The Ultimate Guide to walking The Fife Coastal Path
Explore 118 miles of stunning coastline in the Kingdom of Fife.
The Fife Coastal Path stretches from Kincardine Bridge in the south to the Tay Bridge in the north.
Discover ancient castles such as Aberdour Castle, St Andrews Castle and Newark Castle, pretty fishing villages such as Pittenweem, Anstruther and Elie, stunning hidden beaches and popular beaches such as Aberdour Beach, Elie Beach and Burntisland Beach, war relics from the Second World War, forest paths filled with tall pines, harbours with colourful fishing boats and rugged cliffs and sea stacks. Spot wildlife as you pass several nature and wildlife reserves. Look out for grey seals, eider ducks and gannets, you may even spot a pod of dolphins!
You can complete it as one long distance route, perhaps taking a week and staying over in one of the many self catering cottages or hotel
along the route, or break it into smaller sections done on different days which I am doing.
Some sections are easy and don’t take much effort, others are wild and test your nerve, but all are peaceful, tranquil and absolutely beautiful.
This is Scotland at it's finest.
The Fife Coastal Path stretches from Kincardine Bridge in the south to the Tay Bridge in the north.
Discover ancient castles such as Aberdour Castle, St Andrews Castle and Newark Castle, pretty fishing villages such as Pittenweem, Anstruther and Elie, stunning hidden beaches and popular beaches such as Aberdour Beach, Elie Beach and Burntisland Beach, war relics from the Second World War, forest paths filled with tall pines, harbours with colourful fishing boats and rugged cliffs and sea stacks. Spot wildlife as you pass several nature and wildlife reserves. Look out for grey seals, eider ducks and gannets, you may even spot a pod of dolphins!
You can complete it as one long distance route, perhaps taking a week and staying over in one of the many self catering cottages or hotel
along the route, or break it into smaller sections done on different days which I am doing.
Some sections are easy and don’t take much effort, others are wild and test your nerve, but all are peaceful, tranquil and absolutely beautiful.
This is Scotland at it's finest.
Contents table
- How to get to the start of the Fife Coastal Path
- When is the best time to walk the route?
- Kincardine to North Queensferry
- North Queensferry to Burntisland
- Burntisland to Kirkcaldy
- Kirkcaldy to East Wemyss
- East Wemyss to Lower Largo
- Lower Largo to St Monans
- St Monans to Kingsbarn
- Kingsbarn to Kinshaldy
- Kinshaldy to Balmerino
- Balmerino to Newburgh
- Accommodation near the Fife Coastal Path
- Hints and tips for the Fife Coastal Path
- Fife Coastal Path Map
How to get to the start of the Fife Coastal Path
The path begins in Kincardine, next to the Kincardine Bridge. There is no train station in Kincardine but you can get the train into either Dunfermline or to one of the stops on the Fife Circle line such as Rosyth, North Queensferry or Inverkeithing and then jump on a bus to the starting point. You can get a train to any of these stops direct from Edinburgh Waverley, or if you are coming from Glasgow you will need to do a quick change in Edinburgh. You can also get a bus straight from Edinburgh, from either the bus station or Waverley Bridge, which will take you straight into Kincardine.
If you want to begin at any of the other stops along the route you can get a train to Inverkeithing, Rosyth, North Queensferry, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour, Burntisland, Kinghorn and Kirkcaldy. These stops are part of the Fife Circle Line (you can get the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Fife which will go around the Fife Circle Line). After Kirkcaldy the train veers inland to Markinch so you have to disembark. In Kirkcaldy if you get off the train cross to the opposite side of the tracks and head through the memorial gardens and straight ahead you'll see the bus station. From here you can get a bus to any of the other villages and towns along the Fife Coastal Path.
If you want to begin at any of the other stops along the route you can get a train to Inverkeithing, Rosyth, North Queensferry, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour, Burntisland, Kinghorn and Kirkcaldy. These stops are part of the Fife Circle Line (you can get the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Fife which will go around the Fife Circle Line). After Kirkcaldy the train veers inland to Markinch so you have to disembark. In Kirkcaldy if you get off the train cross to the opposite side of the tracks and head through the memorial gardens and straight ahead you'll see the bus station. From here you can get a bus to any of the other villages and towns along the Fife Coastal Path.
When is the best time to walk the Fife Coastal Path?
