Largo
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
18.17 ha (44.90 acres)
Grid reference:
NO414039
Map reference:
Explorer 370
OS Landranger 59
Keil’s Den is an ancient woodland blanketed with bluebells, woodrush, dog's mercury and wild garlic.
A mixed surface path loops around the wood on either side of the Keil Burn. Take a moment to appreciate the views towards the Firth of Forth, Pitcruvie Castle and Largo Law to the northeast.
Keil's Den is a long, wooded glen set in the wider agricultural landscape of Fife. The wood is located on the steep banks of the Keil Burn as it runs almost directly north-south. If walking, please note that access from Upper Largo and Lower Largo is along a minor road with no pavement.
The main entrance to Keil's Den lies 500m (0.3 mile) north of Lower Largo. Heading east on the A915, take the minor road going north by the war memorial and, directly opposite, follow signs for Woodland Gardens caravan park. After approximately 350m (0.2 mile), you will reach a minor entrance directly opposite Largo House Holiday Homes. To reach the main entrance, continue north on the same road for a further 900m (0.6 mile) before turning left at the crossroads. After 250m (0.2 mile), you will reach the main lay-by with space for up to six cars.
The nearest train station is Leven, approximately 6km (4 miles) from the wood.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The nearest bus stop is Harbour Wynd on the A915, roughly 1km (0.5 mile) from the wood.
Visit Traveline for more information.
Keil’s Den has over 3km (1.9 miles) of paths, the majority of which are unsurfaced and can be narrow and muddy in places. The main path follows the boundary around the site towards the top of the den, and another path crosses the den in the middle, giving the option of doing a half circuit. Sections of the path towards the burn are particularly steep. There is no footbridge where the path crosses the burn at the north of the site, but it is possible to cross over on the road bridge. Please take care with traffic on these roads. The full loop takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
There are six entrances to the wood, through kissing gates or open gaps for pedestrians. Three of these entrances join up with paths across neighbouring fields, and the other three exit onto minor roads.
The main entrance consists of a small, informal car park at a bend in the road to the northeast of the wood, where there is space for six cars. The car park is maintained by the Woodland Trust with kind permission from a private landowner.
The nearest public toilets are located at Temple car park (KY8 6BJ). Disabled access toilets can be found at Elie Harbour (KY9 1DT).
There is an abundance of bird life at Keil’s Den, with species such as wagtails, great spotted woodpecker and buzzards calling it home. Keep an ear out for beautiful birdsong during your visit and see if you can identify the bird.
Many of the veteran beech trees provide an important habitat for bats. Other mammals found in Keil's Den include mole, badger and rabbit.
Look out for
Keil's Den is a predominantly gorge woodland consisting of both native and introduced species, and clearly has a long history of management. The den also has a riparian habitat with varying levels of wetness, featuring flora such as common spotted orchid and hawksbeard.
Look out for
The structure of the woodland is varied, with mature woodland, young trees and open ground punctuated with shrubby thickets. The burn provides an important riparian habitat and there is a wetland adjacent to it. Due to natural regeneration the wood is an ancient semi-natural woodland.
Explore
The prevalence of veteran beech trees and a number of tracks within the wood suggest that the site has been managed for at least the last 200 years. There is also evidence of a historic coffin trail that ran through the wood from Hatton Law, over the middle bridge, and through to Upper Largo cemetery.
The Woodland Trust acquired the site in 1992. Thanks to efforts of the local community, an incredible 75% of the money for the purchase was raised in only two weeks! Since that time, the Trust has worked to improve public access as well as planting native trees in the more open spaces.
The dramatic nature of the den provides a unique backdrop to Keil’s Den with scattered seating providing the perfect pitstop to take it in. The paths also connect to wider routes for those looking for a longer walk and is roughly 1km (0.6 mile) from the Fife Coastal Path to the south.
Visiting woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
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Visiting woods
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