Coul Den Trail

Coul Den Trail is found on the northern edge of Glenrothes, in the foothills of the Lomond Hills. It’s a great place to explore – watch out for Roe deer, ducks and Mute Swans!

This walk takes you around the old reservoir of Coul Den Nature Reserve. There are great views towards the Firth of Forth to the south and a glimpse of East Lomond to the north.

In summer 2025, the Back Burn at Coul Den was restored to its more natural condition. Also known locally as the Coul and Conland Burn, many man-made changes have affected the Back Burn over time. When the reservoir was built for Haig’s Whisky Distillery, the burn’s original course was diverted: most of the flow was channelled under a sluice gate and through a bywash channel around the edge of the reservoir and hillside. 

When you walk or wheel the trails now, you will find improved paths, a new bridge and boardwalk. Up at the old blue sluice gate, the water channel has been restored and new paths built, but the much-loved sluice has been retained. You can enjoy a circular route, but please remember there are some short, moderate slopes on the way.

You can extend your walk to take in the Pitcairn Loop and up into the Lomond Hills.

In the spirit of responsible access, please also follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.