Craighall Den circular, Ceres

This short walk from the historic village of Ceres heads to the Craighall Den and its old limekiln. The route can be wet underfoot; this could be avoided by parking at the foot of the Den for a much shorter walk.

Terrain

Waymarked paths, very wet at times, through fields, old lanes, and riverside paths.

Public Transport

Bus to Ceres.

Start

Hope Green car park by the Folk Museum, Ceres. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 84m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO400114

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Ceres is a well preserved village which once grew wealthy from weaving and spinning as part of the linen industry. The impressive tolbooth, built in 1673 has a lovely carving of a weigh beam such as the one used to check the weight of goods at markets and fairs. There is a car park and public toilets at Hope Green just off the main street in Ceres. From here cross the 17th century packhorse bridge and turn left along High Street to pass Fife Folk Museum (open afternoons in the summer and housing a collection relating to rural life in Fife over the past 300 years).

Stage 2

At the main street turn right, passing the impressive carved stone of the Provost. The 19th century carving is said to represent Thomas Buchanan, minister of Ceres 1578-1599, the last church provost. After The Provost take the next turn on the right and keep straight on down the residential street until a bend - here a lane heading straight uphill is signed for Craighall Den. Take this and almost immediately keep straight on uphill to follow a narrow path between hedges - this can often be very muddy.

Stage 3

At the top of the hill continue through a gate and carry straight on along the edge of a field. Cross a footbridge or go through the gate and head towards the house. Before you reach it turn right through a gate and follow the track beneath and around to the right of the house. At the farm track turn right downhill towards a steading. Head past the steading and turn left along the track by the telegraph pole to reach Craighall Den path at a t-junction. The signed route to the right is the return way but to visit the old limekiln turn left.

Stage 4

Turn right where a smaller path branches off and soon you find yourself at the bottom of a huge lime kiln. Built in 1814 limestone was loaded into the kiln from above, together with layers of coal and then fired from the bottom where the finished lime could be removed. Head up the steps on the right of the kiln and curve to the left to explore the top of the kiln and the loading pit. From here head left to return to the junction near the barn and take the path on the left to head into Craighall Den.

Stage 5

Dens like this one are found all over the Fife countryside, little wooded gorges formed by melting glaciers. Follow the clear path downhill. The first path on the left provides a detour to a small waterfall and pool with a bench nearby. Continue downhill, over a footbridge and along a final section of mature beech trees to reach the Craighall car park.

Stage 6

Climb the steps out of the car park and turn left to follow a farm track for a very short distance before turning right through a gate and following a path. Go through a kissing gate and follow the path, which is often muddy, behind a line of trees with good views over Ceres. After going through another gate next to a barn, the path passes behind gardens before emerging at the road followed earlier. Turn left to return to the main street, turning left again to reach The Provost and the return along High Street and the packhorse bridge to the car park.

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