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Self Guided Walking Holidays & Cycling Holidays 

Fife Coastal Path

The Fife Coastal Path runs from the Forth Road Bridge in the South to the Tay Road Bridge in the North. It’s 81 mile coastal walk passes through wild and spectacular scenery passing quaint fishing villages and long sandy beaches. Historic castles and caves, an abundance of wildlife and fresh local cuisine make this walk a real Scottish adventure.

Your journey on the Fife Coastal Path starts at the Waterloo Well in North Queensferry and winds round the coast, straight away you pass a wildlife reserve and then you continue up into Burntisland. Carry on up passing long stretches of sandy beaches through Kinghorn and into East Wymes where you can visit the famous pre-historic caves. From Leven to Elie you pass through golf courses and you walk on the Elie Chainwalk which many say is Fifes best kept secret. Try an award winning fish supper in Anstruther harbour while listening to the seabirds as they soar above the waves. Head on up to St Andrews and you can feast your eyes on the beautiful castle and visit the world famous golf courses. The Fife Coastal Path really gives you a chance to explore Scotlands rich history while offering fantastic views from the coast.

Every holiday we offer along the Fife Coastal Path includes hand-picked overnight accommodation in high quality B&B’s, country inns, and guesthouses. Each is unique and offers the highest levels of welcome, atmosphere and outstanding local cuisine. We also include daily door to door baggage transfers, guidebook with detailed map and pre-departure information pack as well as emergency support, should you need it.


Highlights

  • Immersing yourself in the history and culture of the ‘Kingdom of Fifes Coastal Communities.
  • Tucking in to an award winning fish supper at Anstruther Harbour.
  • Breathing in the sea air and looking for basking seals and dolphins as you walk along the coast.
  • Searching for wild flowers and walking along stunning sandy beaches on your journey.
  • Visiting the historic castles of St Andrews and Aberdour.

Arrive Starting Point: North Queensferry

Just 20mins from Edinburgh by train, North Queensferry is very accessible from the Capital City. Marvel at the views of the Forth Road Bridge before your walking journey begins. Overnight: North Queensferry B&B


North Queensferry to Burntisland - 13 miles

On your first day, the path leads past Deep Sea World to the Carlingnose Wildlife Reserve. You then pass through the town of Inverkeithing and hug the coastline up to St Davids harbour and Downing Point. Great panoramic views can be captured from here and look out for the historic gun emplacements. The path continues past the ruins of St Bridget’s Kirk into Aberdour and then up through the Blue Flag beaches of Burntisland. Overnight—Burntisland B&B /Kinghorn


Burntisland to Leven - 15 miles

From Pettycur Bay in Kinghorn you follow the path up to Kircaldy through areas of volcanic activity from over 300 million years ago. You can see limestone containing marine fossils aswell as basking seals on the rocks if you are lucky. Ravenscraig Castle follows as you reach Dysart where the Harbourmaster’ House lives with its popular bistro and visitors centre. From Dysart, the path climbs over Blair Point to the walled chapel garden which is the private burial ground of the Wymess family. The caves of Wemyss are reached as you head up to the town of Leven. Overnight—Leven B&B


Leven to Elie - 10 miles

From Leven the main route leads to Lunden Links along the glorious sandy beaches. There is an alternative route at high tide up into the sand dunes which are a haven for wild flowers and butterflies. Heading north you can try walking the Elie chainwalk if you are feeling brave before you reach the beautiful little fishing village. Overnight—Elie B&B


Elie to Crail - 11 miles

Passing the lighthouse as you head on up to St Monans on the coastal path and you reach an old Windmill which used to pump seawater into the fossil rich limestone beds below. Heading up to Anstruther you pass the fishing harbour of Pittenweem which is worth a stop for photos. Anstruther is a popular tourist town with daily boat trips to the Isle of May nature reserve where thousands of birdlife can be seen. Heading into Crail you pass through fields with livestock and also an old salmon bothy. Overnight—Crail B&B.


Crail to St Andrews - 14 miles

This day is the toughest days walking and can be very challenging in parts. Once you reach Fife Ness, the most eastern point in Fife, you pass through many golf courses and walk along the stunning shoreline. Make sure and wait for low tide while walking the path to St Andrews. Overnight—St Andrews B&B.


St Andrews to Newport-on-Tay - 18 miles

The path from St Andrews leads up through the town and passes the castle to Guardbridge which is the home to the Eden Estuary Nature Reserve. Look out for cyclists as this path is also the Fife Cycle Way. Crossing the boardwalks into Tentsmuir Forest your journey following the forest up through Tayport and a couple of miles later you reach Newport-on-Tay where your journey ends. Overnight—Newport-on-Tay B&B


Onward travel

Accommodation

One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. We specifically choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.


Below you will find a list of the accommodation we regularly use which will give you a good idea of the standard of accommodation we use: View Accommodation Details  


Single Rooms

This independent walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as all our holidays are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs we incur.


Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs or restaurants.


Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.


Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.


Dogs

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers do not accept pets.


Availability

This walking holiday is best enjoyed between March and October. You can start on any date that suits your travel plans and you will find up to date availability on our website. The Fife Coastal Path is very popular so it is best to book as far in advance as you are able to.


