trust also operates another five courses, together forming the largest golfing complex in Europe. 13 Hair and Beauty Chesterhill Therapies Chesterhill Therapies provides a wide range of relaxing facial & massage treatments in warm and comfortable surroundings designed to make you feel good. Located in the centre of St Andrews, the friendly and experienced staff welcomes customers of both sexes and all ages. They offer one-off and courses of treatments and special packages for special occasions and for those times when you just need pampering including; Facial Treatments – Offering either a Clarins Aromatic Facial or Tri-Active facial which both deliver instant results. The therapists will guide you to which facial will suit you best to achieve maximum results. Body Treatments - Clarins offer a variety of treatments designed to buff, detox, nourish and sculpt the body. Choose from their Spa Experience Wraps and Salt Scrubs, Signature Massage, Tri-Active Body and The Sun Glow treatments. Massage - Relax, de-stress and feel healthier. Massage treatments include: Swedish and Hot Stone Massages, Aromatherapy massage or Reflexology. Nails- Get strong, healthy and beautiful nails with a selection of manicure and pedicure treatments, or for those special occasions when your nails need to look perfect why not try Backscratchers Nail Extensions. Make-up – Chesterhill provides a make-up service caters for everyday make-up and special occasions. They offer make-up one to one lessons for the less confident. Waxing - A full range of waxing treatments are available including, leg, arm, underarm & bikini as well as back & chest waxing for men Quick, convenient and inexpensive. Or why not treat yourself to one of our intimate waxings - Brazilian, Playboy, Californian or Hollywood - the choice is yours. Spray Tanning - get ready for summer with a deep flawless tan that is achieved in minutes and lasts for days with the Sudo Spray Tan system and achieve an all over healthy glow. 14 Esquire Barber Shop Esquire Barbershop, situated by the harbour in Anstruther, in the East Neuk of Fife, offers Precision Cuts, Hot Towel Shaves and stocks Alvarez Gomez, Taylor Of Old Bond Street and Proraso shaving creams, balms and colognes. Alongside the range of shaving brushes and razors, Esquire has also created an exclusive range, for men, of fantastic styling products including Fibre Creme, Pommade and Shampoo. Fairmont Spa St Andrews Atop a Scottish cliff, inspired by land and sea, and infused with Celtic lore of magic and myths, the Spa at Fairmont St Andrews awaits. At the state-of-the art Spa hotel, you'll enjoy all the amenities of the largest health Spas in Scotland, but with Fairmont's world-renown service and attention to detail. Some of the more popular treatments at the Fairmont are; St Andrews Golfer’s Treatment Pure Lochside consulted with a golf biomechanics specialist to create a series of stretches which are incorporated into this golf stretch treatment. Muscle soothing anti-inflammatory blends are expertly massaged into the body, concentrating on the muscle groups used in golf. The invigorating treatment loosens up the muscles and helps retain posture during the back swing movement. A steamed cloth and a deep breath of Scottish Spearmint and lemongrass is used to complete this treatment ready for the perfect round of golf. Scottish Tranquil Journey Treatment Experience the delicious scent of locally grown highland pine and organic Scottish Oatmeal leading to the aromatic sugar body polish. Cocoon in warm clay to condition the skin before the top to toe massage with essence of exotic sweet benzoin, orange and grapefruit. This experience incorporates organic cleanse and pressure point massage with antiageing benefits. The journey is completed with Fairmont Tranquillity Tea served in our local created pottery. The skin is left soft and nourished while the mind and body are calmed and soothed. St Andrews Signature Massage The luxurious massage begins with an aromatherapy scent selection for this holistic treatment while tired feet are rested in an aromatherapy foot bath. A relaxing head massage follows the deep cleanse along with a face massage incorporating orange, rosehip and Vitamin E. The experience is completed with a therapeutic full body massage with rich nourishing 15 aromatic balms which melt into the skin leaving it deeply nourished, enriched and glowing. The body is relaxed and rejuvenated. Lisa Kerr Hairdressing Located on the shore front of beautiful Anstruther Lisa Kerr studio provides friendly professional service at affordable prices. Catering for both men and women this salon specialises not only in cut and colour but also wedding hair and stylised hair for those special occasions. So-Glamorous So-Glamorous Hair and Beauty Salon is a friendly, family run