Explore castles, coast, heritage, and nature — Fife Coastal Path

The Fife Coastal Path explores a landscape of dramatic cliffs, hidden bays, wildlife-rich grasslands and forests, golden beaches, picturesque harbours, ancient caves, and countless castle ruins.

As the trail winds its way for 116 miles (187 km) between the Forth and Tay estuaries, you experience an ever-changing landscape; with modern and historic industry contrasting wonderfully with the classic coast and countryside you would expect.

History is everywhere along this trail, with each period leaving relics for you to discover. Whether it's the Wemyss Caves and their prehistoric wall carvings, the abundant 15th-century castles, 18th-century coal yards and salt mills, and much more besides, there's always something to take you back in time.

For the most part, the walking is flat along the trail and the paths are well-maintained and clearly waymarked. There are a few challenging sections and some parts that can only be completed at low tide. At these points, check tide times before you set out; there are alternative trails should you be planning to walk near high tide.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing things about this trail is the exhilarating Elie Chainwalk. On this epic challenge, you scramble along cliff sides; clinging onto chains attached to the cliffs. If this isn't your thing though, don’t worry—it's optional.

In this Collection, I've split the Fife Coastal Path into eight stages. Of course, you can split up each stage into as many days as you're comfortable with. You can also walk any single stage, or a couple of stages, in isolation.

Every stage finishes close to accommodation, even if there are only a few options nearby. However, places to stay are not always abundant so it is worth planning in advance and scheduling any rest days accordingly.

If you're planning to arrive by public transport, you can catch a train to Larbert railway station, which is served by direct trains from Glasgow and Edinburgh and has connecting services around the UK. You would then need to catch X27 bus service to Kincardine. To get home, catch either the 94 bus service to Ladybank railway station (choose this for Edinburgh connections), or the 36 bus service to Perth railway station (better for Glasgow), depending on where your ultimate destination is. Both have good links around the UK. If you arrive by car, your best bet is to negotiate with a hotel or B&B a rate to stay for a night either side of your hike in Kincardine.

To get back, catch the 36 bus from Newburgh to Glenrothes and then the X24 bus service back to Kincardine. Alternatively, you could find long-stay parking in Edinburgh and follow the public transport instructions above.