Fife Coastal Path Short Break

5 Days & 4 Nights 4.6 Read 27 reviews

Immerse yourself in the history of the ‘Kingdom of Fife's' coastal communities
Wander the length of many white sand beaches
Look out for basking seals and jumping dolphins from the coast path
Search for wild flowers and admire the dramatic coastal scenery
Tuck into an award-winning fish supper at Anstruther Harbour

This short break itinerary takes in almost 30 miles of the Fife Coastal Path trail over 3 days of walking some of the most scenic coastal sections of the route. Explore dramatic coastal scenery and stroll along sandy beaches, as well as looking out for castles, historic caves, and sampling an abundance of fresh local seafood. Wander the beaches at Kinghorn, visit the famous pre-historic caves of East Weymss and follow this spectacular coastline punctuated by lighthouses, golf courses and quaint fishing villages as you make your way north to the harbour village of Crail. This short break is the perfect way to discover the delights of Scotland's east coast; from award-winning fish suppers by the harbour in Anstruther to the wildife and beautiful landscapes of this rugged coastline.

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

If you are a fan of stunning sea views, delightful coastal villages and an abundance of wildlife, then the Fife Coastal Path Short Break could be just for you. The perfect introduction to long distance walking.

Tour Type:

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!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Short Break
Coastal Walking
Accessible by Rail

Activity Level & Terrain

This holiday is graded easy overall with an average daily walking distance of 10 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.

Navigation

The route is well way marked and easy to follow. We supply a detailed map and guidebook so you shouldn’t have any problem finding your way.

Accommodations

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.

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.

Included

4 Nights in hand-picked B&B's, guesthouses & small hotels
4 Breakfasts
Baggage transfer
A detailed information pack and access to maps and GPX tracks on the Macs Adventure smartphone app
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to the start / from the finish of the walk
Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights

When To Go

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.

Getting to the Start

Kirkcaldy can be easily reached by train from Edinburgh (approx 30-40 mins).

Getting from the End

Crail doesn't have a train station but there are plenty of buses to the rest of Fife and beyond.

Luggage Transfer

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.

General Information

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.

Travel Insurance

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.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Kirkcaldy Day 2 Kirkcaldy to Leven 10.5 miles / 17 km

Ravenscraig Castle is your first historic remain as you start the walk followed by 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

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Lomond Guest House | Guest House

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. They also offer complimentary therapies such a reflexology, reiki and acupressure massage, which can be booked in advance through their website.

Dunclutha | Guest House

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 House | 4 Star | Hotel

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.

Day 3 Leven to Elie 8.5 miles / 14 km Day 4 Elie to Crail 10.5 miles / 17 km

Pass Elie Ness Lighthouse as you 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 passing the quaint fishing harbour of Pittenweem - 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. Finally, walk through fields and past an old salmon fisherman's bothy to arrive in the charming village of Crail.

Overnight Crail

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hazelton Guest House | Guest House

The Hazelton is a former merchant’s town house dating back to the 19^th Century and it enjoys a prominent position on the broad and attractive Marketgate in the heart of the village. Their 5 individually styled rooms are light and airy each with their own en-suite shower room. Rooms also have flatscreen TV’s, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries and hospitality tray.

Honeypot Guest House | Guest House

This cafe and licensed B&B is located in the centre of historic Crail, a few minutes’ walk from the harbour. All rooms are on the upper floor and have recently undergone refurbishment; all rooms are en-suite and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. Their little cafe creates a friendly buzz when the doors open at 10.30am, from a cooked breakfast to delicious Crail crab there is something for everyone on their menu. Sourcing is important to them and wherever possible they use local ingredients. Their cheese scones have attracted a fair number of supporters, yummy cheddar with red leicester and a tweak of mustard, try one with their homemade soup, a perfect combination.

The Golf Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

The Golf Hotel is situated in the heart of the historic town of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife. It is a grade A listed coaching inn and is said to be one of the oldest licensed inns in Scotland. Mr Guthrie is only the fourth owner since 1928 and plans to stay host at this charming hotel for the long term. It offers newly refurbished en-suite bedrooms, resident’s sitting room, lounge bar, dining room, public bar and garden restaurant.

Day 5 Onward Travel