business located in the charming East Neuk town of Anstruther in Fife. The contemporary salon is modern yet welcoming and comfortable. They offer a full range of the latest up-to-date hairdressing, beauty and nail treatments to customers of both sexes and all ages with the ultimate aim to have our clients leave the salon looking glamorous and feeling relaxed. To compliment their treatments they have an extensive range of hair, beauty and nail products available to purchase from. 16 Historic Attractions Abbot House and Heritage Centre This distinctive historic building is now an award winning attraction telling the story of Dunfermline, located in Dunfermline's oldest building and offering a picture of the town's past from Pictish times to the present. Set in its own gorgeous gardens a stone’s throw from a royal palace, monastery and abbey where Scotland’s great hero king, Robert Bruce, is buried, Abbot House is the perfect place to explore Dunfermline’s remarkable story at the heart of Scottish history. Aberdour Castle The 13th century fortified residence of Abbot House Dunfermline Aberdour was extended by the Douglases in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. It boasts a delightful walled garden and terraces with beehive-shaped dovecot. The oldest parts of this castle date back to 1200 making it one of the oldest dateable castles in Scotland. Arbroath Abbey Founded in 1178 for monks of the Tironensian order by King William the Lion, Arbroath Abbey is famous in Scottish history for its association with the Declaration of Arbroath, in which Scotland’s nobles swore their independence from England. Now mainly ruins, a combination of the stones being raided soon after the reformation and natural decay, the Abbey still has its distinctive stone towers and spires and its distinctive red sandstone glow. Craigmillar Castle A well preserved medieval castle, Craigmillar has a tower house, courtyard and gardens. Craigmillar’s story is linked with that of Mary Queen of Scots who stayed here following an illness after the birth of her son. Shortly before leaving a pact known as the Craigmillar Bond was made to dispose of her husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. The central tower house, or keep, is surrounded by a 15th-century courtyard wall with particularly fine defensive features. Within this are additional ranges and the whole is enclosed by an outer courtyard wall containing a chapel and a doocot. Constructed on a crag of rock on the crown of Craigmillar Castle 17 the hill, Craigmillar Castle is a fine example of a traditional Scottish keep build using the natural defences of the surrounding area. Culross Palace This small royal burgh on the north shore of the Forth provides a striking introduction to Scottish domestic life in the 16th and 17th centuries. Culross was then a thriving community with a flourishing trade with the Forth ports and the Low Countries. Built between 1597 and 1611 for the then laird Sir George Bruce, many of the materials used in the construction of the palace were obtained during the course of Bruce’s foreign trade. Baltic pine, red pantiles and Dutch floor tiles and glass were all used. The exterior boasts the use of crow-stepped gables, including a statue of a veiled woman posing on the gablestep. The palace features interiors, with decoration, mural and ceiling paintings 17th Culross Palace and Gardens and 18th century furniture and fine collections of Staffordshire and Scottish pottery. Dunfermline Palace and Abbey The great abbey of Dunfermline was founded in the 11th century by Queen Margaret and the foundations of the original building lie under the stunning 12th century Romanesque style nave. The Abbey Church is the last resting place of many Scottish kings and queens. The palace was once a Scottish Royal Palace with many monarchs residing there during their reign with many royal children being born within its walls. All that remains of the palace today is the kitchen, its cellars, and the impressive south wall with a commanding prospect over the Firth of Forth to the south. Edinburgh Castle Sited on top of an extinct volcano, gaining stunning views across City of Edinburgh, the castle has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history. Dominating Scotland's capital city its story has helped shape the nation's story. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been and inspired by it. Falkland Palace Experience a day in the life of the Stuart monarchs at Falkland Palace, their country residence for 200 years – and a favourite place of Mary, Queen of Scots. Set in the heart of Falkland conservation village, and surrounded by extensive gardens, this partly restored Renaissance palace is the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Part of the castle has crumbled, but there’s still plenty to discover inside the surviving sections. The original and reconstructed rooms are packed with 17th-century Flemish tapestries, elaborate painted ceilings and antique furnishings. 