Introduction:
There are a number of tracks through the Cullaloe Hills / Woods that may
be ridden but the main route is a track running from east to west that
is suitable for off road vehicles (Land Rovers etc.). This route is not
technically difficult although it is very undulating, very badly rutted
and extremely muddy in places. Even in summer the wet patches are very
persistent in the shade of the trees. Also watch for fallen trees / branches
across the track particularly when descending.
Getting There:
Entry at the West end of the track is by Goat Quarry. Continue south from
the quarry entrance through a double hairpin bend. The entrance is now
immediately on your left through a locked gate. Please pay attention to
the warning notices, they are informing you of quarry operations and are
not intended to dissuade you from entering. From the east end entry can
be gained of the Cowdenbeath to Bernards Smithy / Burntisland Road A909.
Again heading south from Cowdenbeath pass the Mossmoran Ethylene plant,
straight on at the roundabout, around a couple of bends. Entry to the
forest track is on the right hand side through a locked gate.
Route Description:
My favourite direction, for this ride, is from west to east, getting onto
the track by Goat Quarry after climbing up from the coast at Dalgety Bay.
Its just as enjoyable though from either direction. Then I normally ride
straight through and out onto the Cowdenbeath road as part of a longer
route. After passing through a locked gate just down the hill from Goat
Quarry start to climb along the track through a shaded wooded area. It
is normally muddy through this section with puddles across the width of
the track. The climb starts to become steeper although nothing to severe
for a mountain bike gearing. After about 800 metres the trees thin out
and the path gets closer to the side of the quarry. The track 'flattens
out' a bit here and becomes noticeably smoother for a short distance before
another short steep climb. The track is very badly rutted here and very
muddy during wet weather. Once the incline eases a bit, looking back to
the south west gives excellent views of the Forth bridges and Edinburgh
and the Pentlands to the south of the Forth. Forest cover is sparse at
this point with the quarry edge clearly visible on the left. After about
100 metres the track splits with the left fork turning back into the quarry
through gate [DO NOT ENTER THIS AREA].
Carry on to the right descending down into the forest once more. The track
is very uneven and can be very wet and slippery following any rain. Following
a descent of about 650 metres the track bottoms out and then starts climbing
again. At the end of the climb the track splits, take the right fork [going
left eventually brings you back onto route, with a few small offshoot
tracks to explore on the way]. A little further along the track you reach
a stone folly and then continue along the track for another 100 metres
or so. The track again splits in two. [a] The left fork passes a radio
mast on your left and then continues with the track getting narrower and
also more difficult to negotiate. Continuing along this track brings you
to a small stone tower perched on the edge of a steep drop on the hill.
The track turns rapidly to the left before descending down the hill side
to meet the main route across the hills. [b] If you wish to carry on straight
through the forest take the right fork just before the radio mast descending
down the track. Again take care as quite high speeds can be reached on
the descent and the track is very uneven and is usually slippery when
it is wet. After a descent of about 550 metres the terrain rises once
more before levelling out at the edge of the forest. Pass round a gate
and onto the A909 Cowdenbeath to Burntisland road.
Return Route:
There are two ways of returning to the start. Either retrace your route
through the forest or if you want a slightly easier way back on relatively
traffic free back roads turn left after passing the gate onto the A909
and continue until a roundabout is reached. Turn left and continue along
a straight road for about 1.5 Km. take the first turn on the left then
left turn again. Follow the road south until you reach Goat Quarry.