Highlight • Trail
Hiking
5.0
(30)
The Keltyhill Glen Trail Stream offers a delightful woodland walk within the expansive Blairadam Forest, situated on the northern edge of the Fife coal fields in Scotland. This scenic trail, reaching an elevation of approximately 195 metres, is easily accessible west and north of the town of Kelty. It is one of several popular trails managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, inviting visitors to explore a landscape rich in natural beauty and history.
What draws many to the Keltyhill Glen…
Tips
August 7, 2018
Hiking
March 4, 2023
Hiking
Nearby routes
Best routes near Keltyhill Glen Trail Stream, Blairadam Forest
4.5
(2)
12
hikers
9.44km
02:37
160m
170m
5.0
(11)
197
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
108
hikers
3.93km
01:04
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Informations
Elevation 190 m
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Beyond the 1 km blue-marked Keltyhill Glen Trail, Blairadam Forest offers two other waymarked routes. The Red Glen Trail is a longer 2.8 km option, and the Yellow Blairenbathie Mine Trail extends for 4 km, providing more extensive exploration of the forest's natural beauty and historical mining remnants.
While generally a pleasant woodland walk, the Keltyhill Glen Trail Stream does feature a firm but uneven gravel surface. Hikers should be prepared for some steep slopes, reaching gradients of about 25% over 50 meters. Sections can also become muddy, especially after rain, so appropriate footwear is highly recommended. It's suitable for most, but those with mobility challenges might find the steep, uneven parts difficult.
Yes, Blairadam Forest and the Keltyhill Glen Trail Stream are generally dog-friendly. Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs here. However, it's always best practice to keep dogs under control, especially around wildlife and other hikers, and to clean up after them to maintain the forest's natural environment.
There are two main parking options. A small parking area is available at the entrance just off the B914. Additionally, a main car park is located approximately 500 meters further down the forest road. Even if the main car park appears busy, visitors often find a sense of solitude quickly once on the trails.
The Keltyhill Glen Trail Stream is approximately 1.0 km (0.5 miles) long. It offers a pleasant stroll that typically takes about 15 minutes to complete, making it an ideal choice for a short, refreshing walk.
The research indicates that Blairadam Forest is easily accessible by car, located west of Kelty and Junction 4 of the M90. However, specific details regarding public transport routes directly to the forest entrance are not readily available. Visitors are advised to check local bus services to Kelty and then consider the distance to the forest entrance.
The primary natural feature is the trail's course alongside the Drumnagoil Burn, which becomes particularly dramatic after heavy rainfall. The trail also navigates through areas of towering spruce trees, with a mix of spruce, beech, pine, and sycamore woods contributing to the scenic beauty. While the trail itself is focused on the glen, the broader Blairadam Forest contains evidence of its industrial past, including remnants of coal mining works.
The Keltyhill Glen Trail Stream can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering its own charm. For winter hikes, be aware that sections of the trail, particularly the steep slopes and uneven gravel surface, can become muddy and potentially slippery due to rain or melting snow. Appropriate waterproof footwear with good grip is essential for safe winter walking.
While Blairadam Forest offers a tranquil escape, there are no cafes, pubs, or dedicated accommodation facilities directly within the forest itself. Visitors looking for refreshments or overnight stays would need to venture into nearby towns such as Kelty or Kinross, which offer various amenities.
Blairadam Forest has a rich history dating back to the 1700s when William Adam, a Scottish architect, built Blairadam House and landscaped the estate. He planted trees for timber and also extracted coal. The forest later came under state ownership. While the Keltyhill Glen Trail focuses on natural beauty, the wider forest contains abundant evidence of its industrial past, including remnants of coal mining works that have since been reclaimed by nature.
The Keltyhill Glen Trail Stream is described as a 1 km trail that follows the Drumnagoil Burn. While the description focuses on its length and features, it is typically an out-and-back or a short loop that connects back to the main forest paths, rather than a distinct circular route in isolation. For longer circular options, consider combining it with other trails in Blairadam Forest.