This route is the odd one out amongst the Kinross Cycle Routes - it is not really suitable for all cyclists. The main problem with this route is the B9097 Road, which passes to the south of the loch and carries traffic bound for Glenrothes off the M90 motorway.
It seemes like every time I use this road a motorist is hell bent on overtaking another vehicle, totally unconcerned about my safety. Hence my dislike of this road.
There are plans to build a proper cycle route around Loch Leven, though it will not be here for a year or so.
Route
Scenic route using relatively busy and sometimes narrow roads, not ideally suitable for family outings.
Distance
23 km or 14 miles.
Directions
From Tourist Information Centre: A977 into Kinross. Turn right at the mini-roundabout and third left, sign posted Kirkgate Park.
Parking
Kirkgate Park. Alternates: Millbridge or School Wynd car parks.
Hazards
The problem with this route is the traffic which may make it unsuitable for family outings. Efforts are being made to make this an off road route but this is will not be ready for a long time.
The B9097, South Loch Road, is wide and carries fast traffic. A911, Scotlandwell / Kinnesswood Road, is narrow and carries “fast” traffic.
Old Kinross
From the Kirkgate car park head back towards Kinross, turn first left, then follow the road around to the right in front of the sawmill. A little farther on is a small park. The old Kinross market cross has been mounted on a plinth. At one time is was in the middle of the road close to the Town Hall. Hanging from the cross is an iron collar a relic from the bad old days...
Follow the road around the park and turn left onto the B996, follow this road out of Kinross, past the Todd & Duncan Woollen Mill. A mile or so out of town, just before the monument is a plaque mounted on the wall of a farm building. It was erected to the memory of Michael Bruce, a poet of note who taught at a school on the site close to the farm.
The obelisk monument was erected to commemorate the foundation of the Sessionist Church Movement, which has its origins in the locality. Located behind the monument is a tourist information point with a small car park and picnic place. After the monument, turn left onto the B9097 Scotlandwell Road.
The RSPB have established a wild fowl bird sanctuary on the land between the road and the loch. Much work has been undertaken to return the land to its original boggy state, which is the ideal habitat for a variety of birds. During the winter months it is not unusual to see large flocks of geese feeding upon the grass in the surrounding fields close to the road. Vane Farm has visitors centre and a café has been established at Vane Farm.
A little farther on at the bend in the road is one of the best vantage points for the loch. One can look down upon the loch and westwards towards Kinross. A prominent landmark just beyond Kinross is the satellite “golf-ball” dome (a MoD communication station) at RAF Balado Bridge. Farther on, off the B9097, is a picnic place, a mobile snack bar during the day and a set of defunct toilets.
The Gullet
The B9097 ends at a T-junction. Turn left onto the B920 and left again following the road down to Scotlandwell. At the foot of the hill, the road crosses a small river, The Gullet was created towards the end of the 1800s as part of the scheme to drain the marsh land surrounding Loch Leven. The water level was lowered four feet reclaiming a large amount of land in the process, including much of Sandgate Park.
The road passes Portmoak Gliding Club, which is renowned for the quality of gliding available off the slopes of Bishop and the Lomond Hills. For the adventurous, gliding experience flights may be available.
Scotlandwell
After passing the car dealers as you go into Scotlandwell, look out for a small road on the left, opposite the road A911 junction, signposted for The Well. Here an information board relates how the waters were reputed to have cured Robert the Bruce of leprosy. Scotlandwell was a monastic center and later a weaving town. The grass playing area around the Well was once the drying green for the bleached cloth. (In the days before the invention of what we call bleach, Sodium Hypochlorate, the main source of bleach was urine.) Return to the road and turn left. At the top of the only hill on the route is Portmoak Parish Church, the church car park has an information point for the Tetley Trail, a six-mile circular walk. If one intends walking the trail then please read the comments about using the car park on Sundays.
Kinnesswood
The village was the birthplace of Michel Bruce, an 18th century poet, who died aged 21. His house, in The Cobbles has been preserved as a museum and is open to the public. Admission can be obtained from the Q8 garage, which is opposite The Cobbles.
The village is worth exploring, there is more to it than meets the eye.
Continuing onwards, the road forks at the Balgedie Toll Tavern, bear left and carry on to Orwell farm, in the field on the right are two standing stones.
Farther on, the road forks again, take the left-hand road, sign posted for Kinross. The road passes a small Scottish natural Heritage reserve at Burleigh Sands. Continue to Kinross by road.
At the A977 junction, turn left following the road southwards to the mini-roundabout, straight over and third left, opposite the Town Hall clock-tower returning back to the start at Kirkgate Park.