Fife Coastal Path - 7 Days & 6 Nights
- Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Fife's coastal communities
- Enjoy an award-winning fish supper in Anstruther
- Look out for basking seals and dolphins as you walk along the coast
- Stroll along white sandy beaches on the coast path
- Visit the famous town of St Andrews, complete with castle and 3 beaches
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive North QueensferryJust 20 minutes 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.
The Queensferry Hotel is set on the banks of the Firth of Forth and enjoys spectacular views across the Firth and the iconic Forth Bridges. All of their rooms are individually decorated and have tea/coffee making facilities, trouser press or iron / iron boards, flat screen television, radio, hair dryer, 24 hour room service and en suite bathroom. The North Shore Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with both traditional and international cuisine enhanced by the spectacular setting. Their menus are created with care by their chefs, using the finest local produce and suppliers.
Located in the centre of the historic village of Aberdour, on the north shore of the Firth of Forth, this family run hotel was a 17th century coaching inn. Some of the original features have been retained but the property has been tastefully converted into a delightful 16 bedroom hotel with full bar and restaurant facilities.
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.
Hotel owned by the same family for over 30 years. All the rooms are equipped with a range of toiletries, modern LCD flat screen television, hairdryer and tea & coffee making facilities.
The Bay Hotel is a family run Hotel located on the coast between Burntisland and Kinghorn. All 28 bedrooms are tastefully designed to a high standard in a contemporary style. All rooms are fitted with state of the art intelligent, energy-efficient lighting and air-conditioning, WiFi, 32" Flat panel digital satellite television, mini fridge, movies on demand and en-suite bathrooms. You also have complimentary access to the Swimming pool (including sauna and steam room) during your stay, with a nominal charge for all other services chargeable to the room. The beautifully appointed Horizons Restaurant offers you elegant dining in a superb environment complete with stunning panoramic views across the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh.
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.
Lomond Guest House provides comfortable accommodation and a friendly relaxed atmosphere. It has recently been renovated and all rooms are tastefully decorated to include digital TV, hospitality tray, hairdryer and toiletries.
From the moment you approach their door, you will see the welcome that is in store for you when you stay at Dunclutha. It is a spacious house and has brought comfort to its residents for over a hundred years. The house was originally the Rectory for the nearby Scottish Episcopal Church and was built with the grace and solidity associated with such structures. The surroundings are bright and cheerful, and this is a place to rest and feel comfortable. All rooms have Freeview TV with tea and coffee making facilities with Julie's homemade shortbread. Although the house is Victorian it has been well cared for and has been recently refurbished with emphasis on preserving the grace and elegance of that period. A hot tub in the secluded rear garden is even available for your use to help after a long day's walking!
The Old Manor is set in a fantastic location enjoying panoramic views overlooking Largo Bay and the Firth of Forth. It has 23 bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities and all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. In the restaurant their menus are always changing and you can enjoy whatever abundant delicacy the local area has to offer in their Seafood restaurant.
From Leven the main route leads to Lunden Links along 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. Soon the path begins to round the headland passing inlets, Shell Bay Beach and Earlsferry Golf Course before reaching the beautiful little fishing village of Elie. On the spit of land that juts out to sea from Elie you'll see Elie Ness Lighthouse, build in 1908, and designed by David Stevenson, cousin to the famous Robert Louis Stevenson. Then hike north to St Monans where you'll reach an old Windmill that used to pump seawater into the fossil rich limestone beds below. Continue along the coastal path to Anstruther and pass the quaint fishing harbour of Pittenweem, which makes for a photogenic stop. Anstruther is a popular tourist town with daily boat trips to the Isle of May nature reserve where thousands of birdlife can be seen.
Situated in the picturesque town of Anstruther, The Royal Hotel is an independent and family-run hotel, restaurant and bar which hosts 7 newly renovated hotel bedrooms are individually decorated and furnished. The hotel is also only a short walk from some of the most highly rated fish & chip shops in the UK!
The Spindrift, an imposing Victorian residence built in 1870 for a famous tea clipper captain. Set on the western edge of the picturesque town of Anstruther in the East Neuk of Fife. Only a short walk to the harbour and town centre.
A Pleasant Victorian built guest house constructed by locally famous plasterers, the Williamsons. The owners Jackie and Robin are extremely welcoming to Fife Coastal path walkers. There are two guest rooms that have all the amenities that you require for a comfortable overnight stay. You will also enjoy a full Scottish or Continental breakfast in the morning using locally sourced produce.
Leave the touristy streets of Anstruther behind and push up the coast toward Fife Ness. Continue to hug the coastline past Cellardyke Harbour and beyond the sandstone arches of Caiplie Caves. Heading into Crail you pass through fields with livestock and also an old salmon bothy. This day's 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.
If St Andrews accommodation is full you will overnight in Newport on Tay or Dundee with included transfers back and forth from St Andrews.
