Walk of the week: Devilla Forest

Until recently, neither Jimbo, Joe nor I had ever been to Devilla Forest, north-east of Kincardine; an open coniferous habitat whose lochs, burns, meadowland and broad-leaved areas support rich and varied wildlife.

Since retiring 18 years ago, local historians Bob and Meg Smith have extensively researched the area’s varied history, from ancient sites and battles to the development of coal mining, and have prepared an informative, detailed map. Smaller laminated copies of it are attached to trees at key points in the forest. With a plethora of paths, cycleways and tracks, it is prudent to have OS map 65 to hand, but also take time en route to study Bob’s maps.

Bob has also produced two amateur DVDs and a book about the area, copies of which he kindly forwarded to me. OS maps of the 1930s show Tulliallan, rather than Devilla, as the name of the forest. The Forestry Commission (FC) bought Tulliallan Estate after the Second World War. On the estate was a farm called Devilla (meaning “bad farm”, referring to poor agricultural land); cue change of name.

Produced by the FC and Bob, leaflets containing a small map and other information are available from a box in the car park on the north side of the A985, map ref 964871, (not the Righead one further east).

Go along the broad track for a few yards to a green sign on the left – Red Squirrel Walk to Bordie Loch. A new path, under two miles long and suitable for children and pushchairs, goes around the loch, taking in the Standard Stone (marking the 1038 Battle of Bordie between King Duncan and Macbeth and the opposing Danes) and the Pulpit Stone (where Covenanters held their Conventicles). Return to the track, then at the first junction turn left and continue in a straight line west for two miles (crossing a junction en route; north goes to Keir) to reach a broad north/south clearing carrying a double line of electricity pylons.

Turn north by the pylons, then left at the next four-way junction. At the next junction, leave the track for a rhododendron-lined pathway on the right to reach the southern tip of Moor Loch and a white house.

Curving right all the while, a clockwise half-perimeter route goes round the loch. Look out for a short path that gives a charming detour through the trees to the water’s edge and the cobbled outflow of the loch. Of the four Devilla lochs (Bordie, Keir, Moor and Peppermill Dam), this is the best stretch of water for wildlife.

Continue to the loch’s northern side, then follow the mapped old path north-east through the pylon-cleared rhododendron area to join a narrow track. Turn left on this to skirt the western end of the forest by Windyhill Farm, then curve east to reach Peppermill Dam, a one-mile loch. A side track leads to the water’s edge and what is left of an old boathouse – a delightful spot, the water level on our visit very high after days of rain. It is then a lovely walk on a good track by the forest edge. Ignore a side track from the right.

The track gradually edges away from the water to reach a five-track junction, from where either of two tracks go south. Head east, passing the rectangular clear-mapped area, once a tree nursery, now an overgrown thicket. At its east end a path leads to Keir Loch, a large reedy pond. Return to the track, head east, then south for the car park.

Map Ordnance Survey map 65

Distance 6 miles

Height Negligible

Terrain Track and path

Start point Car park, north side of A985, map ref 964871

Time 2 to 3 hours

Nearest town Kincardine

Recommended refreshment spot The Biscuit Café, Culross