Woodland Wonders

Tentsmuir Forest offers something for cyclists of all levels – with great views thrown in for good measure

- Alex Corlett

ON the north-eastern extremity of Fife, Tentsmuir is a vast sprawl of pine trees chock full of squirrels, dog walkers, cyclists and equestrians.

A grid of forest tracks divides up the area like American city blocks, but away from the main drag around the outermost edge lie a few bands of singletrack that make the woods well worth the trip.

Also interesting are the remains of the Second World War defences peppering the woods along the coast.

It was thought that the gentle, sandy beaches would make an ideal landing point for invading German forces – which explains the concrete anti-tank blocks, pillboxes and observation towers scattered among the trees – built by the Polish army with the help of locals.

The sands of the beach are every bit as huge as the defense structures. Abertay sands stretch out from Tentsmuir point into the North Sea – but they’re not for exploring as many folk have been caught out by the rapid return of the tides.

Seals can often be seen bathing on islets of sand, though they’re happiest with a little gap between them and the human throng.