• Fife Coastal Path

• 1 April – 31 October

• From £925 per person based on 2 sharing a room
• Loyalty scheme reduction applies for returning customers (see terms and conditions)

• 7 nights, 6 days linear walking between guest houses

• 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
• Discovering some of the most beautiful fishermen’s villages around the UK all along the itinerary.

• 7 nights B&B in ensuite 2 person rooms (double or twin) in very good quality Guest Houses or Hotels.  Some locations have very limited choice, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

1. 7 nights accommodation in ensuite 2 person rooms on a B&B basis
2. Transfers from Edinburgh to North Queensferry on day 1 and from St Andrews to Leuchars station on day 8
3. Detailed walking notes including information about the area
4. Walking maps
5. Baggage transfers (1 bag per person, max weight 20kg)

1. All lunches, dinners and drinks
2. Travel to Edinburgh at the start and from Leuchars at the end of the holiday
3. Travel insurance
4. Entrance fees

1. Take a look at our other independent walking holidays in Scotland: West Highland Way & Skye - Trossachs National Park, Oban & Islands - West Highlands Way & Wild West Coast

Walking Profile

Walking on tracks, paths and small roads with daily distances varying between 13 and 22km. The daily ascent varies from 100m to 220m.  Over the 6 days, the average daily distance is 18km and height gain is around 165m. Some paths along the coastline can be narrow at times with some uneven and sandy conditions underfoot. Suitable for regular walkers, as well as fit and healthy novices.

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.

Day 2: North Queensferry - Aberdour

The first section of our Fife Coastal Path in Scotland starts at the iconic Forth Rail Bridge and alternates between rural coastal scenery and settlements including Aberdour with its art galleries, harbour and sandy beach. In Queensferry your hike starts by the Waterloo Well also known as Napolean Well as it is shaped like Napoleon’s hat, and was built to commemorate Wellington’s victory over Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. Your trail passes through the Scottish Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve of Carlingnose Point where you can look out for rare species of fauna and flora.

Day 3: Aberdour - Kirkcaldy

Today's walk covers avaried 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.

Day 4: Kirkcaldy - Lower Largo

This part of the Fife Coastal Path has a fascinating stop by the Wemyss Caves and a grand finish along a fine sandy beach. Following a more built-up section around Buckhaven and Leven you'll reach Largo Bay. This is a beautiful 7 mile stretch of beach punctuated in the middle by the pretty village of Lower Largo. Many birds can be spotted along this stretch of coast including oystercatchers sanderlings, ringed plovers, and curlews. You'll also have a good chance of seeing common seals and the larger, ‘roman nosed’ grey seals. It is also worth keeping a look out for a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins. The path passes above the sands and is bordered by a host of wildflowers.

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.

Days 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.

Days 7: Crail - 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.

Day 8: Departure

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

Aberdour Hotel

The Waterfront, Anstruther