I have walked sections of this path in all conditions. The ideal time to walk it, considering we are in Scotland, would obviously be summer when it's dry, warm and all the little shops and cafes along the route are open, but I actually prefer to walk it in the spring or autumn, purely because everything is just a bit fresher. In spring the trees are just beginning to grow their leaves, in the autumn they are an amazing array of colours. I wouldn't recommend walking the route after a heavy downpour as sections can be really slippery. I was thinking of including a photo of my mum here when she slid on her backside down a muddy sand dune but I'd better not! Early winder can be nice if it hasn't rained, when the ground is frosty and there is a chill in the air, the path is a lot quieter but be aware that not all the cafes etc will be open so pack a flask and a sandwich. My best advice would be to check the weather forecast beforehand, rain is the biggest problem as the snow doesn't tend to lie so close to the sea. If it's forecast to be fair go for it.
Kincardine to North Queensferry
The first section includes highlights such as the Kincardine Bridge, the 17th century village of Culross, the naval town of Rosyth and the stunning Forth Bridges.
Length - 16.7 miles Time - 6-8 hours 
Kirkcaldy to East Wemyss
Here, look out for the beautiful Pan Ha houses in Dysart and the impressive views over the Firth of Forth when the Fife Coastal Path climbs high atop the cliffs.
Length - 5.25 miles Time - 5 hours 
St Monans to Crail (coming soon)
You'll discover the three beautiful little fishing villages of St Monans, Pittenweem and Anstruther.
Length - 14 miles Time - 6.5-7.5 hours 
Balmerino to Newburgh
The final stretch which will take you within viewing distance of the Tay Bridge which will take you to Dundee.
Length - 13 miles Time- 6-7 hours |
North Queensferry to Burntisland
Highlights of the second section include the smallest working lighthouse in the world in North Queensferry, Carlingnose Wildlife Reserve and the beautiful Aberdour Beach and Castle.
Length - 11.5 miles Time - 5-7 hours 
East Wemyss to Lower Largo
The Wemyss Caves await you as you begin this section, and you'll also find MacDuff Castle, cemetary, Leven Promanade and some mighty tall standing stones.
Length - 7.5 miles Time - 3-3 1/2 hours 
Kingsbarn to Kinshaldy (coming soon)
Beginning at the famous ~Kingsbarn golf course, you'll pass the giant Buddo Rock and get stunning views of Tentsmuir Forest before reaching the outstanding St Andrews Cathedral
Length - 18.7 miles Time - 7-8 hours (toughest section) |
Burntisland to Kirkcaldy
Highlights of this section of the Fife Coastal Path includes the beautiful beaches of Pettycur and Kinghorn, Seafield Tower, Ravenscraig Park and the official Coastal Centre in Dysart
Length - 6.75 miles Time - 3 hours 
Lower Largo to St Monans
You are in for a treat with this section. The ruined Newark Castle, white sandy beaches and the home to Alexander Selkirk, the writer of Robinson Crusoe.
Length - 9.5 miles Time - 3-4 hours 
Kinshaldy to Balmerino
Highlights of this section include RAF Leuchars and a beautiful forest of pine trees which line the beach. Some seals can often be spotted on the Nature Reserve.
Length - 13.3 miles Time 7.5-8.5 hours |
Accommodation near the Fife Coastal Path
There is a brilliant selection of places to stay in Fife that will give you easy access to the coastal path. If you plan on doing the route over a period of a week for example you can decide how far you'd like to walk each day then look for accommodation in that town of village. Here are some suggestions, where you can find the best price and availability
Hints and tips for the Fife Coastal Path
- Buy a map from the coastal path centre in Dysart so you don't miss any of the wee hidden gems along the way.
- Pack a well fitting rucksack which sits nicely on the centre of your back.
- Depending on how far you plan to walk pack some plasters, just in case.
- Bring a reusable water bottle, ask in any cafes along the route for a refill.
- Have a note of any things you want to see along the route
- If you think you are lost the google map section is handy, it'll show you exactly where you are. It's also handy if you leave something somewhere so you can retrace your steps ( have had to test this out before).
- Keep a note of bus times to return back to your start time if you are just doing smaller sections.
- Be aware that on Sundays and bank holidays the bus and train times change and there will be fewer.
Fife Coastal Path Map
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