While plenty of adventurers like to end their walks at the pub, devouring a freshly baked potato in fairy-like surroundings is a better way to end the day out. As the melodic sounds of nature fill the space, the ritual of sipping on a cup of decent coffee invites guests to stay present and savour the moment. Pillars of Hercules could be a day out on its own, whether it’s staying indoors near a woodstove or taking in the wonders of the outdoors on its grounds.
Pillars of Hercules is located in Falkland, Fife, boasting a farm shop, organic vegetarian cafe and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with a rustic and mystic feel. What is more, visitors can stay at the Holiday Bothy or their campsite and make it into a multi-day trip. Having opened its doors in 1983, the spot has been an actual pillar of the community for decades, staying strong throughout the years.
The farm shop and cafe
The cafe is open between 9am and 4pm in the winter, while the shop closes at 5pm during winter. Summertime hours are extended by one hour. In the cafe, guests can choose indoor and outdoor seating in every season, with a woodstove warming up the covered area.
Visitors can delight in organic burgers, toasties, baked potatoes, soups and mini-pizzas, all served with huge salads, all made from fresh produce. Plus, guests have plenty of gluten-free and vegan options! The drinks are of a typical farm cafe, with coffees, teas and freshly squeezed juices made to order.
The Holiday Bothy
Those looking to stay for longer can book the Holiday Bothy at Pillars of Hercules, with a minimum of three nights and a maximum of seven. The bothy sleeps four people and has everything one can need with a kitchen and living area, and plenty of outdoor space at the edge of Falkland Forest.
And if you’re after a nice wee spot for camping, the campsite boasts onsite facilities like toilets, showers, a washhouse for washing up and places to light fires on top of having the farm shop and cafe on one’s doorstep. The campsite is closed for winter, so watch this space for when it opens this year!
Things to do in Falkland
Whether visiting for just a day trip or multiple days, Pillars of Hercules can serve as a base for reset and quiet contemplation before or after exploring the surrounding areas of Falkland and rural Fife.
Falkland was also featured in the hit TV series ‘Outlander’ (which has now seen its final season, sob), having been used to portray Inverness in the 940s. Visitors can wander around the town and discover its wee corners and shops, or have a walk at Maspie Den to discover stunning waterfalls.
Moreover, Pillars of Hercules has quite a few walks starting from the area for those not wanting to venture out too far.