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The Fife Coastal Path, a railed path along a green cliff above a blue sea.
Fife

Fife Coastal Path

A long-distance walking trail of about 117 miles around the Fife coast, from Kincardine to Newburgh, past fishing villages, beaches and cliffs.

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Welcome

The Fife Coastal Path follows almost the whole coast of Fife, some 117 miles from Kincardine on the Firth of Forth round to Newburgh on the Tay.

In the west it passes old industrial towns and harbours; further east it runs through the beaches of Aberdour and Burntisland, past castles and cliffs, and into the East Neuk, where it links the fishing villages of Elie, St Monans, Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail, each with its harbour and pantiled houses. Beyond Crail it turns north along wilder, lonelier shores to St Andrews and the Tay, with sandy bays and rock pools along the way.

The path is waymarked and split into sections that make good day walks, and trains and buses make it easy to walk one way and ride back. Some stretches are tidal, so check the tide times before you set out.

A short drive awayThe Harbourmaster's HouseAn 18th-century house on the harbour at Dysart, home of the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, with a cafe looking over the boats.12 min by roadSee itSmall boats float in a stone harbour beneath a tall sandstone building
Before you go

An open path, there at any time.

Some sections are tidal; check the tide times.

Length
About 117 miles.
From
Kincardine.
To
Newburgh.
Where it is

Around the whole coast of Fife, from Kincardine on the Forth to Newburgh on the Tay.

Close byThe Fife coast.
  1. Ravenscraig CastleRavenscraig CastleA great ruined castle on the shore at Kirkcaldy, begun in 1460 for Queen Mary of Gueldres and built to withstand guns.3 miles9 min by road
  2. Dysart HarbourDysart Harbour4 miles12 min by road
  3. Wooden shopfront with black awning reading "Fruit & Veg Merchant" and Macauley's signage in the windowMacauley's5 miles12 min by road
  4. Sandy beach and promenade beneath Gourock's hillside, church spire rising above the seafrontBurntisland BeachA big sandy beach on the way.5 miles12 min by road
  5. Climber in red jacket scales a rope through a narrow rocky gorgeElie Chain WalkA daring scramble off the path.20 miles44 min by road
Directions
Small boats float in a stone harbour beneath a tall sandstone buildingAttractionsThe Harbourmaster's House3.9 miles
Star-shaped lanterns hang above shelves of dried flowers, clocks and ornaments in a gift shopShoppingBel & Etta4.5 miles
Sandy beach and promenade beneath Gourock's hillside, church spire rising above the seafrontAttractionsBurntisland4.6 miles
eFoiling Beneath the Forth Bridges, EdinburghActivityeFoil Scotland4.7 miles
Ruined stone tower and walls of a castle rising above overgrown grassAttractionsAberdour Castle and Gardens8.8 miles
Small stone chapel with arched doorway and bellcote, gravestones and bench nearbyAttractionsSt Fillan’s Church9.0 miles
Ruined abbey tower on Inchcolm island, hills rising beyond the firthAttractionsInchcolm9.4 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the path, and when each is next free.

A man walks past Bucken Booths entrance flanked by black lamp postsOld Town Chambers
  • To stay
  • In Fife
  • 9 miles from the Fife Coastal Path
Check datesA round table and chairs stand before tall curtained windows looking onto stone buildings, a sofa and mounted television to the right.Moment George IV Bridge
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Fife
  • 9 miles from the Fife Coastal Path
Check datesWest End Muse
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Fife
  • 10 miles from the Fife Coastal Path
Check datesA turreted sandstone building with conical spires catches the evening light above rooftops, a large pine tree standing beside it.The Scott Hotel
  • A hotel
  • In Fife
  • 10 miles from the Fife Coastal Path
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in FifeAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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