18 The beautiful, tranquil grounds are worth a visit alone. They’re home to the oldest real tennis court in Britain, built for King James V during his reign. Hill of Tarvit House Hill of Tarvit is one of Scotland’s finest Edwardian Mansion houses, replete with a splendid collection of antiques, furniture, Chinese porcelain and superb paintings by Sir Henry Raeburn and Allan Ramsay. Falkland Palace and Gardens The original 17th-century Wemyss House was remodelled in 1906 by Sir Robert Lorimer for wealthy jute manufacturer Frederick Sharp to showcase his outstanding collection of French, Chippendale-style and locally influenced furniture, porcelain and art accumulated by several generations of the prosperous Sharp family. Surrounding Hill of Tarvit are some 113 hectares (279 acres) of gardens, woods, open heath and parkland to explore. Robert Lorimer also designed the landscaped gardens, with formal lawns, yew hedging, flowering borders and a sunken rose garden. Inchcolm Abbey David I established a priory here which became an abbey in 1235. It is now the bestpreserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. Inchholm is home to medieval stone screens inside the bell tower, rare survivals of medieval church fixtures and rare medieval fresco’s from the 13th Century. The abbeys cloister is remarkably complete and perfectly conveying the atmosphere of monastic life. Kellie Castle Kellie Castle in Fife dates from as early as the 14th century and has magnificent plaster ceilings, painted panelling and fine furniture designed by Sir Robert Lorimer. It also contains a long-concealed mural by the celebrated Arts & Crafts pioneer, Phoebe Anna Traquair. The grounds and garden could easily be a day out in themselves, with acres of woodland walks, a bird hide and an abundance of nature. The Arts & Crafts garden is packed with beautiful borders of old-fashioned roses and herbaceous plants, as well as fruit and vegetables all grown organically. Kellie Castle and Gardens 19 Lochleven Castle This late 14th or early 15th century tower was the setting for the most traumatic year in the life of Mary Queen of Scots. It was here in 1567 that she was imprisoned and forced to abdicate before her dramatic escape a year later. Visitors can enjoy the fragrance from the large beds of pink purslane in the south and east wooded walks from April to July. Scotland Secret Bunker Scotland's secret underground nuclear command bunker is a unique experience for the whole family. This amazing labyrinth, built 100 feet below ground, and encased in 15 feet of reinforced concrete, is where central government and military commanders would have run the country had the UK been attacked and nuclear war broken out. The innocent looking farmhouse building has concealed the entrance to the secret bunker for over 40 years located at Troywood St Andrews. St Andrews Castle On a headland to the north of St Andrews stand the ruins of the city’s castle, the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews, the focal point of the Church in Medieval Scotland. Throughout its history the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt many times as it changed hands between the English and the Scottish during the bloody feuds and was used as a notorious prison. Still visible today are the remains of the bottle neck dungeon, the dank and airless pit cut out of the solid rock St Andrews Castle beneath the north-west tower. Deep underneath the walls of the castle, the remains of siege mines and counter siege mines can still be explored, hand dug out from the rock foundations during the Castles bloody past. St Andrews Cathedral The remains of what was Scotland’s largest and most magnificent church still show how impressive St Andrews Cathedral must have been in its prime with some of Scotland’s most complete example of medieval precinct walls. The Cathedral Museum holds an outstanding collection of early-Christian and medieval carved stones as well as a fine collection of postReformation memorials. Pride of place in the cathedral grounds is the St Andrews sarcophagus, a masterpiece of 8th-century Pictish sculpture. 