Braefoot Point, Aberdour
This circular walk, about 1-1½ hrs, is through wooded areas,
and along a small sandy beach before returning back through the woods.
Underfoot, it is grass, dirt track or sandy throughout. There are a couple of
stiles, but all easily negotiated over or under by the dogs. Sturdy non slip
footwear is recommended. A couple of hills, the more steep is downhill, the
ground rises again more gradually on the return. Fairly secluded and quiet,
there are some fantastic views across the Forth when the weather is clear.
There are NO facilities, at all, so bring water, etc. for the dogs
Access is from the roundabout, A921, on the west side of Aberdour Village. Take the road marked "to the terminal" and drive about 500 yards. There is a small area of hard standing on either side of the road which allows car parking. A footpath leaves on the left towards Aberdour Village, and immediately at the start, is an underpass taking you back under the road you have just driven. (Often the gate on the right-hand side of the road is open and access can be obtained through this.)
Follow this path around for about 300 yards. There are fields to your left
with livestock and a low fence. Take the wooden steps down and join the path
between two fields and continue to the end of this path. Here, there are a
couple of options, but my preference is to go over the stile which is straight
ahead (dog friendly), but there is a hole in the fence for those that wont use
the stile). Follow the fence all the way. Turn left and keep the next fence on
your left again. You will find the path takes you over another stile or two,
down through the woods. As the wood clears a bit you will have clear views
of Edinburgh across the Firth, and if your lucky, there may be a boat unloading
at the terminal.
Follow the path down to the beach and along the shore. Back up onto the
foreground, the path leads along the cliff edge (only one step perhaps could be
termed dodgy) and down to the old pier before the path begins to ascend slowly
back through the woods.
This area was used as a defence during the war, and you will see a number of
disused shelters throughout. Once back through the gates, turn right and you will
find the path between the fields on your left to take you back to your car.