Page 228 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

226 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

5 Fife Folk Museum
Fife; KY15 5NF
The attractive village of Ceres is home
to the Fife Folk Museum (Apr–Oct: open
daily; www.fifefolkmuseum.org), which
sheds light on the history of the
working people of Fife. Housed in a
17th-century building, the museum
contains a vivid array of items, from
agricultural implements to patchwork
quilts and a Victorian “bone-shaker”
bicycle. A cottage living room has been
reconstructed to recreate the feel of a
home in the pre-industrial age.
ª Return on B939 to A916. Turn right,
then after Scotstarvit Tower, fork left
down a minor road. At A914, turn
left (signed Glenrothes), then right on a
minor road beyond Kettlebridge, cross­
ing A92 onto B936 through Freuchie
and on to Falkland. Turn right briefly
onto A912, then left into East Port to
Above Victorian-style gardens surround the High Street, palace and town car park.
ancient home of Kellie Castle, rumoured to be 4 Kellie Castle
haunted Above top right Imposing walls Pittenweem; KY10 2RF The Real Robinson Crusoe
and turrets of Kellie Castle Above right Kellie Castle (Apr, May, Sep & Oct: open Alexander Selkirk, born in Lower
Falkland Palace, once a royal hunting lodge Thu–Mon; Jun–Aug: open daily) dates as Largo in the 17th century, was the
far back as the 14th century and is said inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s novel
to be haunted. It was largely rebuilt by Robinson Crusoe. Selkirk went to sea
as a youth and in 1704 was serving as
the Lorimer family in the 19th century, a sailing master on the vessel Cinque
after it had almost fallen into ruin. The Ports. He quarrelled with the captain
rooms contain fine paintings, grand and asked to leave the ship. His wish
plaster ceilings and furniture designed was granted, and he was put ashore
by Arts and Crafts architect Sir Robert on Juan Fernandez, an uninhabited
Lorimer. There are superb views of the island off Chile. He lived there for over
Bass Rock and a Victorian-style garden, four years until being rescued in 1709.
with roses and herbaceous plants.
ª Turn right onto B9171, then left at 6 Falkland Palace
B942 to A917. Turn right and at Upper Falkland; KY15 7BU
Largo, go straight onto A915 (or detour The magnificent Renaissance Falkland
to Lower Largo – see box), then turn Palace (Mar–Oct: open daily) dominates
right onto B927 to travel away from the the village. Built as a royal hunting
coast. Turn right on A916 north, then lodge for James IV of Scotland in the
WHERE TO STAY
right onto B939 into Ceres. The museum 15th century, it became the Stuart
AROUND FALKLAND PALACE is on High Street, on the right. monarchs’ favourite retreat – Mary
Lomond Hills Hotel moderate
Traditional whitewashed 18th-century
inn in the village of Freuchie, 3 km
(2 miles) east of Falkland Palace.
Offers simple, uncluttered rooms
and modern facilities that include
an indoor pool and spa. The old-
fashioned bar sports a selection of
some 50 whiskeys. Rates include
a delicious cooked Scottish breakfast.
High Street, Freuchie, Cupar KY15
7EY; 01337 857 329; www.
lomondhillshotel.com
Right RSPB Vane Farm, set on the beautiful
shores of Loch Leven
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150

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