20 Isle of May The Isle of May is a remarkable island which lies only 5 miles off the Fife coast and is an important National Nature Reserve owned and run by the Scottish Natural Heritage. Christened the jewel of the Forth by Anstruther Pleasure Cruises many years ago for good reason, this is truly a beautiful Island, peaceful with stunning views everywhere. Renowned for its wildlife and birds which include eiders, puffins, guillemots and razorbills but also the breeding colony of grey seals, the offshore reefs and small fishes surviving on them and the plants that grow on the cliffs. The first human settlers arrived in Fife about 8,000 years ago and made good use of the May Island for fishing and seal hunting, the earliest find of human activity that has so far been found on the Isle is a piece of pottery dated 2,000 B C, ancient flint arrow heads have also been found. It seems that long before Christianity the island had some religious significance, this serene austere island certainly lends itself to peaceful thoughts. It is thought that the island name comes from the Norsemen who called the island Maa Oy, which is norse for gull island. Wildlife on the Isle of May 21 Horse Riding Kilconquhar Estate Riding Stables Located near Elie, Kilconquhar estate is set in over 100 acres of woodland. All standards and ages catered for, using a wide variety of horses and ponies to meet individual needs. Approved by the British Horse Society and the Trekking and Riding Society, Kilconquhar is a main centre for the Riding for the Disabled Association and also has a Tack Shop catering for all your equestrian needs. A trek or hack is a great way to see the Estate as you are guided through woodland tracks and trails rides. Alternatively, a lesson from a qualified instructor could improve your skills in the outdoor arena. Barbarafield Riding Centre Situated at Craigrothie near Cupar, Barbarafield offers hacking on farm land in the Howe of Fife with views of the Lomond hills. The hacks go through the 300-plus acres of farmland owned by the Berwick family and the ride can be split into groups in the fields so as the experienced riders can get a canter round the field while the novices or beginners can take a short cut for a walk and a trot to catch up. Instruction is given as and when required. For the little ones, we have our half-hour instructional hack which is a nice introduction to horse riding. The half-hour lesson and half hour hacks are very popular with adults and children as you experience and learn a little of everything. abit of both. Wester Deanhead Equestrian Centre Set in the district of Fife, is one of the premier riding schools in Scotland, and is the ideal place to learn to ride or to improve on existing skills. This 100-acre equestrian centre is situated amongst breathtaking hills with easy access to the beautiful, tranquil and traffic-free Blairadam forests. Our purpose built equestrian facilities are staffed by friendly, helpful horse lovers who are qualified A.I.s, and we have a large range of horses to suit all abilities. We offer horse riding lessons with your own horse, or we can provide horses for loan on a short and long term basis. We also offer livery, stabling, pony trekking, hacking, and summer 22 pony camps, as well as catering for the breaking and schooling of problem horses, training for affiliated and unaffiliated show jumping, and instruction in the sport of Le Trec Kinaldy Equestrian Centre St Andrews Kinaldy provides riders with the opportunity to try safe hacking on country roads and farmland trails from qualified registered instructors. The centre also features an arena with show jumps for those more experienced though instruction is available. 23 Museums and Galleries British Golf Museum St Andrews A visit to the British Golf Museum will transport you down a pathway of surprising facts and striking feats from 500 years of golf history. The museum holds over 16,000 items from equipment, decorative art, film, photographs and archives. The displays and archives are enhanced by unique loan collections from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and The Women Golfers’ Museum. The entire collection is a Recognised Collection of National Significance, formally acknowledged as being of great importance to the life and culture of Scotland, and internationally significant. Traditional Golf Club Craft Displays Families who visit the Museum are encouraged to take our Children’s Guide which enables younger visitors to discover the history of golf in a simple, fun and clear way. They also have trails for younger children that highlight some of the interesting objects in the collection. Crail Museum and Heritage Centre The Museum provides insight into the past life of this ancient Royal Burgh, its Kirk, seafaring tradition, 220 year-old golf club and Airfield history. Crail has been a prosperous and important trading and fishing port since the 12th century, and its picturesque harbour is one of the most frequent images in Scottish calendars and guides. Today there is still fishing from the harbour for crab and lobster which have a reputation for quality. The Burgh is surrounded by excellent farming land. Fife Folk Museum Located in the small historic burgh of Ceres, this collection has been built up over more than 30 years to include agriculture and craft tools, costumes, toys and games, pottery, paintings and much more. Generous donations from all over Fife include everything from dolls' prams to farm carts, mousetraps to man-traps, bars of soap to bicycles. The museum is based in a set of buildings including the original tollbooth of the burgh, which dates from the 1600s, and a row of weavers’ cottages. If your visit sparks off a deeper interest in the history of Fife, the museum's library, Examples of traditional farming equipment 24 local history archive and photographic collection can be seen by appointment with the curator. Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery Kirkcaldy museum features superb collections of 19th and 20th century Scottish paintings, award-winning permanent local history exhibition and a lively changing exhibition programme. The museum offers a gallery shop and café. Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum The Museum at Meigle displays 26 Pictish carved stones dating from the late eighth to the late tenth centuries. Making up one of the most important collections of early medieval sculpture in Western Europe, they are all that survives of a centre of Pictish wealth and patronage Seen in the collection is the Cross-slab, the oldest stone in the collection, late 8th century and covered with Pictish symbols, horsemen and animals. Another cross slab dates from 9th-century and details a prayer cross that once stood beside the entrance into the churchyard. Famous amongst the collection is a detailed recumbent grave slab ornately and enigmatically decorated with animals and birds, horsemen and naked humans. These are all rare architectural fragments as no Pictish church architecture survives, so these fragments from Meigle are particularly important. They point to a building of some sophistication. Pictish Artwork Museum of Communication Burntisland Specialising in communications technology from the pre-electric optical telegraph used in the Napoleonic Wars to the latest state-of-the-art web cams and cameras for mobile phones. The Museum houses a collection of artefacts covering electrostatics, telegraphy, telephony, audio, radio, television and video as well as some early experimental radar and satellites. Scottish Fisheries Museum Spectacularly situated on the harbour front in Anstruther, this award-winning museum tells the story of fishing in Scotland and its people from earliest times to the present. Housed in two historic buildings and with its own boatyard, the museum’s fascinating collection includes 18 boats. 25 Off-road Cluny Clays Kirkcaldy Cluny Clays is a family run centre set in beautiful rolling countryside, and catering for individuals of all ages, and groups of all sizes. There is traditional landrover driving for children, and reverse steer landrover for adults; Honda pilot racing and quad bike trekking are also available by appointment for larger groups. The facilities are backed up by a large clubhouse with its licensed restaurant, snack bar, and coffee lounge serving delicious home baking. Crail Raceway Crail Airfield is a multi-function venue used for numerous activities. Crail’s main event is the run what you brung 1/4 Mile Cluny Clay’s Off-Road Driving racing events, open to all comers for taking part or just to watch the action, plenty to do and see for all. Fortnightly from February to November Crail also hosts a Thrash and Dash, with many of the top Motoring Magazines covering these events. Craigluscar Activities Craigluscar Activities is the place to go for a range of fun and exciting outdoor experiences. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Craigluscar Hill and its community woodland, there is something for everyone, including quad biking and clay pigeon shooting. Offering outdoor activities for individuals, families and groups, corporate or private entertainment Craigluscar guarantees that their friendly team will give you a day to remember. All safety equipment is provided as standard although you are required to dress warmly Fastrax Dunfermline Off-road driving centre for rallying, Honda Pilot racing, quad bike trekking and 4x4 driving. From a summer’s evening racing Rage Buggies around the most extreme circuit in the UK to a weekend sliding Honda Pilots sideways on the grass, or maybe you are more into taking one of our 45 Grizzly Quad Bikes for a week day trek, pitching yourself against some mega terrain and deep bogs. Fastrax also provides activities 26 Fastrax Rage Buggies for kids. As soon as your child sets eyes on the vehicles, whether it’s quad biking or rally karts, they’ll be going mad to get behind the controls. The 8-12 year olds format is noncompetitive and everyone’s a winner. The 13-16 year olds have a more competitive event. Knockhill Racing Circuit Located near