THIS column is dedicated to walking and ramblers' groups from across Scotland, where they can suggest the best routes to enjoy. See the panel at the end of this story if you want to get involved.
Braefoot Point Circular, Dalgety Bay, Fife
By Chris Roberts, Dalgety Bay & District Ramblers
Start: Dalgety Bay Library.
Distance: 4.2 miles/6.8 kilometres.
Time: One hour and 45 minutes.
Terrain: No steep inclines apart from a short climb, around 10 to 15 metres, at St Bridget's Kirk. The coastal path is dirt in places, while heading into Braefoot Woods the track is hard-packed – a necessary requisite for trucks carrying munitions many years ago.
Level: The return from Braefoot Pier along the coast/woodland edge is not necessarily suitable for very young children, buggies or anyone unsteady on their feet.
Access: There is a car park at Dalgety Bay Shopping Centre and next to the library.
What makes it special: Coastal views, a disused wartime defence camp and an ice cream parlour.
THERE is plenty to discover on this picturesque circular route around Dalgety Bay with areas of coastline, woodland and many historical gems along the way.
Do take care, especially with younger children as there is a steep drop just beyond the majority of the defence buildings, which puts them in a good position for looking out across the Forth Estuary.
Route: From Dalgety Bay Library head into Longhill Park and then left onto Regents Way. Cross Jubilee Park past the playpark and go downhill towards Moray Way South.
Cross to enter the track taking you to the shoreline. Turn left along the coastal path to St Bridget's Kirk, go up the short gradient and then turn right along the road. Take a left at the fork.
When you reach the woodland and gate/stile on your right go through/over then follow the track until you see a building, part of the First World War fortifications and former coastal defence gun battery around Braefoot Point.
There are additional structures further on to both the left and right of the track but not always obvious. The main track drops down to the right to what seems to have been an accommodation building.
To continue along to the ridge and down to the pier, check the safety warning regarding conditions underfoot. To return along the edge of the wood keep inside the wooded area, rather than on the rocky water's edge as this can be slippery in places.
Follow the foot-worn trail until you reach the wall/field. Turn right up the gradient inside the wood and then back to the gate/stile you entered at.
From here, continue right for approximately 50 metres where you will see on your left a finger post indicating a footpath across and between the two fields. Take this and at the far end are five to six wooden steps in good condition.
At the top, you are now on Beech Avenue. Go left back into Dalgety Bay, across the road at the T-junction. There is a path between the houses. Turn left onto the road and follow round to the right to a junction.
READ MORE: Best walks in Scotland: Blawhorn Moss, West Lothian
READ MORE: Best walks in Scotland: The Dunnet Forest Circular, Caithness
Here, you have two choices. Either turn left onto Moray Way South and follow this until you reach the point where you earlier crossed from Jubilee Park. Retrace your steps to the library.
Or turn right to the roundabout, then first left onto Moray Way North. Continue until you reach a row of shops on the opposite side of the road.
Here, on the first floor, is Ale & Pate, an ice cream parlour offering both takeaway and seating inside with a variety of food, cakes and refreshments.
To return to the start, cross the road and continue to the right. Continue along Moray Way North to the next roundabout. Opposite is Dalgety Parish Church and to the left is the shopping centre and library.
Don't miss: Taking time to explore the remains of the First World War gun battery around Braefoot Point, built in 1915 as part of the Firth of Forth coastal defences. While the actual guns are long since gone, the emplacements are still present and well-worth seeing.
READ MORE: Best walks in Scotland: Bishop's Glen Circular, Dunoon, Argyll
Useful information: For more information on Dalgety Bay & District Ramblers, visit dalgetybayramblers.org.uk and ramblers.org.uk
Do you have a walk you would like to suggest? Email susan.swarbrick@theherald.co.uk
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