Yesterday was a positively gorgeous sunny day – in the morning anyway – and so I got myself going early to finally explore this tower, which we drove by on our daily commute for years. I had been led to believe that you could not go inside, but was excited to discover that fact had changed. Scotstarvit Tower was likely built in the late 1480s or 90s, by the Inglis family, and was renovated in the early 17th century to the form seen today. A true tower, it has one large room on each floor, connected by a spiral staircase, though there are small ‘closet’-type rooms built into the wall in places.
Scotstarvit Tower sits about half a mile off the road linking Craigrothie to Cupar. You cannot drive to it, but instead can find easy parking at the nearby National Trust property, the Hill of Tarvit mansion house. Parking is £3, and from the parking lot, I walked back towards the main road along a lovely tree tunnel.
Along the left of the path there are views through the trees up to the Hill of Tarvit monument, and to the right is the lovely green rolling expanse of the historic Kingarrock Hickory Golf course.
Eventually I reached the main entrance to the property, and the A916. Cars come incredibly fast along this road in both directions, but I was able to scamper across and to the safety of the farm track which is only accessible via vehicle to residents. Along the track, there are lovely views out to the right towards the Lomond Hills, and eventually back towards Cupar.
After a short walk, there is a path up to the left, lined with daffodils, and a small sign indicates that is the way to go. I found myself a bit hesitant at first as the path to the tower takes you quite close to a private home, but it was well worth the exploration.
I was delighted to find, as I approached, that the front door to the tower was open, and the interior was quiet but light and well-maintained. I climbed to the staircase, which comes to an end in the little funnel-shaped room on top of tower. Perhaps understandably, the public is not currently able to wander the rooftop. It is also likely that there were outbuildings at some point, and there is evidence of an extension at ground level.
Once I had my fill of the tower, I made my way back towards the car, but I found myself distracted by another path off to the right, running along the edge of the golf course. It seemed to lead in the Craigrothie direction, and I decided I needed a few more steps so made my way through a gate and towards a nearby hill. There is a lovely old iron gate leading to a smaller path that eventually climbs up to an impressive doocot, designed to look like a medieval tower. A picnic table and slightly deteriorated wooden bench are situated perfectly to allow one to enjoy the view back towards the Hill of Tarvit mansion house. While the extra short walk is by no means required as part of the visit to the tower, it was definitely worth the effort.
The Wandering Medievalist 
One response to “Scotstarvit Tower and walk”
Thank you for the unique and beautiful photographs of your visit to Scotstarvit Tower and subsequent walk. I have never been to Scotland. I had no idea it was so splendid. I look forward to more of your Scottish travels. From across the pond, Massachusetts, USA!!
LikeLike