What is it?
A beautiful coastal path spanning 117miles (188km) of Fife's coast, making this Scotland's longest continual coastal path. The route starts in Kincardine and finishes in Newburgh, and is a popular trail with walkers, cyclists and suitable for your four legged friends. Taking you through historic towns, castles, picturesque fishing villages, rocky clifftops, golden beaches and delicious food stops - this is a great way to connect with nature whilst taking in some scenic trails and discovering what Fife has to offer.
Accommodation
You can either choose to do this in one mega journey by wild camping or booking accommodation along the way or do it in sections. It is also possible to base yourself in one area of Fife and use the fantastic 95 bus service to get back and forth to your accommodation each day.
When to do it?
Most people suggest between April - October when you can make the most of the daylight hours. However this will mean that the routes are slightly busier. I have done most of my sections during the winter months and it was just as beautiful - although I did have to do some parts in the dark sometimes. During the peak summer months you may find booking accommodation becomes more tricky and towns and cafes will naturally be busier.
How to prepare?
The route in itself isn't too difficult however a good level of fitness and some walking experience would be helpful. Whether you are taking the walk on in stages or all at once you will need to make sure you have a pair of sturdy shoes for the uneven ground.
What to Pack?
You don't particularly need anything special to complete this but I would always recommend the following:
sturdy footwear
waterproofs
a good rucksack
sensible clothing layers
sun cream
fly spray
battery pack
headtorch (if you are likely to be hiking into the evening)
Route Planning
The trail is pretty well marked and sign posted however I would always recommend having a route downloaded just in case. You can find suitable routes on Walk Highlands or on Alltrails.
Facilities
The route passes through many towns and small villages so facilities are quite frequent, however there are occasional sections where there are no public amenities for a lengthy distance so planning in advance is necessary.
The suggested sections are as follows. But you can choose to split it up however you see fit.
Sections
1. Kincardine to North Queensferry 16.75 miles (27km) 6-8 hours
A section of the trail that is often overlooked, following the Firth of Forth through salt marshes, mudflats and industrial heritage. With peaceful paths and the opportunity to spot an array of birdlife, this is a gentle introduction to the coastal path.
2. North Queensferry to Burntisland 11.5 miles (18.5km) 4.5-5.5 hours
A stretch through coastal villages, woodland paths and sandy beaches to keep things varied. Aberdour is a highlight of this section with stunning sandy beaches.
3. Burntisland to East Wemyss 11.75 miles (19km) 4.5-5.5 hours
This section starts to feel a little wilder with clifftop paths and sections where you can look down to the sea crashing below you. You will pass through the charming little fishing towns of Kinghorn and Dysart and see castle ruins along the way.
4. East Wemyss to Lower Largo 7.25 miles (11.5km) 3-4 hours
This section starts and ends well, with the Wemyss Caves and coastal views at the beginning and the long sandy beach at Leven near the end, but the middle section is less appealing. Taking you through built up residential areas which doesn't particularly feel very remote or coastal - but at least there are plenty of places to get snacks and refreshments.
5. Lower Largo to St Monans 8.75 miles (14km) 3-4 hours
An enjoyable section through dunes and over clifftops. Ruby Bay at Elie is wonderful and worth taking a short detour to Lady's tower and to the lighthouse. Also if you have extra time on your hands and fancy a thrilling adventure there is the option to do the Elie Chain Walk as part of the route.
6. St Monans to Anstruther 3.5 miles (5.75km) 2-3 hours
An easy going and one of the most popular sections taking you through fishing towns & picturesque harbours. Expect this part to be pretty busy in the summer. There are lots of ice cream shops & restaurants along the way. A very scenic section
7. Anstruther to Crail 4.25 miles (6.75km) 2-3 hours
A popular, straight forward and scenic walk linking two of the most popular fishing villages in Fife. Caiple Caves is my highlight on this section and definitely worth some time to explore inside them.
8. Crail to Kingsbarns 6 miles (9.5km) 3-4 hours
The most remote part of the Fife Coastal Path taking you past Fife Ness where you may be lucky enough to spot some wildlife. This section is a little more demanding and remote than previous sections and will treat you to long sandy beaches, jagged rocky coastline and interesting fossils to watch out for.
9. Kingsbarns to St Andrews 8.5 miles (13.5km) 3-4 hours
This is probably my favourite section of the coastline. A lovely scenic walk taking you past some iconic rock formations such as Buddo Rock and the Rock and Spindle. Varying terrain from rocky scrambling, woodland dens and long sandy beaches.
10. St Andrews to Newport 18 miles (29km) 6-7 hours
A tale of two halves - the first section out of St Andrews is slightly dull and unrewarding but then from Leuchars onwards the route becomes incredibly scenic as you cross a boardwalk and head into Tentsmuir Forest. A very long section but with very little elevation along the way, simple terrain underfoot.
11. Newport to Newburgh 17.75 miles (28.5km) 7-8 hours
Another lengthy section of the coastal path that shifts from the shoreline to inland hills before finishing in Newburgh. This is quite a tough section due to the hill climbs but it is worth it for the views. Balmerino Abbey is a favourite landmark on this section giving you an insight into the local history.
Happy Adventuring
