Scroll to explore 
Town
Markinch
Situated on Fife Pilgrim Way, Markinch’s St Drostan’s Church was once a stopping point for medieval pilgrims as they made their way to St Andrew’s Cathedral. Today, Markinch provides an equally welcome refreshment break to walkers trekking the 65-mile route of Fife Pilgrim’s Way – and is also an interesting place to explore.
Balbirnie House, formerly home to the Balfour family and now an award-winning hotel, sits on the edge of Markinch. The mansion’s grounds – Balbirnie Park - are well worth a visit, with over 400 acres of parklands and woodland gardens, including an impressive collection of rhododendrons, which blaze into colour every spring.
Balbirnie Park is home to the mysterious Balbirnie Stone Circle. Known locally as The Druid’s Circle, these eight standing stones were situated in a nearby wood for over 2,000 years until 1970, when the A92 was widened and they had to find a new home.
Markinch Heritage Group has developed a series of walks which provide an insight into the fascinating history of the village, including a walk to Balgonie Castle. This well-preserved 700-year-old tower house is now a wedding venue and popular filming location and is famous for being the inspiration for the ‘Red Wedding’ scene in TV’s Game of Thrones.
Keep it local
