Blairadam
COVID-19 update
All FLS visitor centres are currently closed. Walking and mountain bike trails remain open, as do most toilets and car parks, but do check below for local updates for closures.
We want to ensure your visit is an enjoyable and safe one.
Make sure you follow the Scottish Government’s FACTS advice – helping to protect yourself, your family and your local community, and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code helping to keep Scotland beautiful.
Latest forest information
- Current Path Conditions - Updated 18 Jan 2021: Ice on some paths is making conditions treacherous. Please take care on all paths and in the car park.
- The path network within the Keltyhill Wood will be closed from 18 January for 3 weeks. Please follow operational signage. The three waymarked trails from the main car park remain open.
- Map showing location of the works (PDF 665KB)
Soaring spruces and hidden mining heritage
A mix of landscaped woodland and industrial history means each visit to Blairadam can feel like a completely different experience.
William Adam, the noted Scottish architect, built Blairadam House here in the 1730s and landscaped the surrounding estate. He was also a shrewd businessman, planting trees for timber and extracting coal from the seams that ran through his land. Amongst the lofty trees and tumbling burns you will see plenty of evidence of these mining works which have now been reclaimed by the forest.
Walking trails
Keltyhill Glen Trail
A scenic stroll alongside the Drumnagoil Burn that is particularly dramatic after heavy rain.
Firm but uneven gravel surface. Steep slopes down to the glen. Parts may be muddy.
Allow ¼ hours
The Glen Trail
Meander up the Kelty Burn beneath towering spruce trees that were a scenic highlight of the Blairadam estate in its heyday.
Firm, largely wide but uneven gravel surface. Includes some fairly steep slopes and sections that may be muddy.
Allow 1 hour
This trail criss-crosses the Kelty Burn on stone bridges amid spruce, beech, pine and sycamore woods. Look out for the remains of the ‘100 Foot Bridge’, which once carried a railway over The Glen to Blairenbathie coal pit, and spot the dramatic Kiery Crags at The Glen’s eastern end.
Blairenbathie Mine Trail
Explore the colourful broadleaved woods that shroud the sites of the two Blairenbathie coal pits, as well as the handsome Lochornie Burn Bridge.
Largely wide, firm and smooth gravel surface. Some uneven and potentially muddy sections. Long moderate slopes with some steeper sections.
Allow 1½ hours
Though hard to believe today, this peaceful forest was once a busy industrial area, now reclaimed by the forest. Pass through mature oaks, beech and birch to the restored Lochornie Burn Bridge, with its distinctive tall narrow arch.
Facilities & access
There are public toilets in Kelty Community Centre, Main Street.
Getting here
Blairadam is on the north side of the B914, 500 yards west of Kelty and Junction 4 of the M90. There is a small parking area at the entrance just off the B914. The main car park can be found 500m further down the forest road. Please do not use the passing places on the forest road for parking.
Using SatNav?
KY4 0JQ is the nearest postcode.
Public transport
No buses pass Blairadam, although local services do stop in Kelty. There is a pavement along the road from Kelty to Blairadam, although junctions are very busy and may not be suitable for all. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
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