Walks in Fife

Long distance walking paths in Fife

The Fife Coastal Path and Fife Pilgrim Way are two of Scotland's Great Trails which can be explored in the historic Kingdom of Fife. These are waymarked long distance walking trails which you can complete over several days or simply walk along the sections of your choice.

Whether you want a hiking holiday or just a short break away in the Scottish countryside, staying with Scotland's Best B&Bs means you will be well looked after. See our options for accommodation in Fife at the bottom of this page.

(Photo credit - top of page: beach at Elie and Earlsferry in Fife by VisitScotland / Kenny Lam)

Forth Bridges

FIFE COASTAL PATH

Starting from Kincardine on the Firth of Forth and ending at Newburgh on the Firth of Tay, this route stretches for 116 miles. Enjoy a variety of habitats including beaches, dunes, woodlands, farmland, waterfalls, caves and ancient lava flows, as well as wildlife reserves. Highlights include spectacular views of the Forth estuary and its iconic bridges, as well as the Tay estuary and bridges, plus numerous royal burghs and quaint fishing villages. You will also come across a good few golf courses!   
Historic points of interest range from WWI and WWII naval bases to chapels, churches, castles, abbeys and doocots, plus the Scottish Fisheries Museum. Outlander fans will will recognise sights such as Dysart harbour and the herring drifter in Anstruther.    
If you are particularly adventurous, you can test your nerves and agility on the rocks by trying the Elie Chainwalk, known as Scotland's secret via ferrata.

Fife Coastal Path - route stages:

• Kincardine to Limekilns via Culross (11 miles, 4 – 5 hours)
• Limekilns to Burntisland via Rosyth, North Queensferry, Dalgety Bay and Aberdour (17 miles, 6.5 hours)
• Burntisland to Buckhaven via Kirkcaldy, Dysart, West Wemyss (14 miles, 5 - 6 hours)

Fife Coastal Path - West Wemyss from Blair Point near Dysart near Bayview B&B at Upper Largo   
Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland

• Buckhaven to Elie via Lundin Links (13 miles, 4 - 5 hours)
• Elie to Cambo Sands via St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail (16 miles, 5 - 6 hours)

Crail - VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

• Cambo Sands (also known as Kingsbarns Beach) to Leuchars via St Andrews (14 miles, 5 - 6 hours)
• Leuchars to Wormit Bay (17 miles, 6 - 7 hours)
• Wormit Bay to Newburgh (14 miles, 5 - 6 hours)

FIFE PILGRIM WAY

This new walking trail takes on historic routes used by medieval pilgrims. You can start either at the royal burgh of Culross or from North Queensferry and walk to St Andrews via Scotland's newest city of Dunfermline (64 miles). Along the way you can enjoy nature reserves, woodland and farmland.   
Pilgrims went to Culross because of its links with Saint Serf and Saint Mungo (Kentigern). Today you can still visit Culross Abbey and St Mungo's Chapel. Dunfermline Abbey was the burial place of many of Scotland's kings and queens, including King Robert the Bruce and Queen Margaret (who was later made a saint).     
In medieval times, St Andrews was one of the main pilgrimage destinations in Europe on a par with Rome (St Peter) and Santiago de Compostela (St James) as people wanted to be near the bones of St Andrew, known to be one of the 12 disciples.   
St Andrews is also well known for its University founded in 1413, sandy beaches and famous golf courses.

Fife Pilgrim Way - route stages:

• Culross to Dunfermline (8.5 miles, 4.5 hours) or North Queensferry to Dunfermline (8.5 miles, 4.5 hours)

Dunfermline Abbey - photo by Fife Council / Damian Shields / VisitScotland

• Dunfermline to Lochore Meadows (11 miles, 5.5 hours)
• Lochore Meadows to Kinglassie (5 miles, 3 hours)
• Kinglassie to Markinch (8 miles, 4 hours 45 mins)

Fife Pilgrim Way at Ceres near Craighall Steading B&B    
Photo by Fife Council / Damian Shields / VisitScotland

• Markinch to Ceres (13 miles, 7 hours)
• Ceres to St Andrews (9.5 miles, 4 hours 45 mins)

St Andrews Cathedral - VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Stay nearby at No12 B&B

Accommodation in Fife

CRAIGHALL STEADING IN CERES   
This modern self-built home and smallholding sits near the picturesque village of Ceres (5 miles from Cupar). Enjoy views of the Lomond Hills and Fife countryside from bedrooms overlooking the garden. Choice of 2 kingsize double rooms with ensuite rainfall shower, complimentary toiletries and fluffy bathrobes. Private garden with patio area. Dogs welcome (£5 per night) in the Garden View bedroom. Close to woodland walks, cycling routes and the Fife Pilgrim Way. Many historic attractions, golf courses and distilleries are within a short drive. St Andrews 9 miles. Dundee 15 miles. More info...

No12 B&B  IN ST ANDREWS
This friendly B&B with sea views in historic St Andrews is perfect for exploring the coastline and golf courses of Fife. Situated close to East Sands beach and just a short walk from the town centre, castle, cathedral and University. Choice of 3 bedrooms (super kingsize double / twin / double) with Smart TV with Netflix & Amazon Prime, complimentary toiletries and super fast free WiFi. The breakfast menu features local produce including smoked salmon, kippers or a full Scottish. Secure storage area for golfing equipment and free car parking. Discover coastal walks, cycling, golf, museums, distilleries and the fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife. Dundee 14 miles. Perth 33 miles. Dunfermline 36 miles. More info...

BAYVIEW BED & BREAKFAST IN UPPER LARGO   
This 4 Star GOLD B&B near Upper Largo is a 19th century cottage with sea views in an idyllic location by the Fife Coastal Path. Bayview is surrounded by famous Fife golf courses and Margaret can organise golf tee times at reduced rates at local clubs for her guests. Just 11 miles from historic St Andrews. Choose from 2 ensuite rooms offering a choice of double, twin or triple sleeping arrangements. Relax in the well tended garden where your hosts grow their own fruit, which you can enjoy fresh or in preserves for breakfast. Sumptuous cooked breakfasts are a specialty. Romantic Breaks including champagne, handmade chocolate delights, fresh flowers, fresh fruit, candles, bathrobes. More info...

Please remember to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and respect the environment you are visiting. Please be responsible as you travel through the landscape and local communities. It's also very important to be well prepared for any type of weather you may encounter and be able to navigate with a map and compass.       
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