"Upper Largo - please"

[Fife Flyer]

Confession time, then the title will be become clear
When I was walking in Glen Etive with Russell (RTC) in August this year he happened to mention that he has a bus pass (even though like me he didn't look old enough ), Russell explained that one is entitled to apply for a bus pass when you reach the big SIX O, I always thought it was 65. So that week I got my backside down to the Civic Centre in Inverkeithing & had my photo taken, signed a form and about a week later the postie delivered my bus pass. This entitles one to travel anywhere in Scotland at anytime on a bus at the taxpayers expense
Now I haven't been on a bus for over 40 years & have always mocked them Naturally I received plenty of stick from Mrs F and I was waiting for the day to try out my new acquisition and today was selected as the right day
The forecast was fine, good visibility and less than 10% chance of rain so the next phase was planning.
I had handpicked Largo Law as I wanted somewhere handy that I could hopefully be back home by lunchtime
The next part of the plan was to find out about buses as they are a completely alien form of transport to me
This website is really good for planning any journey using public transport:
http://www.travelinescotland.com/welcome.do
The bus I earmarked was the X58 which stops in Inverkeithing & goes direct to Upper Largo via all places east. A 2 minute walk took me to the bus stop and the bus was on time at 7.55am
For anyone else who hasn't been on a bus recently, I have to say I was rather impressed, leather seats, seat belts, free wi-fi and plenty of leg room
After a pleasant journey I duly arrived in Upper Largo at 9.06am, I knew I had under 2 hours to get up & down the hill to make my return bus
I had printed a map off WH, mainly because I don't have an OS map of the East Neuk of Fife because there are no real hills
With printed map in hand I set off along the road towards the primary school and just before reaching the cemetery you turn right where you are met with signs

If you see this sign you are heading the correct way

Notice board info

Looking back to the primary school

Makes navigating easy

The path to Chesterstone Farm like most paths/tracks at this time of year was rather muddy, once you reach the farm you turn left and go round the large barn, then turn left again and Largo Law is then directly ahead.

The way ahead

A small obstacle, wasn't tempted to touch it

Looking down to the farm

A side on shot of the hill to show how steep it is, but not for too long

The climb uphill is steep but as with most Marilyn's doesn't last for very long, unfortunately when I reached the summit a light shower of drizzly rain appeared and the visibility wasn't great, shame really because the views could & should be spectacular
Reached the summit in 35 mins which was well ahead of schedule, so took a few photo's in all directions.

Summit trig

Looking across to Elie & Shell Bay

Zoom to East Lomond

Lundin Links, Leven & Methil

Descent was easy and I ended up at the bus stop outside the Post Office in Upper Largo with 40 mins to spare and for those who doubt that I travelled by bus - I even took a photo of the bus shelter

Upper Largo's main bus terminal

A big thanks again to Russell
Hopefully will get a few more outings in before the end of the year, next

[chickadee]

Haha, good report, I felt it was as much a bus report as a walk report, not a bad thing

Good to know about another local hill, might be one for me to try as I work on my recovery!

[PeteR]

If you're on the buses now is this the end of the Fife Flyer Martin

Have you checked the bus times to Durness too? Might take a while

Couldn't resist, sorry.

Good to do these little hills though This one looks worth a look.

[The Rodmiester]

Nice one there Martin, this one has been marked down for a winter visit, maybe this year. Great when you can bus to the hills I wonder how many buses I would need for this one I remember doing the Largo Law hill race many many years ago, starting at Zlower Largo, must say I cannot remember much about it, too much sweat running into the eyes Some useful directional signs at the start as well.

[tina bonar]

Nice report Martin,good to see you are taking things easy at your age
Might have to start calling you Olive from On the Buses!

[BlackPanther]

This is what I call "a quickie in the neighbourhood" or should I say "a quickie on the bus"?

We climbed a Sub last weekend, too. They can be entertaining walks... for different reasons. The one we did had a pathless section with high heather all over, I felt like a stork in a pond

[robertphillips]

great wee hill this 1

[Huff_n_Puff]

I don't have an OS map of the East Neuk of Fife because there are no real hills

I'll have you know I lived opposite this unreal hill for 3 years in the late 1970's - it was big enough to fill the view from our wee cottage window

Thanks for the trip down memory lane - from someone else who is not adverse to using her bus pass to go walking

[Fife Flyer]

Haha, good report, I felt it was as much a bus report as a walk report, not a bad thing
Good to know about another local hill, might be one for me to try as I work on my recovery!

Apart from the wee steep bit, it is a scoosh

If you're on the buses now is this the end of the Fife Flyer Martin
Have you checked the bus times to Durness too? Might take a while Couldn't resist, sorry.
Good to do these little hills though This one looks worth a look.

No the blue machine will be seen flying along somewhere soon, apparently buses don't go to Durness, would probably take about a week, anyway
Easy hill for you Pete

Nice one there Martin, this one has been marked down for a winter visit, maybe this year. Great when you can bus to the hills I wonder how many buses I would need for this one I remember doing the Largo Law hill race many many years ago, starting at Lower Largo, must say I cannot remember much about it, too much sweat running into the eyes Some useful directional signs at the start as well.

Would take you about 20mins up and down Rod

Nice report Martin,good to see you are taking things easy at your age
Might have to start calling you Olive from On the Buses!

Aye very good Barrie

This is what I call "a quickie in the neighbourhood" or should I say "a quickie on the bus"? We climbed a Sub last weekend, too. They can be entertaining walks... for different reasons. The one we did had a pathless section with high heather all over, I felt like a stork in a pond

Beats going to the gym, Sub's are excellent for keeping the legs moving & training

great wee hill this 1

Certainly not much effort required for great views

I don't have an OS map of the East Neuk of Fife because there are no real hills

I'll have you know I lived opposite this unreal hill for 3 years in the late 1970's - it was big enough to fill the view from our wee cottage window Thanks for the trip down memory lane - from someone else who is not adverse to using her bus pass to go walking

Your cottage must have been very close