Pitmedden Forest, on the Fife–Perth and Kinross border

Pitmedden Forest Trails

route · Woodland walk

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6.1

Wildland

Half day

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

ForestWoodlandFarmlandWalkersWildlife loversDogsCyclists

Why it's Wildland

6.1

A working plantation of spruce, pine and larch crossed by forest roads and informal paths, with walking routes through the trees and a chance of spotting red squirrels or hearing buzzards.

Pitmedden offers more than a simple woodland stroll: its changing conifer stands, informal forest tracks and shared mountain-bike trails make it a substantial countryside outing. Its appeal is in exploring a working forest rather than following a fully waymarked visitor circuit.

Peaceful · Wild

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Pitmedden Forest, on the Fife–Perth and Kinross border

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The experience

Choose a route to suit your time and ability, and take a map: trails are not waymarked throughout. The Clink-starting walk descriptions provide a longer option through forest tracks and unsurfaced paths. Watch for cyclists, especially on mountain-bike trails, and expect mud in wet conditions.

Things to do

Walk the Pitmedden Circuit

Follow the 6.5-mile route from The Clink. The source offers options using either forest roads or mountain-bike trails; the latter can be muddy.

Not stated in the source

Look for red squirrels

Keep watch among the trees; the walking guide says visitors may be lucky enough to spot a red squirrel.

Listen for buzzards over open ground

The walking guide suggests listening for buzzards hunting around the forest’s open areas.

Ride Pitmedden’s downhill trails

A video description reports ten steep black downhill trails and several red flow trails. This is mountain biking information, not evidence that all trails are suitable for walking.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours; choose a suitable section of forest track and return the same way.

A short forest wander

01
Start from an access point confirmed before travelling.
02
Follow a short section of forest road or informal trail, keeping clear of approaching mountain bikers.
03
Pause at an open area to listen for buzzards and look for signs of woodland wildlife.
04
Return by the same route; do not assume junctions are waymarked.

Half day · About 2–3 hours, based on the sourced 5-mile route.

The Clink forest circuit

01
Start at The Clink car park near Auchtermuchty, grid reference NO 222 128.
02
Follow the described 5-mile route through forest tracks, unsurfaced paths and a section of quiet road.
03
At the bench near the Thirl Stone, pause before continuing by forest road towards Newhill.
04
Return towards the car park, using forest paths where the described route allows.

Hidden details

Thirl Stone — The sourced 5-mile walking route passes a bench near the Thirl Stone. The guide links to a Canmore record for the stone; consult the site for its documented background.

When to go

· No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources.

The walking guide notes wildflowers in warmer months. It also warns that mountain-bike trails can become muddy, so recent rainfall and trail conditions matter.

Mountain-bike trails can be very muddy. Check current conditions and take care on shared trails.

The route

ascent: 730 ft / 220 m for the 5-mile route; 985 ft / 300 m for the 6.5-mile circuit
stiles: Check before visiting
surface: Unsurfaced paths, forest tracks and some quiet road; the longer circuit may use mountain-bike trails or forest roads.
distance: Two sourced options: 5 miles / 8 km and 6.5 miles / 10.3 km
duration: Not stated for the routes in the Fife Walking source. AllTrails lists a separate Strathmiglo and Drumdreel Wood route at 1.5–2 hours; it should not be assumed to describe the same route.
difficulty: Not stated for the Pitmedden routes. Expect muddy, unsurfaced sections; the AllTrails route is separately rated moderate.
waymarking: No waymarked trails throughout the forest; core path markers may be encountered.
route shape: Circuit routes described from The Clink car park
start point: The Clink car park near Auchtermuchty, grid reference NO 222 128
parking start: The route guide gives The Clink car park as the start; verify current parking availability.
shorter alternative: The 5-mile / 8 km route is the shorter of the two Pitmedden routes described by Fife Walking.

Mixed spruce, pine and larch plantation
Open areas where buzzards may be heard
Possible red squirrel sightings
Bench near the Thirl Stone on the 5-mile route

What to look for

Notice the contrast between spruce, pine and larch stands, and listen for buzzards over open areas. Red squirrels are a possible sighting, not a certainty.

Best time to go

Warmer months for wildflowers; check trail conditions after wet weather.

Warmer months are highlighted for woodland wildflowers. Choose a dry spell where possible, as mountain-bike trails can become muddy.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Dogs · Cyclists

Route at a glance

Duration

Half day

Terrain

Forest, Woodland

Parking / start

A route is described from The Clink car park near Auchtermuchty, grid reference NO 222 128. Check current parking availability before travelling.

Practical information

Opening & access

Walking routes are described through the forest. The forest has no waymarked trails; paths and mountain-bike trails may be muddy, and walkers should watch for approaching cyclists. Check current access and conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

A route is described from The Clink car park near Auchtermuchty, grid reference NO 222 128. Check current parking availability before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

The source row marks the listing dog-friendly; check current local rules and signage.

Check before visiting

Accessibility