Devilla Forest Red Squirrel Trail | Wheelchair Accessible Walk in Fife, Scotland

Looking for a peaceful forest trail to stroll through on a dry day in Scotland? Look no further than Devilla Forest, the perfect choice for an accessible walk.

Devilla Forest Red Squirrel Trail

Located between Dunfermline and Kincardine, Devilla Forest boasts over 700 hectares of woodland, wetland, and grassland to explore. The Red Squirrel Trail is a gentle 2.4 km circular route that winds through the forest, offering visitors a chance to spot the elusive red squirrel in its natural habitat in the Scots Pine trees.

They all must have been sleeping or just simply hiding from us, as we didn’t manage to see any. Our two-year-old Nephew was on a mission to see some of the red squirrels and even some black bears after watching them on TV the day before. We couldn’t possibly spoil his fun by telling him that black bears don’t live in Scottish forests, and I’ve got to admit, it was kind of fun trying to find the black bears.

Accessible Parking at Devilla Forest

There is a car park managed by the Forestry Commission that features a handful of designated disabled parking bays. The area where cars are parked is covered in gravel and stones. However, as a powerchair user, I can exit my vehicle from the back using a ramp. Therefore, I do not find the gravel a problem since I exit onto the tarmac.

However, those who use manual wheelchairs and exit their vehicles through the side doors may find the gravel difficult to navigate. Once you leave the designated parking area, you will find yourself on a tarmac path.

Wheelchair Accessibility of Devilla Forest

Devilla Forest has been graded as an ‘easy-muscle loosener’ trail, making it an ideal choice for families with young children or those with limited mobility. The route is mostly flat, with only a few gentle inclines and descents.

We veered off to the left and passed a loch, which included some of those small slopes. The trail possibly remains flat if you continue straight ahead after the first loch. I’ll definitely try that way next time.

Throughout the trail, you’ll encounter a variety of trees, plant life, and wildlife. Keep an eye out for the native birds that call the forest home, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and treecreepers. And of course, keep your eyes peeled for the star of the trail, the red squirrel.

Although we only managed to see one loch during our walk, there are four lochs throughout Devilla Forest. We got to see lots of dragonflies swooping around the loch, but unfortunately none of the otters that habitat around that area.

There are picnic tables scattered throughout the trail. I was pleased to see that they had a cut-out to accommodate wheelchair users. I’m definitely taking a picnic there next time.

I discovered that Devilla Forest has an interesting history, which includes the grave of three children who died from the plague in 1645. There are also indications of an explosives research station from the Second World War. In addition, you can find a carving made from the apron strings of a witch. Now that I know this, I hope that I never get lost in Devilla Forest at night.

We even picked some delicious berries, as you can see from my nephew’s stained hands. They were so good!

Final Thoughts on Devilla Forest Red Squirrel Trail

Overall, the Devilla Forest Red Squirrel Trail is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful and accessible walk in nature.

I’d love to hear from you. Have you tried the Devilla Forest Red Squirrel Trail? Or let me know if you have a favourite wheelchair accessible walk in Scotland.

More on this topic…

Accessible Scottish Walks: Strathyre
Linlithgow Loch, A Wheelchair Accessible Walk in West Lothian, Scotland
Visiting The Japanese Garden at Cowden In A Wheelchair

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