Dunfermline, Knockhill offers Race/rally cars, 4x4s, skid centre, on-road defensive driving, karting, quads, pilots, motorcycle school and a range of motorsport events. Knockhill is famous for hosting top motorsport events in the UK; British Touring Cars, British Superbikes and The Scottish Motorshow. As well as amazing racing action, Knockhill is a busy place 7 days a week operating Driving Experiences, Corporate Entertainment and Team Building Events, Driver Training, Karting and Trackdays. Knockhill prides itself with the reputation as the friendly circuit with an open and inclusive attitude towards motorsport offering visitors the opportunity to drive classic and sports cars around their famous and challenging track. Scottish Off-road Driving Centre Strathmiglo Scotland’s most dramatic hilltop 4x4 driving site with lots of deep water, treacherous bogs full of deep sticky glutinous mud and steep hair raising descents to test your nerve on. It is action packed adrenaline pumping 4x4 driving and you will drive our especially prepared off road Safari Land Rovers. We have awesome panoramic views over Fife, south Perthshire and across the river Forth. The driving area is a proper wilderness full of trees and bushes with an abundance of wildlife to see as well. You will receive a free certificate and car sticker after your driving. 27 Walking Fife Coastal Path The Fife Coastal Path runs from the Forth Estuary in the south, to the Tay Estuary in the north and stretches for 117 miles. With over 150 kms of shoreline the Fife Coastal Path will take you on a journey discovering its hidden gems. Whether you are interested in biodiversity, history, archaeology, religion, geology, industrial and military heritage, architecture or just good old fashion recreation, the path will lead you on your own voyage of discovery. From the cosmopolitan atmosphere of St. Andrews to the former coal mining towns of central Fife; from the small fishing villages of the East Neuk to the bustling industrial areas of the west, rugged cliffs, award winning beaches, internationally important estuaries and wildlife reserves, walking the Fife Coastal Path is an experience not to be missed. Whether you are looking for peace and tranquillity or action and adventure the Fife Coastal Path can offer you this and much, much more with some spectacular sites along the way such as; North Queensferry to Burntisland - 13 miles On your first day, the path leads past Deep Sea World to the Carlingnose Wildlife Reserve. You then pass through the town of Inverkeithing and hug the coastline up to St Davids harbour and Downing Point. Great panoramic views can be captured from here and look out for the historic gun emplacements. The path continues past the ruins of St Bridget’s Kirk into Aberdour and then up through the Blue Flag beaches of Burntisland. Aberdour Castle is a beautiful historic building to visit on this leg of the journey. Dating from 1200 it Aberdour Castle 28 makes this one of the oldest datable standing castles in Scotland and has been preserved and restored beautifully showcasing exquisite walled in gardens and magnificent stone towers. Burntisland to Leven - 15 miles From Pettycur Bay in Kinghorn you follow the path up to Kirkcaldy through areas of volcanic activity from over 300 million years ago. You can see limestone containing marine fossils as well as basking seals on the rocks if you are lucky. Ravenscraig Castle follows as you reach Dysart where the Harbourmaster’ House lives with its popular bistro and visitors centre. From Dysart, the path climbs over Blair Point to the walled chapel garden which is the private burial ground of the Wymess family. The caves of Wemyss are reached as you head up to the town of Leven. Leven to Elie - 10 miles From Leven the main route leads to Lunden Links along the glorious sandy beaches. There is an alternative route at high tide up into the sand dunes which are a haven for wild flowers and butterflies. Heading north you can try walking the Elie chainwalk if you are feeling brave before you reach the beautiful little fishing village. Elie to Crail - 11 miles Passing the lighthouse as you head on up to St Monans on the coastal path, you reach an old Windmill which used to pump seawater into the fossil rich limestone beds below. Heading up to Anstruther you pass the fishing harbour of Pittenweem which is worth a stop for photos. Anstruther is a popular tourist town with daily boat trips to the Isle of May nature reserve where thousands of birdlife can be seen. The Isle of May is home to a wealth of wildlife from puffins to seals and is surrounded by prolific fishing grounds. Heading into Crail you pass Puffins of Isle of May through fields with livestock and also an old salmon bothy. Crail to St Andrews - 14 miles This day is the toughest days walking