Kirkcaldy

 ssssssssss.... the sound of my feet hitting the bath water.

Yes, our dogs were barking this afternoon! I had to wonder when Margaret said the walk would be 5 miles through woodlands in Kirkcaldy how she could find a 5 miler within the town. But she did indeed.

We met up at Beveridge Park car park and proceeded across the grass to the highest part of the park, as we walked, kicking the conkers lying around at the 'avenue' of horse chestnut trees with which we are all familiar.

Such a beautiful warm day, the trees now turning to their autumnal palette and dropping their leaves like a carpet for us to trample on. There's nothing quite like the smell of a woodland walk to make you b r e a t h e deeply and feel healthy.

The walk took us along the edge of the park, past the Mill Dam and Raith Lake. I don't remember there being 'inclines' before. And having to clamber over fallen trees made me realise that I'm not as fit as a flea any more. The others were like mountain goats though, so I kept up with them. Talking of creatures, we happened upon this enormous carved GIGABAT hanging upended by his feet. mmm. I don't even like wooden ones.


Crossing over Boglily Road now into more undulating forest paths, we talked about enjoying the freedom from the noise and pollution of traffic. We made a fair bit of noise ourselves though with all the blethering we were doing. Another photocall. This time, the eco-activist in us encouraged a tree-hugging session.
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Emerging from the woods just before Broom Road, some of us were glad to see the first part, the flat part of Rabbit Braes ahead of us. I was peched, but I didn't let on. Margaret, who was leading today was striding out and before we knew it we were heading uphill again on the second part of Rabbit Braes. I was beginning to moan...
However, it was so worthwhile when we reached the top and took in the beautiful panoramic view across our hometown. In church this morning, the minister talked of the housing in Kirkcaldy being heart-shaped. So there we all were at the topmost vantage point in Kirkcaldy trying to work out how our aerial perspective could be reimagined into the shape of a heart. 
Good news. Across the road and into Hillview Avenue, Margaret informed us it would be downhill from here on. We actually picked up the pace at this stage because we had coffee and scones waiting for us at the Abbotshall Hotel when we finished. We left the woods behind us at the pathway next to Abbotsmill and headed down Nicol Street. Ahh. I could smell chips!
We had ordered scones though which were lovely, and delightfully served by a happy waitress. Got to say, it must be the most inexpensive coffee and scone in Kirkcaldy, or maybe you know better....

We thanked Margaret for leading a smashing walk for us, informing her that she would get another turn to lead whenever she likes. As always, we ended with a wee prayer, feeling content having experienced lovely weather, lovely woodlands and  great company.

Next walk Wednesday 8th October.


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