East Lomond Circuit

Moira Crawford

27 May 2024

Steep climb, extensive views, waterfalls and tunnels!

Nine of us set off from the car park in Falkland towards the summit of East Lomond: Willie B, Judith C, Moira C, Crawford M, Mike B, Bob N, Stuart L, Denise F, & Joyce S. Before starting the climb to the summit, we paused beside a “no photography” sign on the outskirts of Falkland, for a quick group photo (no one could figure out why the no photography sign was there). 

It was a steep climb through the Douk Plantation (lots of wooden steps). However, once we came out of the beech wood onto the slope, the domed summit of East Lomond became visible.

Another steep climb, but soon we were at the top.

There’s a view indicator at the top, which prompted a lot of speculation about the names of the hills currently visible in the far distance. The one hill we all agreed on was West Lomond.

As well as views back over the farmland of Fife - and Falkland village - we could also see a couple of historical buildings: Falkland stables, and a building used in the filming of Outlander. 

After a first lunch stop,  we started our descent taking care as we dropped down from the summit. With hindsight we could have followed a slightly gentler path via the trig point that became visible on the southern slope.

There’s a good path down, lined with lots of Gorse (hints of coconut aroma walking past it). We paused briefly again for another group photo.

The path then took us to the Craigend car park where we stopped for our main lunch at some convenient picnic tables.

After lunch we followed the path alongside the Maspie Burn. This part of the walk is quite atmospheric as we soon entered woods again and there were waterfalls, little caves, bridges and even tunnels.

The cliff behind the first waterfall is deeply undercut and we could walk behind it. A novelty for some.

The threatened rain did eventually appear on our descent but it was not too heavy and we were largely sheltered through the trees. Before long we left the woods on to a minor road just as he heavier rain started, so we all decided refreshments at the Falkland Stables Cafe was a good idea.

By the time we’d finished our refreshments, the rain had stopped. It was only a short walk back to where we started in Falkland. 

For those who like statistics, we walked approximately 7km with around 380m ascent 

Moira Crawford.