and can be very challenging in parts. Once you reach Fife Ness, the most eastern point in Fife, you pass through many golf courses and walk along the stunning shoreline. Make sure and wait for low tide while walking the path to St Andrews. All along this stretch of coastline there are unusual rock formations along the way including the Buddo Rock, a large sandstone structure standing in isolation on the shore and the Rock and Spindle. The remains of much eroded volcanic plug, a similar formation to the 29 rock on which Edinburgh castle is built, the Rock and Spindle has a spinning wheel like structure at the bottom. This made from twisted basalt columns, together with the tall stack, gives the rock its name. St Andrews to Newport-on-Tay - 18 miles The path from St Andrews leads up through the town and passes the castle to Guardbridge which is the home to the Eden Estuary Nature Reserve. Crossing the boardwalks into Tentsmuir Forest just a few miles from where your journey ends. The open, mature pine forest with its towering trees is a great place to explore by bike or on foot. You can follow one of the waymarked trails, or plan a longer day out and take a circular route which links to Tayport Heath and Morton Lochs. As well as being a working forest, the woodland provides an important habitat for a range of wildlife, including red squirrels and roe deer. With such a wealth of wildlife, Tentsmuir truly is a beautiful end to the Coastal Path with breathtaking views. 30 Watersports Elie Watersports The sandy curve of Elie Bay encloses a wonderful expanse of sheltered water, making it the finest setting for beginners on Scotland's East Coast. Beyond the bay, the open sea offers a challenge to the more proficient participant. The Activities offered by Elie Watersports can be participated in on a casual basis with or without instruction or in the form of more structured courses working towards National Governing body qualifications. A rescue boat is on stand-by at all times, buoyancy aids are provided and qualified first aiders are on hand. Courses available include; Canoeing The centre has single and double kayaks for hire. These include traditional closed kayaks but also larger more stable open cockpit kayaks which are perfect for the less experienced. For those looking for structure tuition our instructors teach the basics then build confidence through games and skill activities. Sailing If you are an experienced sailor you are free to hire one of our boats and enjoy the fantastic sailing which Elie has to offer. For the less experienced or beginner sailor’s the centre offers instruction. This can be in either single handed boats where the instructor will accompany you either in a small sailing boat or choose the more social and relaxed option of teaming up with the instructor in one of our larger boats. Elie Watersports provides the opportunity for anyone to take part, from beginners to more experienced sailors offering as little or as much support as needed to ensure you get the most out of your time. The centre currently has: Laser Ones Laser Picos Wayfarers GP14 31 The experienced instructors can also teach you in your own boat - an especially popular choice for those who have a new boat and are looking to familiarise themselves with it. Water skiing The sheltered bay behind Elie Watersports can provide the ideal location for the novice or experienced waterskier and wakeboarder. Elie Watersports powerful ski boats are equipped with all the facilities required to ensure that the beginner has the very best chance of getting up and staying up on their skis or wakeboard - this includes training skis and a training boom. The centre also offers boat trips, pedaloes, mountain bike hire with all participants provided with full safety instructions and equipment including an impact vest/buoyancy aid. Windsurfing A full range of boards and sails are available to suit all ages and abilities. Instruction is available for all levels from Royal Yachting Association qualified staff with wetsuits provided. The equipment includes:Beginners lightweight junior sails lightweight adult training sails super stable and light Starboard Starts Intermediate/advanced fully battened, monofilm rotational sails from 4sqm to 6.5sqm 32 range of Starboard and Mistrals for all abilities and wind speeds waist or chest harness For any level but especially the more advanced ones the centre teaches you on your own equipment and can also provide lessons on rigging your equipment for optimum performance. 33
Similar documents
Local Activities - The Waterfront, Anstruther
well as the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. The shore, in its charming setting, looks out to the Islands of Inchmickery and Inchcolm, where there is a famous Abbey. The Fife coastal path...
More information