Penguin HopHere are some of the penguin hops from various sets.
Four painted penguin sculptures at Discovery Point
Several galleries and often interactive exhibits that showcase the creativity of Scotland and the world. The striking building shape is a nod towards cliffs sticking out over the sea.
Details and current exhibits can be found at vam.ac.uk
A frigate ship built in 1824 and used in Dundee for training the Royal Naval Reserves. Watch your head as the ceilings are low and the floors uneven. It’s the most intact wooden ship of it’s time and it’s history needs preserving.
Entrance tickets available at hmsunicorn.org.uk but you can view the outside and unicorn figurehead while walking along city quay.
In Wormit folow Bay Road west till it ends at parking for Wormit Beach. A path behind the beach continues as the Fife Coastal Path beside fields and through wooded areas giving glimses across the estuary. After a 4km walk you’ll reach the hamlet of Balmerino.
There’s several honesty-box art shops here, and on the track between the coast and Kirkton of Balmerino is a self-serve ice-cream & hot drink hut! If you want further interest, take a look at the ruins of Balmerino Abbey and it’s impressive 470-year-old chestnut tree.
We’re uncertain of the path quality trying to form this into a loop, so we take the coastal walk back the way we came – seeing new views from a different angle.
Length: 8km there and back.
Two regularly-rotating art galleries with free entry, and a cafe downstairs. The cinema shows a range of indie and vintage films and recent blockbuster releases. The shop sells local and UK creations along with stationery and books for your own creativity.
More details at dca.org.uk
Several penguins march along the church wall. Are they having fun or do they have somewhere to be?
Below the Tay Rail Bridge and without explanation an official looking sign is present, is the wording deep or a parody of current phrasology. Artist David McCulloch creates a new sign about once a month, so it’s worth checking each time you are near.
These are not anagrams, despite my attempts to unscramble them.
The number 2 bus will get you close to the road entrance which makes an easy to follow route up. It’s 1km to the top, take rest breaks if needed.
At the top of this inactive volcano, you’ll reach the war memorial that’s often visible from Dundee. Now you can look down on the whole of the city.
If you want a different route down then brave the 1/2km length of Law Steps. This ends near The Friary on Tullideph Road which convientely hosts a community cafe Thursday 11am-2pm (cash only). Otherwise you might want to continue to Lochee for shops or catch or the 28 bus elsewhere.
Length: 1km winding up, 1/2km steps down the otherside.
Busses: 2 to the entrance. 28 below steps with 6 & 17 nearby.
Painted in 1983 on the side of a building, it depicts life in the city.
A cheeky monkey has jumbled up the words of an information board.
Making use of the car park beside the Tay Road Bridge, follow the path for cyclists but continue under the bridge after which it curves left behind the houses. It’s a mix of quiet roads and paths on gaps between them, including the small Gowrie Hill Wood. After Victoria Street, go left to find the nature trail that brings you to crossing Cupar Road into Tayfield Estate. You can alter your route through the estate, but we keep the pond on our left and pass the Victorian Bee House on our right. This provides a short route but plenty of interest before walking the driveway out.
You’ll meet High Road and can go right. A short detour left gives you the chance to double-back along Boat Brae and pass some cafes for extra refuelling options and more estuary views. As you walk along the length of Newport, there are some off-road paths parallel depending on tide height. The final one is a bit uneven, but takes you under the Tay Road Bridge at a lower point to the start. This allows for a gentler return, passing some art sculptures and up some steps on the Eastern side of the car park.
Length: 3.5km loop.
Bring your own or hire a bike to cycle along the national cycle route going beyond Boughty Ferry in the East, or towards Perth in the West. Get your bike repaired or sign up for lessons cycling and maintaining your bike. The options are bigger than the hub, with electric and wheelchair bikes available, even balance bikes for toddlers to try out.
Home to RRS Discovery, the ship built in Dundee which went on the 1901 expedition to the Antarctic. After walking through the museum building and “Discovery Dome”, you can climb aboard the sailing ship to learn more about Captain Scott and his crew.
Tickets are available from dundeeheritagetrust.co.uk
Commemorating the real life incident of an escaped polar bear rampaging in 1878. Thankfully this is smaller and not as scary.
As you walk along the riverside path, read extracts from “The Railway Bridge Of The Silvery Tay” a poem by William Topaz McGonagall written in 1878.
With your numerous arches and pillars in so grand array
And your central girders, which seem to the eye
To be almost towering to the sky.
Get interactive learning and exploring the vast world of science. This is a great place to inspire STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in young people or allow them to grow their existing fascinations.
Ticket information and current exhibits at dundeesciencecentre.org.uk
The life-size framework of a whale. As you walk below it listen to the sounds of the ocean.
From the wild west, Dan strides across City Square
Parking at Balkello Community Woodland. There are several sign-posted short walks in the woods. Head North-West following the red marker posts to the far corner. No path goes directly up the hill so there’s a bit of zig-zagging. 2km to the top. Enjoy the view, and return the way you came, or head towards Kirkton of Auckterhouse and find a different way back.
Length: 4km
Steep, generally dry paths.
A dragon that has landed in Dundee city