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4 Kellie Castle
Pittenweem; KY10 2RF
Kellie Castle (Apr–May & Sep, Oct: open
Fri–Tue; Jun–Aug: open daily) dates as far
back as the 14th century and is said to
be haunted. It was largely rebuilt by
the Lorimer family in the 19th century,
after it had almost fallen into ruin. The
rooms contain fine paintings, grand
plaster ceilings and furniture designed
by Arts and Crafts architect Sir Robert
Lorimer. There are superb views of the
Bass Rock and a Victorian-style garden,
with roses and herbaceous plants.
ª Turn right onto B9171, then left at
B942 to A917. Turn right and at Upper
Largo, go straight onto A915 (or detour
to Lower Largo – see box), then turn
right onto B927 to travel away from the
coast. Turn right on A916 north, then
right onto B939 into Ceres. The museum
is on High St, on the right.6 Falkland Palace
Falkland; KY15 7BU
The magnificent Renaissance Falkland
Palace (Mar–Oct: open daily) dominates
the village. Built as a royal hunting
lodge for James IV of Scotland in the
15th century, it became the Stuart
monarchs’ favourite retreat – MaryThe Real Robinson Crusoe
Alexander Selkirk, born in Lower
Largo in the 17th century, was the
inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s novel
Robinson Crusoe. Selkirk went to sea
as a youth and in 1704 was serving as
a sailing master on the vessel Cinque
Ports. He quarrelled with the captain
and asked to leave the ship. His wish
was granted, and he was put ashore
on Juan Fernandez, an uninhabited
island off Chile. He lived there for over
four years until being rescued in 1709.5 Fife Folk Museum
Fife; KY15 5NF
The attractive village of Ceres is home
to the Fife Folk Museum (Apr–Oct: open
daily; http://www.fifefolkmuseum.org), which
sheds light on the history of the
working people of Fife. Housed in a
17th-century building, the museum
contains a vivid array of items, from
agricultural implements to patchwork
quilts and a Victorian “bone-shaker”
bicycle. A cottage living room has
been reconstructed to recreat the feel
of a home in the pre-industrial age.
ª Return on B939 to A916. Turn right,
then after Scotstarvit Tower, fork left
down a minor road. At A914, turn left
(signed Glenrothes), then right on a
minor road beyond Kettlebridge,
crossing A92 onto B936 through
Freuchie and on to Falkland. Turn right
briefly onto A912, then left into East Port
to High St, palace and town car park.WHERE TO STAYAROUND FALKLAND PALACE
Ladywell House inexpensive
This handsome detached house, set
in its own grounds off the A912 just
outside Falkland, once belonged to
Princess Diana’s mother. Now it’s a B&B
with six elegant rooms, furnished in
country house style. Guests take
breakfast in the large conservatory.
Falkland, KY15 7DE; 01337 858 414;
http://www.ladywellhousefife.co.ukRight RSPB Vane Farm, set on the beautiful
shores of Loch LevenAbove Victorian-style gardens surround the
ancient home of Kellie Castle, rumoured to be
haunted Above top right Imposing walls
and turrets of Kellie Castle Above right
Falkland Palace, once a royal hunting lodgeBACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150