East Lomond from Glenrothes

The southern slopes of East Lomond perhaps lack the picturesque appeal of the steeper northern side above Falkland. The gradients are, however, gentler and the views superb on this approach from the outskirts of Glenrothes. The alternative return route suggested has a rough, pathless section.

Terrain

Good paths for the ascent with generally mild gradients. The descent route suggested is initially steep and has some rough, pathless sections - return by the route of ascent if unsure.

Public Transport

The Pitcairn Centre is 2km from the centre of Glenrothes; nearest bus stops on Tanna Drive.

Start

Pitcairn Centre, Glenrothes. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from the parking area at the Pitcairn Centre, reached from the top of the housing estate on Moidart Drive. Three paths leave this parking area - begin by taking the middle one through a gap in a fence - initially almost parallel to another path on the right that starts through a gate. The path leads through the woods; ignore a wooden bridge leading off right. Soon it continues between a drystone wall on the left and a fence on the right, climbing and then descending steps to reach a footbridge over a burn.

Stage 2

Turn left on the far side, following a path along the right edge of woodland. It swings left at a corner, continuing between fields, and then bends right, passing through two pedestrian gates. Continue uphill, passing a bench, and reaching a plantation and then a path junction. Turn right here - as waymarked. Soon the path bends left by a large pylon. Further on the path joins a grassy track, heads uphill, and turns right at the plantation (waymarker). Soon after this turn left onto a path once more (with another waymarker) that climbs up through beech trees.

Stage 3

Eventually the trees are left behind as the well-made path continues up moorland towards the prominent masts at the parking area at Purin Hill. There are benches here from which to enjoy the splendid views back over the Firth of Forth.

Stage 4

Leave the parking area on the signed path that leads up just left of the relay masts. This wide grassy path keeps left of a fence to head up the shoulder of East Lomond, finally passing through a pedestrian gate for the final climb.

Stage 5

The summit is marked by a view indicator; the outlook over the fertile fields of East Fife and the Forth Estuary is superb, whilst the distant Highlands close the northern horizon. Falkland village can be seen far below by wandering a few paces to the north. The easiest return to Glenrothes is to retrace your route of ascent. The alternative which is described as follows is steeper, and has rough going with no path in places, requiring a little more navigation.

Stage 6

Descend the very steep path down the southwest side of the hill. This leads down to flatter ground and continues to a gate. Go through this, and turn left along the track on the far side. The track leads back across the southern slopes of East Lomond, eventually heading to the Purin Hill parking area, but before reaching this you can leave it through a gate into a very rough field on the right. Head south across this pathless and tussocky field, thankfully picking up a rough track after around 300m or so, and following this to the left as it leads to the corner of a plantation.

Stage 7

Continue down the grassy track to the right of the plantation. Eventually it curves left and passes through a belt of trees, then curves right and then back left beyond. Continue down to reach a minor road, then turn right along this. After around 200m go through a dilapidated gate on the left - there is a footpath sign down at ground level. Head east over a pathless grassy mound and down to another gate. Pass through this and follow a rough track as it swings right and passes through a belt of trees. When it emerges beyond bear right - keeping the edge of the woods on your right - briefly faint grassy paths lead away left and lead up to the top of the grassy mound of Rhind Hill - marked by a trig point.

Stage 8

Head south from here, descending to reach an impressive totem pole - depicting many of the area's native creatures. Turn left along the marked path from here, passing some mushroom-shaped wooden seats. The path curves left and runs around the edge of the woodland before curving right into the trees. Turn right at the next junction, with a wooden bench. Now keep straight ahead along the wide grassy path, marked with squirrel waymarkers - ignore paths off to the right and left. Eventually the grassy path reaches a surfaced one - turn left along this path (the Formonthills parking area is just to the right here).

Stage 9

Follow the made path until a junction with a sundial, and turn left here. As the path descends, ignore a path forking off right that leads to boardwalks, instead keeping left downhill. A stone circle installation off uphill to the left. Continue down to reach a gate, pass through this and turn left beyond. The path bends right in the trees to reach a final junction - fork left over the footbridge to return to the parking area.

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