Location:

Fife

Map: OS Landranger 59

Distance: 19 miles (31km)

Time: 2-3 hours

Terrain: hilly sections; mainly quiet roads, off-road track

Explore some of Fife's meandering country roads on this reasonably strenuous circuit from Anstruther. The picturesque old fishing village is a nice place to spend some time before or after your cycle. It is home to the Scottish Fisheries Museum, which celebrates the industry's role in national life.

Follow the coast road east to a car park then head uphill, following the signed Fife cycle route 2. Extensive sea views open out to include the Isle of May.

Cross the main road to pedal through Kilrenny, later joining a quiet B-road where you turn right.

Further on, go left at a crossroads to join the B940. Soon you'll pass the Cold War-era bunker, built to be used as a government headquarters in the event of a nuclear conflict.

Stay on this road until a cycle sign for Carnbee. This leads up and over singletrack roads to Arncroach. Pedal on to join the B9171, heading towards Crail, which leads by Kellie Castle - a home to the Jacobite-supporting Earls of Kellie, one of whom hid in a tree in the garden for months after the Battle of Culloden.

Then, for the easy final leg, turn right at the road for Pittenweem. About a mile (1.6km) down this road follow the cycle signs left to reach a track that links with the B9131 for the return to Anstruther.

fergal macerlean