Between Edinburgh And Perth Is A Former Coal Mining Town With Charming Murals, Local Eats, And Outdoor Fun

In the southwestern corner of Scotland's coal mining country sits an industrial town with vibrant artwork and an array of outdoor activities to attract any and everyone. Cowdenbeath (pronounced cow-den-beeth) may look like a typical 19th-century coal mining town, and in some ways it is, as it's a lesser-known and low-key destination where history, nature, and local community all meet. But its history dates back to the 1400s, when it was a rural community in the picturesque coastal kingdom of Fife. 

The coal mining boom of the 1890s brought people, profits, and pubs to this coaching stop between Edinburgh and Perth. Cowdenbeath grew so quickly that it became known as the "Chicago of Fife," according to My Cowdenbeath. Even Queen Victoria stopped here to change her horses during her first trip to Scotland. Cowdenbeath's coal mines closed by the 1960s, although many continued to work in the industry until the 1980s. The town's mining history can still be seen today, from its handful of 19th and early 20th-century buildings to large, colorful murals that celebrate its past. 

In keeping with its old epithet as the "Chicago of Fife," Cowdenbeath — like its American counterpart — has a variety of local eats, ranging from Greek to Indian to good, old-fashioned pubs. It's a good thing, too, since it's easy to work up an appetite in this town that's surrounded by outdoor fun. Practice your swing at a nearby golf club that sits on an old mine, cycle on a closed track, explore a nature reserve that was once a quarry, grab a seat at one of Scotland's only stock car racetracks, or watch local sports at one of the country's oldest football clubs.

Part of what makes Cowdenbeath stand out is its street art, which breathes modern life into its historic streets. Walk around town and spot the handful of murals painted by local artist Kerry Wilson. These larger-than-life works depicting the identity of Cowdenbeath were unveiled in 2017 as part of an initiative to draw folks to the town by showcasing it in a bold way. Next to the police station, you'll find an homage to the town's past in the form of a mural with a young boy in a miner's outfit. Other murals include depictions of a local girl wishing on a dandelion and a boy playing with toy cars, a sweet nod to the Racewall, Cowdenbeath's popular racetrack.  

But Wilson's art project goes beyond simply murals, as the artist worked with local students to paint the shutters and signs of businesses along High Street, too. You can enjoy them by taking an evening stroll along High Street while heading to dinner. Speaking of, there's no dearth of dining options in Cowdenbeath. High Street is lined with restaurants like Greek Delight, which dishes up tasty and authentic Greek cuisine. Shimla Palace is also highly rated and offers Indian buffet-style dining, which is ideal for those looking for an affordable meal. If pub fare is more your vibe, check out the Old Cross Guns Inn, known as a local hangout with pub grub. 

When it comes to outdoor fun, you can take your pick in Cowdenbeath. The town is home to the Fife Cycle Park, whose 1-mile tarmac course was the "first purpose-built cycling circuit" of Scotland, according to the Fife Council. Open to people of all ages, this cycling park is a great place to exercise or even take biking lessons. Golfers can head to the 18-hole Cowdenbeath Golf Club, constructed on the Old Dora Coal Mine in 1988. This expansive course is surrounded by beautiful pine trees. One of the best ways to enjoy local sports in Cowdenbeath is to attend a football match. The Cowdenbeath FC dates back to 1880 and has been a mainstay of the community ever since. Soccer season runs from July to April for those hoping to catch a match.

If you're looking for fun in nature in Cowdenbeath, check out the Dalbeath Marsh Nature Reserve. Located on an old quarry, this small area has a .75-mile loop circling its pond. It offers a mix of wetland and grassland ecosystems, where you can bird-watch or just enjoy the orchids and swaying grasses. Cowdenbeath is about a 30 to 40-minute drive from Edinburgh and its airport, which is the closest major hub. If visiting from Edinburgh, you can also take a direct 45-minute train to Cowdenbeath. Perth, the U.K.'s first "UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art," is also just a 30-minute drive, which means that those with an interest in art can easily combine it with Cowdenbeath for a creative trip. And if you decide to stay in Cowdenbeath, there are plenty of places to explore nearby, like the ancient and walkable Dunfermline, just 10 minutes away by car.