Doune House is a carefully maintained Victorian townhouse with many original features and modern comforts. The accommodation has been completely modernised to offer the highest quality of comfort and the rooms have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay.
You can be assured a warm welcome at this small, friendly, informal 3 star hotel. The first in St Andrews to be awarded the prestigious title ‘Townhouse Hotel’ by the Scottish Tourist Board. The quaint old building has a warm personality all of its own. You will love the craftsmanship of the many original features. Built from 1764, the hotel consists of two Georgian terraced houses, both exactly the same layout, built for two brothers by their father, Mr Thomas Low. With 22 en-suite rooms. This is the perfect location for exploring the glorious town of St Andrews.
The Greyfriars Hotel is a vibrant accommodation located in the hustle and bustle of combining friendly service with an inviting atmosphere. Located centrally, it is in a perfect location for exploring all St Andrews has to offer.
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.
Due to the lack of accommodation options in Newport-On-Tay, you will be transferred to Dundee at the end of your walking day.
Housed within the walls of a former textile mill that features a distinctive Italianate bell tower. The Indigo is a short 10-minute walk to the centre of Dundee. Within the boutique hotel, rooms are designed stylishly with nods to the industrial history of the building. The bar/restaurant named Daisy Tasker, after a teenage mill worker who organised social activities for employees, is hip and extremely inviting.
Sleeperz Hotel Dundee is located directly next to Dundee Railway Station in the city centre. Guests can enjoy views of the nearby V&A Museum Dundee, the River Tay and onto the Waterfront Plaza. The rooms are air-conditioned, with free WiFi. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower. The property is around 600 metres from University of Dundee, a 3-minute walk from St Paul's Cathedral and 500 metres from Abertay University.
After breakfast this morning your journey along the Fife Coastal Path has come to an end, and it's time for your onward journey to begin.
This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?If you are a fan of stunning sea views, delightful coastal villages and an abundance of wildlife, then the Fife Coastal Path could be just for you. Add to that list beautiful beaches, welcoming hospitality and great food and you have a classic walk in the making. This itinerary is graded as moderate to strenuous so is suited to the more active walker.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This holiday is graded moderate overall with individual itineraries varying from easy to moderate through to moderate to strenuous. Daily walking distances vary between 10 - 18 miles. Some days will be more challenging than others and the terrain will be varied with some rough and rugged footpaths. There are ascents and descents involved so a good level of fitness will be required.
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of 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.
Most itineraries on the coastal path include a stop in the small fishing village of Elie. However, as the village is so small accommodation options are limited meaning availability issues are often encountered. If this is the case for your booking you will have two nights in Leven with complimentary transfers collecting you from Elie and taking back to Leven for your overnight. The following morning you will be dropped off at the trailhead in Elie to continue your walk.
St Andrews is also an issue. Therefore if accommodation is not available here when you wish to travel, you will either stay in Newport on Tay or Dundee with included transfers to and from St Andrews included.
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.
The route is well-waymarked throughout and easy to follow. Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, GPS tracks, and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost. You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account.
Recommended Reading
If you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:
- Fife Coastal Path (Rucksack Reader)
- Hand-picked B&B's, guesthouses & small hotels
- Breakfasts
- Baggage transfer
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office
- Travel to the start / from the finish of the walk
- Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance (required)
- Additional nights
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.
Throughout the season St Andrew's is generally very busy. Therefore if we cannot find availability here on the dates you wish to travel there is the possibility that you will overnight in Newport on Tay or Dundee for 1 or 2 nights (depending on your itinerary) with included transfers back and to from St Andrews.
North Queensferry can be easily accessed from Edinburgh by train and is a 20-minute journey. Alternatively, you can reach the start from Glasgow (1 hr 15mins) or Dundee (1hr 20 mins). The best way to plan your journey is to use the Traveline or the National Rail website.
If you are planning to drive to North Queensferry there is a free car park just beneath the Forth Rail Bridge on Battery Road.
You can continue walking (or take a taxi) to Dundee over the Tay Bridge which is about 2 miles and make your onward travel from there. Direct train travel from Dundee to Edinburgh takes approximately 1hr and 25mins.
You can also head back down to St Andrews (by taxi) and continue on from there. St Andrews has many transport links to the rest of Scotland. The quickest route back to Edinburgh is to take a bus to Leuchars train station (10mins) followed by a train (1hr 10mins).
The best way to plan your journey is to use the Traveline or the National Rail website.
Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Most itineraries on the coastal path include a stop in the small fishing village of Elie. However, as the village is so small accommodation options are limited meaning availability issues are often encountered. If this is the case for your booking you will have two nights in Leven with complimentary transfers collecting you from Elie and taking back to Leven for your overnight. The following morning you will be dropped off at the trailhead in Elie to continue your walk.
Online Documents
At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.
On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
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