Dollar Glen (National Trust for Scotland)

The walk through Dollar Glen is short, steep, and absolutely worth the effort. You're climbing through a woodland gorge carved out by the Dollar Burn, with the stream rattling alongside you the whole way up. It takes about twenty minutes to reach the top, where you'll find the ruins of Castle Campbell perched on the ridge - a proper atmospheric spot, especially when the mist rolls in.

The National Trust for Scotland manages the path well enough, though wear decent boots because it gets slippy after rain. There's no visitor centre or facilities, so come prepared. Families with primary-school kids will manage it fine; toddlers less so unless you're carrying them. It's the sort of place where history buffs linger for ages, trying to imagine what life was like when the castle was actually occupied, while others just want the quick scramble and the view down into the glen.

Allow an hour return if you're taking photos and having a poke around the ruins. It's free, which is handy. The nearby Fossoway Cabins and Meadow View Glamping make perfect bases for a few days exploring Fife - this glen works well as a morning activity before heading elsewhere. Dollar town itself is tiny but functional, with a decent pub for lunch afterwards. Go early on weekends if you want the path to yourself.