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...Take a Walk on the Wild Side of Fife
Introduction
The Fife Coastal Path is the first walk of its kind in Scotland. When complete (due mid-2001) it will extend 78 miles - starting at the world famous Forth Bridges and finishing just beyond the Tay Bridge. The path is being developed and upgraded at the moment and most sections are now available. For recreational and serious walkers there are a variety of routes available: the main ones following the coast and a number of inland diversions taking in spots of particular interest or beauty. The walks feature splendid coastline, thriving wildlife, geology, fossils, picturesque villages, castles, churches and harbours. The path is easily accessible by car or public transport and there's a great selection of pubs, cafes, restaurants and, for weekend walkers, superb accommodation ranging from friendly B&Bs to luxury hotels.
The path can be walked in sections or circular walks can be taken off of the main route itself. Official starting points are at bus and rail stops, as well as car parks along the Fife coast. When walking, look out for the signs along the way which will offer some guidance on times and distances. If you are planning a circular walk using public transport, there's a separate leaflet detailing the times and routes for bus and train services linking with the coastal path. You can get this leaflet from the Tourist Information Centres. At least 1 bus runs each hour in most places, and here is an excellent on-line train timetable.
For nature lovers, the Fife Coastal Path is a real walk on the wild side. Look out for grey seals and, in summer, basking sharks and dolphins. The off-shore islands of Inchcolm, Inchkeith and the Isle of May are are home to thousands of seabirds including vast numbers of puffins. The Fife coastline is a very special environment which has distinctive rock formations, delicate flora and a varied wildlife. With woodland walks, sandy beaches and breathtaking cliffs, each section reveals new riches for the perceptive and the patient.
King James the VI of Scotland descibed he Fife coast as a "Fringe of Gold". Perhaps he was referring to its fine beaches or its rich trading links with the Low Countries, which today are mirrored in the distinctive pan tiles and crow stepped gables of the fishing villages in the East Neuk of Fife. All along the coast are reminders of Scotland's proud heritage: prehistoric caves in East Wemyss; in St. Monans, a windmill used in the extraction of sea salt; shipbuilding and breaking in Inverkeithing; and a trail of tea clipper captains starting in Methil, the birthplace of the famous Cutty Sark's skipper Captain George Moodie. There are castles in Aberdour and beyond; abbeys in and off shore and a monument to Alexander III at the Kinghorn cliffs, where this Scottish king fell to his untimely death in 1286. These are just a few of the highlights of the Fife Coastal Path - its true depth of character will be revealed as you walk.
The Fife Coastal Path is easily accesssible by rail and bus. There is also ample car parking at each of the designated startingpoints - and, because the path links a series of towns and villages, there is an excellent choice of places to eat out or buy a picnic of local specialities. Accommodation is plentiful and offers superb value for money through out the Kingdom of Fife. Simply contact the Tourist Information Centres for a free brochure or advice on finding accommodation. All preferences and budgets are catered for!
For more information on Fife and its many attractions, you may want to do some background reading.
The Fife Coastal Walk is being developed by Fife Enterprise, Fife Council and Scottish National Heritage with financial assistance from the European Regional Development Fund.
If you have any difficulties you would like to report with the walk, please call 01383 720 999.
----- Accommodation -----The Fife coast offer a range of accommodation, from well equiped caravan parks and B&Bs to luxury hotels, so you should find something to suit your pocket and your tastes!
>>>>>>>> A selection <<<<<<<<
Parts of this walk can be very muddy, marshy and rocky - so please be sure to wear suitably stout footwear and outdoor clothing to match. The weather can change rapidly (for better or worse) so be prepared.
Please abide by the Coastal & Country Code.
The Fife Costal Path is being developed by Fife Enterprise, Fife Council and Scottish Natural Heritage - with financial assistance from the European Regional Development Fund.
If you have any comments or suggestions about these pages then mail me.
Last updated August 12, 1999.
Copyright © 1997 The Anchorgate Partnership. All rights
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