A place for a breather – 8 perfect park benches from around Kirkcaldy
Our Media Volunteer Audrey writes about where you can take a breather and take in a good view while out for a walk in her latest blog.
As a bit of a hap-hazard runner, I can sometimes be spotted dragging myself around Kirkcaldy, tripping over my own feet. With sweat stinging my eyes, I spend most of my time squinting and not an awful lot of time seeing!
On some mornings, however, as I (ever-so gracefully!) run along the Esplanade or Pathhead Sands, it’s difficult not to notice just how utterly awesome our shoreline looks. Glistening, clear and breathtaking. It’s on these days I forget for a moment that my lungs are inhaling so hard I can see into the future! I sit down and take it all in.
So instead I’m finding walking to be a much better way to enjoy our town. Walking affords me the time to see the things I can never see when I run!
While doing so I’ve noticed that in Kirkcaldy, you are never far from a well-situated park bench. We are blessed with many – each offering a place for a breather and a view.
If you’re feeling adventurous for the remainder of May’s National Walking Month (or beyond), why not take yourself to one of Kirkcaldy’s best? Bring a picnic or a coffee, and allow yourself the time to drink up your surroundings.
See and read about some of my favourite spots and some suggested walking routes too:
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The top of Beveridge Park
Why do I love it? The views stretching right across the park, pond and town as a reward for the a wee climb.
Suggested walking route: One lap of the park will take around 30-45 minutes. And there’s also the Wizard’s Walk too.
2. The Rose Garden, Beveridge Park
Why do I love it? For a gorgeous display of roses once in bloom. Close access to the car park so it’s perfect if you don’t want to go far or are limited for time. My favourite bench is perfectly situated to watch the sunset.
Suggested walking route: One lap of the pond should take around 15 minutes.
3. Seafield beach
Why do I love it? The sound of the waves on a choppy day, or the serene, gentle, calm on a clear day. In the evening it’s pure bliss.
Suggested route: Walk along the Fife Coastal Path to Kinghorn (around 5km). And, you can take the train back, or walk up to the Kinghorn Road and follow it back to Kirkcaldy. For a longer route, you can walk along by Kinghorn Loch, past the Kissing Trees and turn right down to Jawbanes Road (I’d estimate it to be around 9km).
4. Ravenscraig Park
Why do I love it? This view is nothing short of perfect. Birdsong and bluebells. The cool woodland of Ravenscraig behind you with views of the sea in front. You can’t beat it.
Suggested route: A lap of Ravenscraig Park, or walk from Dysart to Pathhead Sands.
5. Dunnikier Park
Why do I love it? Wide open spaces, ample woodland and the lovely Oswald House.
Suggested route: There are so many paths, it’s best just to go where your feet take you.
6. Volunteers Green
Why do I love it? The Volunteers Green is all that remains of land gifted to the town by King Charles I in 1644, and one of the last remaining parts of old Kirkcaldy.
Suggested route: Take a diverted break here on a stroll along the waterfront. It’s a great area to let the kids run around.
7. Memorial Garden
Why do I love it? Reflect on all those who fought and died in World Wars. A place to appreciate beautiful flower displays and the work of Growing Kirkcaldy.
Suggested route: Walk from here along St Brycedale Avenue, down Kirk Wynd, to the Merchants Quarter and along the Waterfront.
8. Rabbit Braes
Why do I love it? A welcome breather after a long walk up Oriel Road!
Suggested route: Walk along the Long Braes paths in the woodlands parallel to Oriel Road, and enjoy the views over the town coming down Bennochy Road.
Wherever you choose to walk, if you see a park bench – sit down. Savour the moment. Everything is beautiful. Your eyelids, eyelashes, eyeballs, nostrils, earlobes and ear canals are in for a glorious treat!
Our town is an incredible gift to us and I personally vow to take more opportunities to enjoy it.
You can read our other blogs during National Walking Month here – Exploring Kirkcaldy’s Quirky Past and Walking Away Your Worries with Woodland Walks.
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