The Howe of Fife
A Hidden Gem
Auchtermuchty is a small town, nestling between the Ochil Hills and the impressive Lomond Hills Regional Park, in an area known as the Howe of Fife. As a base for a stay in the area, the location is hard to beat.
Less than 30 minutes drive from St. Andrews, Loch Leven, Perth, Dundee and providing easy access to the East Neuk of Fife and even to Edinburgh and Glasgow, it really is a fantastic place from which to explore the local area and further afield in Scotland.
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Auchtermuchty itself is a traditional Fife town with a proud history. Home of the legendary 'Proclaimers', as well as Scottish country dance legend Jimmy Shand, 'Muchty (as it's known locally) certainly punches above its weight when it comes to musical heritage.
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The town centre is a 5-10 minute walk from Southfield, which lies on the Eastern boundary of the town, and contains many amenities, including local shops, coffee shop, pubs, chip shop and Chinese take-away.
The harbour wall at St Monan's (Saint Monance) in the East Neuk
St Andrews, the home of Golf is only 20 minutes from Southfield
St Andrews has some stunning scenery, as well as great shops, restaurants... and of course... golf.
St Andrews has some stunning scenery, as well as great shops, restaurants... and of course... golf.
Walking distance from Southfield is Pitmedden forest. A labyrinth of beautiful forest paths, ideal for walking, running and biking. Home of the annual 'Muckmedden 6-hour' Mountain Bike race.
Maspie Den, in the Falkland estate is a truly stunning walk with narrow bridges, tunnels and a spectacular waterfall.
Elie, in the East Neuk is a popular destination, with beautiful beaches, watersports, good shops and spectacular scenery.
Spring snow on the Lomonds, viewed across Loch leven
As the name suggests, the coastal path circles the Fife coast from North Queensferry to Newburgh (only a few miles from Southfield).
One of the most famous bridges in the world
Simply miles of beautiful walks.
Country residence of the Stewart Monarchs and a favourite of Mary Queen of Scots
The lower part of the Maspie Den
A great example of an 'East Neuk' fishing village. Home of a world famous festival.
A beautiful fishing village on the East Neuk part of the Coastal Path
A common sight along the East Neuk coast
Tentsmuir Forest and Beach (North of St Andrews and at the mouth of the Firth of Tay) is a fantastic place to visit. Miles of woodland trails, sand dunes and sandy coastline, with excellent parking, children's play facilities and food available.
The Lomond Hills Regional Park not only provides the stunning views from Southfield but at just 3 miles distant also represents a wealth of opportunities for exploration and adventure. From hill walking, running and mountain biking on the dramatic peaks and upper plains, to secluded walks through the Falkland estate in the evening sunshine, there's a lot on offer here.
Located just beyond the Eastern boundary of the ancient burgh of Auchtermuchty, Southfield is still a working farm. Visitors will be able to admire the ever changing views of the arable fields and animal grazing paddocks, depending on seasonality and land rotation.
At just 10 miles from Southfield, Loch Leven (with it's famous Island Castle, Larder Farm Shop and stunning nature reserve) is a great day out for the family. For those looking for a chance to exert themselves, the loch heritage trail circles the loch and at 12.5miles in length represents quite a challenge, especially on foot.
View southward from Pitmedden Forest towards Auchtermuchty.
The barley harvest @Southfield
East Lomond basks in late spring sunshine, viewed here from Southfield.
A view North to Auchtermuchty, Pitmedden forest and the Ochil Hills from the Lomond Hills Regional Park
View East along the top fire road in Pittmeden Forest.
A view of West Lomond Hill from Pitmedden forest following some late spring snow.
Stay@Southfield
Explore the map below to see what's on offer locally.