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3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • hotelsand B&Bs
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1110GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: WFP

Fife Coastal Path Trip highlights

  • Explore Fife’s historic fishing villages, harbours, and medieval landmarks
  • Marvel at the Forth Bridges and cross the famous Tay Bridge on foot
  • Volcanic cliffs, fossil-rich shores, sandy beaches & rolling dunes
  • Discover St Andrews, "Home of Golf", with its iconic castle & beaches
  • Spot seals, dolphins, and seabirds along the Scottish coastline
  • Savour Anstruther’s award-winning fish 'n chips by the harbour

The Fife Coastal Path is one of Scotland’s most spectacular long-distance trails, spanning 135 km (83 miles) from the iconic Forth Bridges near Edinburgh to the Tay Estuary at Dundee. Winding through the picturesque East Neuk, the route follows the stunning coastline of the historic Kingdom of Fife, revealing a dynamic landscape of volcanic cliffs, fossil-rich shores, sandy beaches, and rolling dunes. Along the way, walkers encounter charming fishing villages and vibrant harbour towns, each steeped in maritime heritage and renowned for its warm Scottish hospitality.

Fife is a region steeped in history, once a Pictish kingdom known as Fib in ancient times. Almost entirely surrounded by water—the Firth of Forth to the south, the North Sea to the east, and the River Tay to the north—Fife developed a unique identity, earning its enduring nickname, the "Kingdom of Fife." Its rich past is evident along the path, from the medieval port of Dysart to the East Wemyss Caves, where mysterious Pictish carvings have survived for over 1,500 years. The trail also leads to St Andrews, the historic “Home of Golf,” where the legendary Old Course and the ruins of the medieval cathedral and castle offer a striking glimpse into Scotland’s past.

Nature lovers will find seals basking on the shores, seabirds nesting on cliffs, and even dolphins in the estuary waters. Food enthusiasts can enjoy Scotland’s famous coastal cuisine, from Anstruther’s world-renowned fish and chips to freshly landed seafood in local eateries. The journey ends with the walk across the Tay Bridge into Dundee, where a vibrant waterfront and cultural attractions, including the V&A Dundee Gallery and Museum, await. Blending natural beauty, history, and warm Scottish charm, the Fife Coastal Path promises a rewarding journey through one of Scotland's most scenic and storied coastlines.

Countries:

Scotland

Starting Point:

North Queensferry

Finishing Point:

Dunbar

Itinerary

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Arrive in North Queensferry, a charming village just 20 minutes by train from Edinburgh. Nestled on the banks of the Forth Estuary, it boasts stunning views of the iconic Forth Bridges. Stroll along the waterfront visiting the historic North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower, one of the world’s smallest working lighthouses. Accommodation: stay in a modern hotel overlooking the Firth of Forth estuary and the Forth Bridge. Rooms are all ensuite and come with all the modern amenities including minifridges and tea & coffeemaking facilities. It is about 15mins walk from North Queensferry train station.

Meals:  Nil

Your journey begins at the door of your accommodation, taking you under the Iconic Forth Bridges before heading past Deep Sea World and the Carlingnose Wildlife Reserve. Walk through Inverkeithing, known for its medieval friary ruins and panoramic views across Dalgety Bay. Stop at St Bridget’s Kirk, a 12th-century church overlooking the Forth, before reaching Aberdour with its famous castle – one of the oldest in Scotland. Finishing the day walking along Silver Sands Beach to Burntisland, a traditional seaside resort with a Blue Flag beach. Accommodation: A beautiful, independently owned, country hotel, nestled in 2 acres of gardens and woodlands, boasting stunning panoramic views across the Firth of Forth. It houses one of the area's best restaurants. After a busy day walking, you can enjoy freshly prepared, homemade dishes in the hotel's restaurant. The head chef and his team are justifiably proud of the excellent reputation they have earned.

