Recreation in Ladybank Online

Ladybank is surrounded by mostly flat countryside and offers great cycling, walking and golf.

Open spaces

Ladybank remembrance garden, just behind the war memorial on Station Square has a pleasant area for sitting, as does its neighbour Coronation Park, a small grassy area perfect for a summer picnics, or a moment's relaxation before catching the train.

Victoria Park on Beech Avenue has a children's play park, football pitches available to hire and public toilets. There is also a children's play park at Well Rd, behind the school.

Walking

You're never far from the gaze of the Lomond Hills anywhere in the Howe, and Ladybank is no exception. The Lomond Hills Regional Park provides exceptional walking (East Lomond - the nearest to Ladybank has expansive views from the summit), as well as notable historic features.

West of Ladybank, Heatherhall Woods is a perfect location for family and dog walks. Dating back to the mid 19th century, Heatherhall Woods is an open woodland complete with picnic seats and way marking signs, making access and navigation simple. Some paths are also suitable for wheelchair and pram use. Look out for red squirrels and blaeberries as well as woodland species such as pine, rowan, beech, birch and elderberry. 

North and South Annsmuir Woods to the north of the town also have good walking routes, and their own history to explore. North Annsmuir (originally known as Witch Myre Wood) was felled during the second world war to provide fuel for the local population. It sits adjacent to Annsmuir Holiday Park, site of the camp for German and Italian prisoners of war from 1945-48.

Both woodlands are maintained for the enjoyment of all thanks to the efforts of the voluntary Ladybank Forest Users Group in partnership with the Forestry Commission Scotland.

Nearby Birnie Loch, just south of Collessie is a well established conservation and recreation area managed by the Fife Ranger Service. 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 - please see Events diary for information on this.

Cycling

The excellent Kingdom of Fife Millennium Cycleway starts its 15.5 mile (25km)  Ladybank - Auchtermuchty - Falkland cycle route through the Howe of Fife at the railway station in Ladybank. Simply turn right out of the station car park and follow the cycleways sign for Auchtermuchty. Please note this route is suitable for Adults with older children and has some hilly stretches.

There are however plenty of quiet roads around the village that offer safe and easy cycling. Explore the pretty hamlets of Edentown, Charlotteown and Giffordtown, or go the open woodland at Heatherhall.

Golf

Of course Ladybank is synonymous with its Open Championship qualifying golf course established in 1879. The Championship course (6754 yards) has two loops of nine holes - visitors generally use the blue course (6299 yards). Renowned for its beauty and technical challenge, this heathland course (Par 71) is set amongst heather, pine trees and silver birch. Visitors are most welcome to play between 9.30am - 12 noon & 1.15pm - 4pm Monday to Friday. Also on Sunday by arrangement with the Secretary. Request tee times on-line.

 

Juniors or those looking for a shorter game might prefer Falkland's picturesque inland course, which is flat and has 9-holes (Par 68). New members are always most welcome. Daily and Weekly Tickets available. Children daily ticket from £5.00.

Sports clubs & health

If you want to participate in organised sport, in a team or as an individual, consider Lomond United AFC, Ladybank Bowling Club, Kotora Karate Club (which has classes for Juniors and Seniors on a Tues evening) or the 50+ music and exercise class that takes place every Wed in the Church Hall. There are also a number of local health-related businesses on call to help with exercise programming (MIREP Health Solutions)and complimentary therapy (Mama Pacha).

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.

Others

If you can't find your recreational pursuit of choice, check out local small business Wildoutdoors Limited. They offer outdoor recreation activities throughout Scotland, including specialised guided ecology walks, running holidays, and cycling tours and events with experienced naturalists and outdoor activity instructors.

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