Page 229 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 22: The Kingdom of Fife 227

Queen of Scots was also very fond of it.
As well as touring the palace itself, with
its Flemish tapestries and painted
ceilings, visitors can visit the gardens
and the Real Tennis court, built in 1539.
ª Return to A912, turn left to A91.
Turn left again, then merge onto B996
to Milnathort. Turn left onto A922,
then straight onto B996 into centre
of Kinross. Turn left onto Burns Beggs
Street, then right onto Pier Road to the
car park for a ferry to Loch Leven Castle.

Above The 17th-century townhouse, an
ª From Loch Leven Pier, return to B996 example of Dutch-style architecture in Culross
and turn right, then left onto Station
Road. Continue on to the A977 and
follow it all the way to Kincardine, then EAT AND DRINK
head left to join A985 (towards Forth AROUND KELLIE CASTLE
Above Falkland Palace gardens, home to Britain’s Road Bridge). After 6 km (4 miles) turn The Inn at Lathones expensive
oldest tennis court right down Gallows Loan to Culross. This former coaching inn’s restaurant
Park in the town centre near the palace. serves traditional dishes such as game
7 Loch Leven suet pudding. Take B942, then B941 to
Largoward, then right on A915.
By Kinross; KY13 8UF 8 Culross Largoward, KY9 1JE; 01334 840 494;
Loch Leven is famed for the lonely Culross; KY12 8JH www.innatlathones.com
castle (Apr–Oct: open daily), perched on Culross (pronounced “koo-ross”) was
an island in its waters, only accessible one of Scotland’s largest ports in the AROUND FIFE FOLK MUSEUM
by ferry. Mary Queen of Scots was 16th century: ships took coal and salt The Peat Inn expensive
Michelin-starred food at this country
imprisoned here on the order of from Fife to the Low Countries and inn, with imaginative dishes such as
Elizabeth I. While here, Mary was returned with red pantiles, which were cannelloni of langoustines and scallops.
forced to abdicate in favour of her used as roofing. This once prosperous From Ceres, head north on B939, then
son, James VI. She escaped after a year town, with its Dutch-influenced right on B940 to Peat Inn.
with the help of her jailer, but was architecture and cobbled streets, is Peat Inn, KY15 5LH; 01334 840 206;
www.thepeatinn.co.uk; closed Sun &
locked up again at Fotheringay in almost perfectly preserved. Main sights Mon evening
England. The 14th-century castle is include Culross Palace (Apr, May & Sep:
now a ruin, but full of atmosphere. open Thu–Mon; Jun–Aug: open daily; Oct: AROUND FALKLAND PALACE
The loch is also noted for its rich bird open Fri–Mon), which was built for a Pillars of Hercules Organic Farm
life. Head south on B996, then left on local merchant; and The Study (joint inexpensive
Splendid fresh food, from the adjacent
B9097 to the Royal Society for the adm with palace) a 17th-century tower organic farm, served in this simple café,
Protection of Birds Vane Farm (open house. It is also worth walking up to west of Falkland Palace via the A912.
daily), with nature trails and viewing the ruined abbey, founded by the A great stop for breakfast and lunch.
points – from here look for regular Cistercians in the 13th century, which Falkland, KY15 7AD; 01337 857 749;
visitors such as pink-footed geese. can be found on the hills above town. www.pillars.co.uk
DAY TRIP OPTIONS into the lives of the locals. Drive on Secret Bunker 2, with lots for kids
St Andrews is an excellent base from to the Stuart monarchs’ wonderful to enjoy. Next, visit Anstruther 3
which to explore Fife. Renaissance Falkland Palace 6. for canoeing, cycling, a boat trip or
just relaxing on the beach. If more
Royal and Ordinary Fife From St Andrews take A915, then B939 excitement is needed, carry on to go
Spend the morning in St Andrews to Ceres. Follow drive instructions to ghost hunting at Kellie Castle 4.
1, with its famous royal golf course, Falkland. Retrace journey to return.
university and ancient cathedral. Follow the drive instructions as far as
Stroll along the golden beach, then Family Fun in the East Neuk Kellie Castle. To return, head back to
drive to pretty Ceres to visit the Fife In St Andrews 1, visit the castle B9171, turn left and carry on to B9131.
Folk Museum 5 and gain an insight dungeon and then drive to Scotland’s Then turn left here to St Andrews.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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