Hills: Hill of Tarvit (211m)

Hill of Tarvit is a summit in the north of Fife between Cupar and Ceres. It is perhaps better known for the Edwardian Hill of Tarvit Mansion (now a NTS property) nestling at its foot. If visiting the mansion, a wander up to the hill summit is highly recommended for the excellent views. It’s a bit of a huff and puff up the steep grassy slopes but well worth the effort.

There are paths through the woodlands from the car park and the east side of the mansion, which take you out on to the open hillside. From here it is a straightforward but steep climb up the grass to reach the summit memorial and trig point.

The shortest ascent is to start from the NTS car park at Tarvit Mansion. However the hill can be included in longer walks in the area and there are a number of options possible to enable the walker to create a circular route. Some possible options are described below. Please note that these routes use unsurfaced paths through woodland and thus may be muddy after heavy or continuous rain. Appropriate footwear is advised.

Route Map

  • Red: Hill of Tarvit from the Tarvit Mansion
  • Blue: from Cupar via Scotstarvit
  • Green: from Cupar and Ceres via the Moor Road
  • Yellow: from Ceres via the Waterless Road
  • Magenta: from Ceres via Wemyshall Road

Hill of Tarvit from Cupar

From Cupar via Scotstarvit

Distance: 4.7 km / 2.9 miles

Ascent: 195 m / 640 feet

Terrain: Mostly unsurfaced paths which may be muddy at times

A pleasant approach route is possible leaving Cupar from the Cupar Mills area via a path alongside the River Eden. The path joins the access road at the ABN plant and 350m of pavement walking alongside the A914 is required to reach the next path opposite Tarvit Mill. This unsurfaced woodland / field path to Scotstarvit is approximately 1.2km in length and crosses a minor road before reaching the farm buildings at Scotstarvit. The path turns left and passes the Scotstarvit Tower House. From the tower it is a short walk out to the main road opposite the visitor entrance for Tarvit Mansion.

From Cupar via the Moor Road and Whitehills

Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles

Ascent: 190 m / 620 feet

Terrain: Some road walking but mostly unsurfaced paths which may be muddy

The old Moor Road between Cupar and Ceres starts from the outskirts of Cupar at NO 38057 13540 close to the golf course and cemetry. This unsurfaced core path gently ascends Ceres Moor to a height of 121 m before starting its descent. Before reaching Ceres turn right at a purple arrow marker post indicating a core path to Whitehills Farm. Go round the farm to the left following the track as it turns southwards. After the farm, go through a metal gate on the right into a field. There is no path here so stick to the field edge (keep dogs to the field edge also) and follow it to a gate on the far side. Cross the next grassy field (may contain sheep) in an upward direction to reach another gate and the final grassy approach to the summit.

Hill of Tarvit from Ceres

From Ceres via the Moor Road and Whitehills

Distance: 3 km / 1.9 miles

Ascent: 130 m / 440 feet

Terrain: Unsurfaced paths which may be muddy at times, field edge

This route also uses the Moor Road but starts from its southern end at Ceres. The old road branches off from the present road at NO 39386 12160. Initially the route is a tarmac road through houses but after 200m it becomes a track / path. After another 150m a core path marker is reached at the end of the track to Whitehills. Go left to Whitehills and follow the route as described above from Cupar.

From Ceres via the Waterless Road

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles

Ascent: 165 m / 540 feet

Terrain: Mostly unsurfaced paths which may be muddy at times, some quiet road walking

This is a longer route from Ceres and uses another old road, this time the Waterless Road which has been incorporated into the Fife Pilgrim Way. Leave Ceres on the Waterless Road following the Pilgrim Way markers. On reaching Denhead Farm after 1.4km, turn right leaving the Pilgrim Way. The track crosses the B939 road, becomes a path and heads downhill to the outskirts of Craigrothie. Go left at the yellow signpost and then turn right on the narrow roads to the ford and bridge over the Craigrothie Burn. A short stretch of rough track leads to the Wemysshall Road. Turn right along the tarmac road to reach the driveway into Tarvit Mansion. From here there is a choice of following the surfaced driveway directly to the house or going left into the woods for a woodland walk past the old doocot to join the visitor access road to the house.

From Ceres via Wemysshall Road

Distance: 3 km / 1.8 miles

Ascent: 125 m / 415 feet

Terrain: mostly unsurfaced paths which may be muddy at times

This is the shortest walk from Ceres. From the village centre head north on the road to Cupar (it is possible to miss a bit of the road out by walking alongside the river until Meldrums Hotel is reached). At NO 39560 11903 a brown Hill of Tarvit road sign indicates the start of Wemysshall Road. Turn left here along the road. It is not necessary to walk on the pavement for the full distance, as a footpath has been created on the right hand side of the road. On reaching the driveway to the house there is a choice of routes. Either use the direct route along the driveway or continue on the path through the woods, following it round to the right to pass a doocot and alongside the golf course to reach the visitor access road.