My little piece of Scotland: Braefoot Bay

It is used for downhill mountain biking and walking, and it is also part of a gas pipeline that runs from Braefoot to Moss Morran.

I first went there when I was four years old. My big brother, who is a big downhill mountain biker, took me and I loved it from then on. I try to go up to Braefoot most weekends. It is the most exciting place ever – especially if, like me, you are into downhill mountain biking. Lots of people go to practise at Braefoot because it's fun and exciting. When I am there it makes me feel happy – it's so exhilarating to fly off the jumps, which have been made by fellow downhill bikers.

I also like to take my BMX bike with me, but it depends on what kind of cycling I want to do that weekend. You can do other activities there, such as running, walking and in the winter, when there's snow, you can go sledging.

While I was doing a project on the Second World War I discovered that Braefoot was the place where the first German plane was shot down on British soil. There are still some gun emplacements and barracks where the soldiers ate and slept. There are also some old rail tracks.

In the autumn, the ground is all crinkly and covered with shades of orange, red and brown, but if you stay very, very still you can spot deer and rabbits. Winter is my favourite time of the year to visit Braefoot. It gets quite cold and snowy. It's amazing to go for a walk and look at the wildlife. Last time I was there with my family, we startled a deer – it was quite magical. Last April there was a low mist from the sea, which made it look a bit scary.

Sometimes when my dad comes, we head down to the beach and make a fire and toast marshmallows – we come home smelling of smoke and mum calls us "the wild things".

My favourite things about Braefoot are the good views, friendly people and downhill mountain biking.

Martin Tazioli (12), Rosyth

#149 This article was first published in Scotland On Sunday on March 21, 2010