Walk of the week: Norman’s Law

Published on Monday 23 January 2012 00:00

OVERLOOKING the Firth of Tay, 285m/936ft Norman’s Law is a Marilyn (a hill with at least a 150m drop all round)

Given the hill’s commanding views and the defensive advantage provided by its steep conical slopes, it is no surprise that on the rocky top are the remains of an extensive Iron Age fort.

A popular starting point is from Luthrie village. Luthrie has a fine multi-purpose hall, available for bookings. When the Mountain Hare and I were there at the end of last year we met Kate Douglas. She explained that the hall’s activities could include the provision of refreshment for a reasonably sized group of walkers.

If interested do contact her, tel: [phone].

• THE ROUTE

This route follows the Fife Core Path Network, 214, 213 and 212, albeit largely non-signposted. From the village hall car park, head WSW on a broad straight track (green signposted – public paths to Aytoun and Norman’s Law) passing Lower Luthrie Farm on the left to reach a junction, map ref 325194. Straight on leads to Carphin; going left leads to Aytoun and part of the return route.

However, turn right at another green sign on a rougher track that heads north-westwards then curves right (north) past a farmhouse and enters a field.

Shortly after, leave the track and follow a poorer track, not signed, on the left, climbing gently uphill through broken terrain. With Norman’s Law hidden at this point, a north-west compass bearing might be reassuring, even on a clear day. The way, by now somewhat vague, goes between pine trees on the left and a rocky escarpment on the right – then suddenly there it is – Norman’s Law. A verdant strip on the right leads to the wood on the eastern side of the Law. A charming path through the trees reaches a metal gate and a track.

We took our time on the final climb up the summit cone. The 100 or so participants in the annual hill race organised by Fife AC travel somewhat faster! And sadly on our poor weather day we could see scarcely beyond the silvery Tay just to the north.

Retrace steps to the gate and follow the track that heads south-westerly. Disconcertingly, the track appears to be curving round too far to the right, but continue with it until reaching a wooden bridge with a white arrow. Then descend on an old, overgrown vague track to reach a gate with another white arrow. Cross the field, to the right of which are remains of a walled garden, map ref 306196.

From there head south on the more developing track, descending to a junction at map ref 305189. Turn left (eastwards) on the mapped track, now overgrown and little more than a narrow path between hedgerows, but a pretty way to reach Wester Kinsleith cottage, from where the farm road leads back to Luthrie.

On descent we met a couple of falconers with two Harris Hawks, popular falconry birds of prey, being the easiest to train. The Harris Hawk has a wingspan of some 3½ft, but close up they looked enormous – or was I just concerned that they might mistake me for food? John James Audubon, he of the Illustrated Birds of America, published in the early 1800s, gave the bird its English name in honour of his ornithological companion and financial supporter, Edward Harris.

• THE FACTS

Map

Ordnance Survey map 59, St Andrews

Distance

5 miles

Height

250m

Terrain

Mostly track and path

Start point

Luthrie village hall car park, map ref 331196

Time

3 hours

Nearest towns

Newburgh and Cupar

Recommended refreshment spot

Pre-booked Luthrie village hall or Pillars of Hercules café

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