Meals:  B

From Pettycur Bay you follow the path past Kinghorn to Kirkcaldy, where you’ll discover Ravenscraig Castle perched dramatically above the coast. In Dysart, take time to explore the Harbourmaster’s House and enjoy the quaint alleys of this former royal burgh. Continuing along the coast to West Wemyss with its historic charm and on to the East Wemyss Caves, famous for their ancient Pictish carvings. End the day in the bustling sea side town of Leven you will spend two nights here. Accommodation: spend 2 nights in a guesthouse with a shared lounge, garden, BBQ facilities, and free WiFi throughout the property. It also provides guests with a sun terrace. All rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with a hot tub, a hairdryer and free toiletries. All guestrooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. There is a choice of a buffet or à la carte breakfast.

Meals:  B

From Leven you continue along Largo Bay’s sandy beaches and through Lower Largo, birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe. Continue to the dramatic cliffs at Earlsferry and Shell Bay Beach. Before arriving in the picturesque village of Elie, where the charming harbour and Elie Ness Lighthouse await. Accommodation: Due to limited accommodation in Elie, you will return to Leven for the night with transfers included. You will be picked up from The Ship Inn and taken back to your accommodation in Leven.

Meals:  B

You will be picked up from your accommodation and taken to The Ship Inn in Elie to continue your walk.The route takes you through the quaint fishing village of St Monans, which once pumped seawater into salt pans, and enjoy the working harbour of Pittenweem. Stop in Anstruther, renowned for its award-winning fish and chips, or take a boat trip to the Isle of May Nature Reserve to see puffins and seals. Continue through rolling fields and a salmon fisherman’s bothy to the charming harbour village of Crail, where you can sample fresh lobster straight from the boats. Accommodation: a traditional small hotel with a garden, a shared lounge and a terrace. Providing a bar. All rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. A continental, Full English/Irish or vegetarian breakfast is available, you will find a restaurant serving British and international cuisine. Vegetarian and gluten-free options can also be requested.

Meals:  B

This challenging day takes you to Fife Ness, the eastern most point of the peninsula, then past a string of world-class golf courses and the pristine beach at Kingsbarns. The rugged coastal path offers dramatic views, with cliffs at Kinkell Braes providing a breathtaking approach to St Andrews. Explore the medieval ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, the historic castle, and the iconic Old Course before settling in for the evening. Accommodation: a small, friendly 3* hotel, and the first in St Andrews to be awarded the prestigious title ‘Townhouse Hotel’ by the Scottish Tourist Board. The quaint old building has a warm personality all of its own. The Hotel is a boutique, informal hotel situated in the heart of historic St Andrews. The hotel building itself is a delightful conversion of a traditional Georgian terraced town house dating from 1764.

Meals:  B

Your final day on the coastal path departs from St Andrews along a cycle path to Guardbridge, where the Eden Estuary Nature Reserve provides a haven for birdlife. For a shorter walk, an optional taxi transfer can reduce this section by 10km (not included approx £35), bypassing the tarmac stretch to Guardbridge or Leuchars. From Leuchars, home to the Norman-era St Athernase Church, follow boardwalks through the peaceful trails of Tentsmuir Forest. Continue past Tayport along the Tay Estuary to Newport-on-Tay, where the path concludes with a stunning walk across the Tay Bridge. Enjoy sweeping views of the river as you arrive in Dundee, with its vibrant waterfront and Captain Scott's ship The Discovery and the the iconic V&A Dundee design museum waiting to be explored. Accommodation: stay at a modern hotel located in the gateway to the city, coupled with the new rail terminal complex, they are close neighbours to the V&A Museum Dundee, River Tay and the new Waterfront Plaza. With relaxed spaces and well-appointed rooms.

