FIFE COASTAL PATH

Highlights

A wonderful walking holiday following the coastal path of the Fife Peninsula. Observing the great variety of birds present on the coast, renowned for its abundance of fish.

Destinations

Scotland

Budget

From $250 per person

All highlights

Fife Coastal Path . Our Fife Coastal path independent walking holiday links the Forth and Tay Estuaries in Scotland. The full length of the Fife Coastal Path runs for over 183km through varied landscapes and coastal scenery, but we have chosen the most interesting 6 days which link North Queensferry, directly north of Edinburgh and St Andrews on the North Sea coast. The walk goes via some of Scotland’s most picturesque villages, mainy containing small fishing ports such as the pretty coastal town of Anstruther. From village to village, harbour to harbour, enjoy the cool summer of Scotland and witness the marine wildlife of the North Sea around the Fife Peninsula. Indeed, this hike is the perfect occasion, for bird watchers, to attend a daily flying show of a great variety of birds. Your walk starts immediately after crossing the Forth Estuary by train, and ends in St Andrews, the home of golf, with its ancient University. In between are miles of golden beaches, attractive woods and nature reserves as well as some more functional towns such as Leven. The Fife coast also has a rich history with castle and church ruins, industrial remnants such as pulleys from the former coalyards and the pictish and prehistoric carvings in the Wemyss caves. Holiday Profile . 7 nights, 6 nights linear walking between guest houses. Everday of week subject to availability during 1 April to 31 October . Walking Profile & Grade . Walking on tracks, paths and small roads with daily distances varying between 13 and 25km. The daily ascent varies from 100m to 220m.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival in Edinburgh and night in a comfortable hotel or guest house close to the train station and city centre. Explore the wonderful historic streets of the Old and New Towns.. There is the option of booking extra nights in Edinburgh. As well as booking extra accommodation, we can arrange visits to historic sites and a variety of tours such as food tours, walking tours, historic tours etc.. Overnight: Edinburgh . .

Day 3: Aberdour - Kirkcaldy

Day 3: Aberdour - Kirkcaldy

Today's walk covers a varied stretch of the Fife Coastal Path exploring some quiet shorelines, picturesque harbours and ruined castles. You'll end the day in Kirkaldy which is home to Europe's longest street fair, with over 200 fairground rides and attractions, held each Easter on the town esplanade. The Kirkcaldy Galleries houses a stunning collection of artworks and artifacts, and the Adam Smith Theatre, just across the road, provides a wide program of entertainment with everything from pantomime and music to theatre and comedy.. Overnight: Kirkcaldy, Walk: 17km, +215m . .

Day 5: Lower Largo - Anstruther

Day 5: Lower Largo - Anstruther

Explore Lower Largo before you continue your walk. An ancient fishing village, Lower Largo is an attractive village with a wide variety of charming cottages, a pretty harbour and beach. Andrew Selkirk, a Scottish sailor who was born in the village, spent four years as a castaway on an uninhabited island and is said to have inspired Daniel Defoe's fictional character Robinson Crusoe. Your onward trail is an easy-going section of the Fife Coastal path linking three of the celebrated East Neuk fishing villages: St Monans, Pittenweem and Anstruther. There is plenty to see along the way.. Overnight: Anstruther, Walk: 20km, +195m . .

Day 6: Anstruther - Kingsbarns

Day 6: Anstruther - Kingsbarns

This is one of the most popular sections of the Fife Coastal Path, linking the largest of the East Neuk fishing ports - Anstruther - with perhaps the most photographed - Crail. Halfway between Anstruther and Crail are the fascinating Caiplie Caves. Eroded over time by weather and sea, the caves were once part of a sea cliff. Continue along the boulder-strewn coast, awash with wildflowers and shrubs to reach Crail harbour. Charming cobbled streets tumble down to the miniature harbour, which is sheltered by cliffs and surrounded by historic fishing cottages. Your trail then passes around the headland before going a small way inland to Kingsbarns.. Overnight: Kingsbarns, Walk: 25km, +115m . .

Day 7: Kingsbarns - St Andrews

Day 7: Kingsbarns - St Andrews

Your walking trail to St Andrews is along a lonely and picturesque stretch of coast, sometimes rough and occasionally muddy. Wading birds are common here. Eider and sometimes shelduck can be seen. This is a beautiful and fascinating stretch of coast. Look out for the pink sandstone Buddo Rock and the Rock and Spindle by St Andrews Bay. St Andrews, the home of Golf, is known for its historic university, medieval streets and wonderful traditional buildings. In addition, its ruined cathedral and castle are well worth a visit.. Overnight: St Andrews, Walk: 13.5km, +140m . .

Day 8: Departure

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Leuchars train station and train travel to Edinburgh..

Prices

Price per person 2 pers 4 pers 6 pers 8 pers
Price per adult $250 $180 $160 $150
Price per kid $130 $90 $80 $80

Services

Included:

  • 7 nights B&B in ensuite 2 person rooms
  • 2 train journeys : Day 1 and Day 8
  • Detailed walking notes including information about the area
  • Walking maps
  • Baggage transfers along the Fife Coastal Path (1 bag per person, max weight 20kg)

Excluded:

  • All lunches, dinners and drinks
  • Travel to Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Local bus transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • Entrance fees

Optional:

  • Extra Nights
  • Tailor-made trips

Receive a free quote from your local travel agency within 48 hours by e-mail. No obligation to purchase.

Pauline Mathieu

Pauline Mathieu

travel expert: France & Scotland

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