 



 

 

 



9 East Bay = North Queensferry



9 East Bay - North Queensferry

The house was built in the mid 1990's,in what is known as the East Bay area of North Queensferry. The B&B offers comfortable accommodation to set you up for your coastal walk.


 

 

 


 

 

 




Ferrybridge Hotel - North Queensferry

The Ferrybridge Hotel provides a warm welcome and has a great restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic food.


 

 

 


 

 

 



69 Cromwell Road - Burntisland



69 Cromwell Road - Burntisland

Anne and Eddie look forward to welcoming you into their beautiful home. Eddie who is an award winning chef will make sure your stay is pleasent and will feed you well before you set off in the morning.


 

 

 


 

 

 



Inverteil B&B - Kirkcaldy



Inverteil B&B - Kirkcaldy

Inverteil has been converted into a comfortable and stylish home and offers superb quality accommodation in Kirkcaldy.


 

 

 


 

 

 



Lomond Guest House - Leven



Lomond Guest House - Leven

Lomond Guest House is situated in the conservation area of Leven, Fife, in Scotland and provides quality bed & breakfast accommodation within a comfortable, friendly environment.


 

 

 


 

 

 



Dunclutha Guest House - Leven



Dunclutha Guest House - Leven

A warm welcome awaits at Dunclutha Guest House, the house was originally an old rectory and was built with the grace and solidity associated with such structures.


 

 

 


 

 

 




No. 1 B&B - Elie

Liz and Mitch will make sure you have a wonderful stay at their cosy B&B in Elie, with a fantastic breakfast to set you on your way .


 

 

 


 

 

 



Rockview Guest House - Elie



Rockview Guest House - Elie

Rockview is owned and run by the neighbouring and famous Ship Inn in Elie. The guest house boasts stunning views over Elie Bay.


 

 

 


 

 

 



Crichton House - Anstruther



Crichton House - Anstruther

Situated centrally in Fife’s East Neuk, Crichton House has been recently refurbished to a very high standard. Ideally placed on Fife’s Coastal Path, this comfortable establishment will appeal to walkers.


 

 

 


 

 

 



Caiplie House - Crail



Caiplie House - Crail

Caiplie House is located in the majestic village of Crail, and the business is run with one major goal in mind, the guests’ enjoyment.


 

 

 


 

 

 



Selcraig House - Crail



Selcraig House - Crail

Set in the beautiful old fishing village of Crail, Selcraig is a traditionally built sandstone home dating back to the 1700s.


 

 

 


 

 

 



Charlesworth House - St Andrews



Charlesworth House - St Andrews

This lovely Victorian Town House has been carefully restored by the owners, providing a high standard of accommodation for visitors to the historic and majestic town of St Andrews


 

 

 


 

 

 



Doune House - St Andrews



Doune House - St Andrews

Right in the heart of the town of St Andrews you will find Doune Guest House. This carefully maintained non smoking Victorian Town House combines many original features with all round modern comforts.


 

 

 

Getting to North Queensferry

North Queensferry can be accessed easily from Edinburgh by train. The journey takes only 20mins. North Queensferry is also easily accessible from Glasgow (1hr 15 mins) and Dundee (1hr 20 mins) by train or there are buses aswell.  


Getting to Burntisland and Kirkcaldy

On our 'Best of' Itineraries you either start in Burntisland or Kirkcaldy, both have train stations and are easily accessible from Edinburgh (approx 30-40 mins)


Getting back from Newport-on-Tay

You can either continue walking to Dundee over the Tay bridge which is about 2 miles and catch onward travel from there or you can head back down to St Andrews (by taxi) and continue on from there.


Getting back from St Andrews and Crail

St Andrews has many transport links to the rest of Scotland.  Crail doesn't have a train station but there are plenty of buses to the rest of Fife and beyond.


 

 


 

Planning a trip on the Fife Coastal Path can be daunting, especially if this is your first long distance walking holiday. We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.

How fit do I need to be?

We offer a range of itineraries so you can choose your preferred daily distance so hopefully you will find an itinerary that suits your preferred level of activity. If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Fife Coastal Path is extremely popular especially over April/May and July/August. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website.

When is the best time of year?

Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better. Although I believe any time between late March and October offers a wonderful experience.

Am I able to take my dog?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.


The Fife Coastal Path is available from March to October in the months coloured green. You can start your holiday on any date in the season. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the itinerary you are interested in.


Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.


Because every Fife Coastal Path walk we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:


  • You provisionally book the tour you are interested in for your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
  • We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
  • If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.

Available
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Code Tour Name Duration Grade From Book
WSSFCP Fife Coastal Path 3 - 7 Days £285 Book
WSSFCP1 Fife Coastal Path 8 Days & 7 Nights £475 Book
WSSFCP2 Fife Coastal Path 7 Days & 6 Nights £425 Book
WSSFCP4 Fife Coastal Path - Best Of 5 Days & 4 Nights £285 Book
WSSFCP3 Fife Coastal Path - Best Of 6 Days & 5 Nights £355 Book

What's Included/Excluded?

Included

  • Hand picked B&B, guesthouse and small hotel accommodation including breakfast.
  • Door to door baggage transfer.
  • A detailed info pack, guide book and map for the group leader.
  • Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem.

Excluded

  • Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk.
  • Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks.
  • Travel Insurance. Personal Equipment.

Options

  • Single room supplement.
  • Extra nights before, after or during your walk.

Price from: £285 Book Now


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