Meals:  B

Arrangements end after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 nights twin share accommodation in B&Bs / pubs and small hotels, with ensuite facilities where possible
  • Luggage transfers
  • Digital information pack including Navigational App, maps and route notes
  • Emergency Hotline
  • GPX Files

  • Meals not listed
  • Entrance Fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of tour
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday
  • An optional transfer on Day 7

Accommodation

Hotels, country inns and B&B's

You will stay in a range of local Scottish hotels, inns and guesthouses, all chosen for their local character, proximity to the walking route and comfort. Rooms will generally have private bathrooms and a TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. A Scottish breakfast will be served and some accommodations will serve locally-sourced food. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will endeavour to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby, but please appreciate that there is limited accommodation in rural Scotland. Although we aim to get you into accommodations with ensuite rooms, this is not always possible. At a couple of places on your tour you may be sharing bathrooms, particularly if you are in a single room.

Trail Surface

Sandy beaches and rough tracks

The Fife Coastal Path is a mix of different trail surfaces that include gravel paths, dirt tracks, sandy beaches, clifftop trails, boardwalks and rocky paths. There are some steep ascents and descents, and trails through open countryside. Good boots with ankle support and walking poles are highly recommended. In the event of rain, the trails can be slippery and care should be taken.

Suitability

moderate

3

We grade this tour as Moderate (grade 3). Walks range in distance from 15 - 32 kms (9 - 20 miles). The longest day of 32km /20 miles can be shortened by 10km by taking a transfer. The walking times are between 5-9 hours. There is some undulation, and a variety of surfaces can be expected from sand, cliff side trails, fields, cycle paths and small roads and bridges. The route is generally well waymarked but care is required when navigating in more remote areas. Being coastal, the route is exposed to the weather. Most of the trail is manageable for reasonably fit hikers, but some sections require extra care due to rough terrain and elevation changes.

Departure dates

Daily from

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High Season is from 1 May to 30 Sep - supplement applies.
DN2
Please note that the Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Edinburgh Fringe Festival runs from 1-25 August. This has a big impact on availability and accommodation prices in the area.

Priceper person from

£1110GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£500
  • Single Supplement - High SeasonGBP£550
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£700
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - High SeasonGBP£740
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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North Queensferry at the start is an easy 20-minute train ride from Edinburgh Waverley Station. At the end of your walking holiday, Dundee is situated on the railway line back to Edinburgh taking 1.5 hours.

The East Neuk of Fife is a picturesque coastal region in the eastern corner of Fife, Scotland, known for its charming fishing villages, scenic coastline, and rich maritime history. "Neuk" is a Scots word for "nook" or "corner," reflecting its tucked-away feel. The villages of Elie, St Monan's, Pittenweem, Anstruther and Crail are some of Scotland's most beautiful coastal villages with whitewashed cottages, colourful harbours and narrow winding streets of artisan shops and cafes. Be sure to visit the pottery when you are in Crail.

The hike starts in North Queensferry, very close to Edinburgh, so we highly recommend tacking on some additional time to explore the Scottish capital, one of the world's most beautiful cities and the home of the 18th century Scottish Enlightenment movement. Edinburgh is a city of history, culture, and surprising natural scenery in it's position between the Pentland Hills and the Firth of Forth. From iconic Edinburgh Castle and the historic Royal Mile to the dramatic heights of Arthur’s Seat, the city blends medieval charm with a vibrant modern atmosphere. Quaff a pint in a Rose Street pub, have a wee dram in the Old Town, or enjoy a fine wine in a bar in the New Town. It’s home to world-famous festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Hogmanay, while its museums, whisky bars, and thriving food scene offer something for every visitor. Whether exploring the cobbled streets of the Old Town, admiring Georgian elegance in the New Town Edinburgh promises an unforgettable experience. Note that if you are planning to visit during the Summer Festival, early booking in strongly recommended.

While it doesn't have long stretches of road walking, there are some sections where you might need to walk on roads, especially when the trail moves through towns or areas with limited access to the coastline. However, these road sections tend to be short and often are on quieter roads, making them manageable for walkers. The majority of the path offers stunning coastal scenery with trails that are off-road, perfect for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Fife.

Once you have completed the Fife Coastal Path, you can commemorate your achievement by ordering a personalised certificate of completion, signed by the CEO of the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust. Find details on https://fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk/product/coastal-path-completion-certificate/

Fife Coastal Path Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

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Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.