Penguin Hops

Here are some of the penguin hops from various sets.

Cycle Hub

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.

Loction: 56.4583, -2.9649
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO405299
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF25P+82

Walks

Newport

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.

Loction: 56.4473, -2.9308
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO426287
Google Plus Code: 4CRVC3W9+WM

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Walks

Wormit to Balmerino

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.

Loction: 56.4213, -2.9888
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO390258
Google Plus Code: 4CRVC2C6+GF

Attractions

Science Centre

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

Loction: 56.4565, -2.9749
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO399297
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF24G+H2

Attractions

Discovery Point

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

Loction: 56.4567, -2.9688
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO402298
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF24J+MF

Artwork

Toon Monkey

A cheeky monkey has jumbled up the words of an information board.

Loction: 56.4608, -2.9697
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO402302
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF26J+84

Walks

Auchterhouse Hill

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.

Loction: 56.5342, -3.0340
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO364384
Google Plus Code: 4CRRGXM8+MC

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Artwork

The Draper & Polar Bear

Commemorating the real life incident of an escaped polar bear rampaging in 1878. Thankfully this is smaller and not as scary.

Loction: 56.4611, -2.9690
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO402302
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF26J+CC

Artwork

Passing Thoughts

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.

Loction: 56.4516, -2.9897
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO390292
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF226+J4

Artwork

Dundee Mural

Painted in 1983 on the side of a building, it depicts life in the city.

Loction: 56.4564, -2.9906
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO389297
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF245+HQ

Artwork

Penguin March

Several penguins march along the church wall. Are they having fun or do they have somewhere to be?

Loction: 56.4596, -2.9717
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO401301
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF25H+R8

Attractions

The McManus

Housing historic artefacts and art collections across two floors in a Gothic-style building built in 1867. There’s lots to explore for understanding Dundee and it’s place in the world. The high-ceiling cafe and gift shop are beside the main entrance.

More details at mcmanus.co.uk

Loction: 56.4625, -2.9710
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO401304
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF26H+XH

Walks

Camperdown Park

Starting at the car park, we like to walk to the zoo (loo break) then head South for an anti-clockwise loop. The 1820s country house provides a good point to cut the loop and take shorter route back to the car and playground. Otherwise continue North to follow the cycle route and paths round the perimeter of the estate.

Length: 4.6km full loop, 2km short loop.

Loction: 56.4812, -3.0403
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO359325
Google Plus Code: 4CRRFXJ5+FV

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Artwork

McGonagall’s Walk

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.

Loction: 56.4521, -2.9838
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO393293
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF228+RF

Artwork

Discovery Penguins

Four painted penguin sculptures at Discovery Point

Loction: 56.4569, -2.9690
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO402298
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF24J+QC

Attractions

V&A

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

Loction: 56.4573, -2.9676
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO403298
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF24J+WX

Walks

The Law

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.

Loction: 56.4701, -2.9844
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO393313
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF2C8+26

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Artwork

Desperate Dan

From the wild west, Dan strides across City Square

Loction: 56.4607, -2.9700
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO402302
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF26J+72

Walks

Balgay Hill & Mills Obs

Turn off Glamis Hill for parking just as the trees begin. Walk under the blue bridge and to the matching bandstand (the rear of it burnt down in 1993) where you turn left and begin your wind up the hill. At the top you’ll find a small car park and the Mills Observatory. It opens in early-evening when you can still get daylight views from the roof terrace out to the Tay. Exit the observatory the way you came, but take a left turn when you feel the gradient down is acceptable. Several options bring you back to the driveway that returns to the parking.

Length: 2km total loop

Nearby Victoria Park & Lochee Park provide open spaces for ball games and playgrounds.

Loction: 56.4655, -3.0148
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO374308
Google Plus Code: 4CRRFX8P+53

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Artwork

HMS Unicorn

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.

Loction: 56.4615, -2.9584
Maps: OSM, Hiking Trails, Geo
OS Grid Ref: LO409303
Google Plus Code: 4CRVF26R+JJ