Recreation in Bow of Fife, Collessie & Letham

This rural area of the Howe offers lovely walks around the surrounding hills and forests, and if you are able to drive, many more outdoor pursuits as well.

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Open spaces

King George V playing field at the end of The Row in Letham has a children's playpark and football pitches. Collessie also has a play park and playing fields on the outskirts of the village. There are attractive benches and resting places in both Collessie & Letham.

Birnie Loch and Gadden Loch

Birnie Loch, just south of Collessie is a well established conservation and recreation area managed by the Fife Ranger Service. It was created in 1991 from the restored workings of Kinloch Quarry and donated to the people of Fife by the family of J.S. Baird & Sons in association with Pioneer Aggregates (UK) Ltd.  Along with neighbouring Gaddon Loch, the two Local Nature Reserves provide popular bird watching and walking opportunities. Two bird hides provide viewing platforms and guided walks are occasionally on offer in the summer. The complete walking circuit around both lochs is 1.5 miles, Birnie alone is 0.75 miles.

Walking

Whilst the Lomonds are not as close to Collessie, Letham and the Bow as they are to say, Falkland or Freuchie, their presence dominates the landscape. With expansive views from both summits (as far as the Borders and the Highlands on a good day), as well as notable historic features, the Lomond Hills Regional Park provides exceptional hill walking and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. Craigmead Car Park in Falkland has good access for walkers to both the East and West Lomond Hills. It has a picnic area, information boards & toilets.

The hills behind Letham also offer walking challenges, including the summit of Mount Hill and Hopetoun Monument (a 29m column erected in memory of Sir John Hope, the fourth Earl of Hopetoun who was a heroic soldier who fought in the Battle of Corunna in 1809.) 

Of course there are many more rights of way and core paths around the area. View some of the most popular by clicking the icon below. Even better add a route yourself.

More local walking routes

Cycling

Cyclists interested in the area could try the Historic Howe Hamlets route: a 9.6 mile on-road cycle start and ending in Collessie that offers an insight into many of the Howe's hidden historic gems. Take your time and explore!

More cyling routes

More on Walking & Cycling in Fife

Horseriding

Highfield Equestrian, 1 mile from Collessie offers group and individual lessons for all abilities from age 4 years upwards and has an indoor facility for inclement weather too.

Golf

Fife is famous for its golf courses, so it's fitting that this area's nearest course is the Open Championship qualifying course Ladybank only 5 minutes drive away. Visitors are welcome all year round at this beautiful and technically challenging course. About Ladybank Golf Course.

Fishing

The newly opened Park View Trout Fishery at Birnie Loch offers open loch fly & bait fishing for brown/rainbow trout. It's open from 8am till dusk for all members of the public.

Fieldsports

If you are interested in fieldsports, Woodmill Shootings can arrange roe deer stalking for all levels from beginners to experts.

Sports clubs & health

Letham hosts its own Belly Dancing and Tai Chi & Chi Kung classes, whilst Collessie has a popular Yoga class. If you participate in an organised sport, either as an individual or in a team based in Collessie, Letham or Bow of Fife, please tell us about it.

Get a Fifestyle card for up to 50% off a range of services including leisure centres, golf courses, theatres, libraries, outdoor education, sports and arts activities and childcare. You can also get discounts at a range of local businesses.