Dunino Den

In the woodland, behind the Dunino Parish Church, there is a hidden staircase that takes you down to a world of mystery and intrigue.

I have wanted to visit Dunino Den for such a long time, and finally the opportunity arose whilst on a long weekend in Fife.

Before making your way down the steps, you will see the large cup cut stone rock known as Altar Rock. It is believed to have been the venue of many ancient pagan rituals, including human sacrifice. Others believe that is could have been used as a baptismal font.

The steps down to the den are steep, uneven and slippery, so please be careful on your descent.

Historians have found that this site has been used for multiple pagan groups including Druids and Picts. As you reach the bottom of the steps, you begin to see the sandstone carvings for which the den has become famous.

The first carving is a Celtic Cross that can be found at the bottom of the steps.

Druids were Celtic priests that were renowned for their references to nature, whereas the Picts were a tribe of pagans that lived in Scotland, that had their own language and religious beliefs.

Down in the depths of Dunino Den, it feels like you have entered another world. There is protection from the wind, and with the Dunino Burn gently flowing through, it makes for a tranquil and spiritual experience.

The den is in a natural gorge that was carved as the water of the burn rose and then receded. It provides a natural amphitheatre, perfect for holding rituals and gatherings.

Deeper in the den are crags that need further investigation. Reaching the crags involves a short steep climb, after which you will find further carvings in the sandstone.

Possibly the most photographed image in the den is the weird face. If I was guessing, I think it looks like the 'green man', which is associated with rebirth, nature and the cycle of life.

There are many other carvings in the den, including Celtic crosses and trinity knots. The trinity knots can signify the interconnecting forces, earth, sea and sky. They can also represent the cycle of life, life, death and rebirth. Some assign it to the triple goddess, maiden, mother and crone.

You will find many offerings left in the nooks and crannies of the sandstone crags.

There are coins, beads, shells, ribbons and decorated stones, amongst other weird and wonderful items.

The offerings and messages are left to loved ones that have passed away and it is believed that removing any items will bring the perpetrator back luck.

I spent so much time enjoying my experience in the den, that my husband came looking for me, in fear that I had been sacrificed!

The first challenge was finding the steps leading down to this pagan underworld! Leaving the Dunino Parish Church behind and walking deeper into the woodland, keep going until you reach the rock plateau with a well of water.

Although it is a short distance to reach Dunino Den, it is hidden in the woodland with steep, slippery steps.

It should only be undertaken if you are steady on your feet and reasonably fit, and please respect the spiritual nature of this hidden gem when visiting.