Hills: Dunearn Hill (223.6m), Orrock Hill (205m), Baspard Hill (197m), Stoneyhall Hill (194m), Montquey Hill (164m)
At 223.6m Dunearn Hill is the highest point of the upland between Burntisland and Kinghorn. Not as well known as its nearby lower neighbour, the Burntisland Binn, it is however one of Fife’s finest small hills with a beautiful summit lochan, woodland and superb views over the Forth. The other hills in the vicinity are also good short outings particularly Stoneyhall Hill which, like Dunearn, is a hill-fort site.
Route Map
Dunearn Hill (223.6m)
The Ordnance Survey maps show two summits of 221m height. However, recent analysis has shown that the high point is the northern one at 223.6m. It is however, the lower summit that is more interesting for the casual walker as this was the site of an iron-age hill fort and has good views.
This is working countryside so please make sure your actions are in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Close gates behind you and take care not to disturb sheep (give them a wide berth). Please also stay away from the immediate vicinity of the farm and the house (there is no longer any parking available at the farm). The two routes suggested (shown in red on the route map) are currently the preferred routes on the hill.
From the East
A route is possible from the Standing Stanes Road where a gate at grid ref NT 218 872 provides access to a grassy track leading up to a communications mast. The track heads north up the hill before turning left towards the mast. From the mast it is a grassy walk to either the north or the south side of Dunearn Loch. In the trees north of the loch is the true summit whilst the viewpoint is located south west of the loch. There are likely to be sheep in the fields on this route so best not to take dogs and avoid disturbing the sheep.
From Stenhouse
An ascent from the northern side is possible from Stenhouse Reservoir. Start from the end of the fishery road on the A909 (not much parking available as the wee layby has been blocked off) and walk along the southern shore of the loch. Towards the far end of the loch a rough path heads up hill through a break in the trees. From the top of the path it is a straightforward walk westwards to a communications mast and then to the col between the two summits. To the right is the higher summit and to the left on the far side of Dunearn Loch is the lower summit.
Dunearn Hill combines well with a walk around Stenhouse Reservoir (shown in grey on the map).
Orrock Hill (205m) / Baspard Hill (197m)
This one sits on the edge of the Orrock Quarry. Although the summit and trig point are well back from the quarry edges there is no fence at this point so keep an eye on children and dogs!
Access avoiding the quarry is from the south (Standing Stane Road) from where you can follow field edges (be prepared for barb wire) from Orrock to the corner at NT 226 885. From here it is an easy walk up grassy slopes to the summit. Approaching directly from the south or the via the road to the west entails a steep gorse ridden clamber that is best avoided. The nearby 197m Baspard Hill can also be included as it easily reached via field edges and the gorse can be avoided by following a fence line up its northern side and then approaching the summit from the south. Descend south via a break in the gorse and field edges back to the road.
There is parking for 1 or 2 cars on the grass verge at the foot of the Craigkelly Road. Respect the sign asking you not to park on the actual road / driveway.
Stoneyhall Hill (194m) and Kilrie Community Woodland
Can be approached from the Kilrie Community Woodland car park to the north. Use the paths/tracks in the woodland to reach the high ground of Glassmount Hill to the south. At NT 24180 88967 a wall can be crossed (or squeeze round the gate) to access the rough (and wet) ground to the south. An openable gate at NT 24174 88793 gives easy access to the grassy hillside. If crossing to Stoneyhall Hill at any other point watch out for an electric fence.
The route onto the hill is shown in magenta on the map whilst some paths around the community woodland are shown in grey. Some of these paths are becoming overgrown and may be difficult to use. However, there is a good selection of paths in the woods that are worth exploring.
Montquey Hill (164m)
This one is easily approached from Stenhouse Reservoir using the track to Balmule (part of the Old North Road). An openable gate provides easy access on to a grassy track through an old quarry area . Beyond the quarry the track becomes a trodden path up the grassy hillside and can be used to reach the summit avoiding the gorse bushes. There are pleasant open views from the summit.
Grangehill (118m)
This hill is the high point at the back of Kinghorn behind the caravan park. It can be accessed via a core path running from Kinghorn Golf Club to the roadside close to Kinghorn Loch. Leave the core path north-west of Grangehill Farm on a field track leading to a communications mast. The summit is in the field to the west of the track.
Fife Walking 