Fife Coastal Path

Continue on through North Queensferry (named after a ferry service between Dunfermline and Edinburgh Castle that was established at the request of Queen Margaret in the 11th century) to the ancient burgh of Inverkeithing, then on past the modern estate of Dalgety Bay to Aberdour with St Finnan’s Church and the 12th Century Castle. Finish the day by walking around Aberdour’s Silver Sands and ending at Burntisland. This section offers fantastic views to Edinburgh and Inchcolm Island across the Firth of Forth.

A seafront walk to begin, alongside the east coast railway line, beside the main A921 road to pass Pettycur Bay Caravan Park dominating the inland skyline before reaching Kinghorn. Follow the waymarked signs through the town to regain the beach coastline and road as before and on to Kirkcaldy. Walk along the town Esplanade and up over the steep rise to regain the coastline on past Buckhaven and Methil to reach Leven. This section includes the lovely harbour at Dysart and Macduff’s Castle, built in the 11th century at the time of King MacBeth.

A short section today from Leven to pass Lundin Links and Lower Largo (home of Alexander Selkirk, author of Robinson Crusoe) on mainly coastline and beach, walking round the curve of Largo Bay to enter Elie by first encountering the climb above the impressive basalt cliffs at Kincraig Headland and taking the path around the town golf course. Note that a part of this route is chain linked along the coast and can be inaccessible at high tide. Alternatively the old railway line can be used as an alternative inland route finder.

Depart Elie by the coastal path at Ruby Bay, to reach the Auld Kirk at the western end of St. Monans, said to be the closest church to the sea in the UK. Walk on to St. Monans harbour, with its fishing boats and continue to Pittenweem, one of the most picturesque of the East Neuk villages. Continue along the sea front reaching the golf course by the shore to reach Anstruther, the largest of the fishing villages in the area then on through the town to emerge at secluded Cellardyke harbour, with excellent views over the Forth to the Isle of May and the Bass Rock. Walk on over beach and path to soon visible Crail (made a Royal Burgh by Robert the Bruce in 1310) and it’s beautiful harbour.

The remotest part of the Path, leaving Crail to the round headland of Fife Ness, past Kingsbarns and on to St Andrews. This section is predominately coastline, traversing the most eastern part of the Kingdom of Fife, with a few inland sections through farmland and one longer stretch through woods to cross the Kenly Water. Passing Cambo Woods and on from Kingsbarns, the route is particularly enjoyable (and at times challenging as it crosses boulder strewn parts of the coast) towards St Andrews, with the Cathedral spires and University Buildings in the distance. The final few miles are alongside a golf course to enter the town past a caravan leisure park, swimming pool and the small harbour at Kinkell Braes. As before some sections are by chain path and at times impassable at high tide.

Whether you finish your walk in St Andrews or choose to continue on to Newport-on-Tay, we recommend that you take the time to explore St Andrews before leaving the “Kingdom of Fife”.

This stage of the Fife Coastal Path begins with a long stretch along the cycle route adjacent to the road from St Andrews to Guardbridge. After Leuchars the route becomes more attractive before the Tentsmuir plantations lead on to Tayport. The historic location of the Old Course with the world famous Clubhouse and Swilcan Bridge makes for a wonderful beginning to the day before reaching the hedged pathway alongside the main A91 road to Guardbridge, the lowest bridging point on the River Eden, dating from 1419. Continue on through Leuchers village past the RAF base and Earlshall Castle to follow the track into the woods and over grassy bog land by a series of boardwalks Thereafter the track heads into Tentsmuir Forest and Reserve to emerge at Tayport. Walk on past both East and West Lighthouses, with fantastic views over the River Tay to Dundee, and pass through a tunnel under the Tay Road Bridge to end at Newport-on-Tay.