Fife Coastal Path
The Fife Coastal Path is a long-distance footpath that runs from Kincardine to Newburgh. The path was created in 2002, originally running from North Queensferry to Tayport. It was extended in 2011 with a new section running from Kincardine to North Queensferry,[1] then again in 2012 from Newburgh to Tayport.[2] It runs for 117 miles along the coastline of Fife and passes through many seaside towns and villages. The path would take around one week to walk completely from end to end.
Places of historic interest along the route include Aberdour Castle, Macduff's Castle near East Wemyss, Wemyss Castle, and Pitmilly, a former estate associated with the Moneypenny family. On the southern bank of the river Tay between the historic rail bridge, scene of one of the greatest rail disasters in Britain and the 1960s road bridge, lies the historic town of Newport-on-Tay. Here you will pass the ferry terminal built by Telford before passing the historic posting house building (1806), which now houses the Tatha gallery, named after the Gaelic for the river Tay. Along the way a range of diverse wildlife such as porpoises, dolphins and puffins may also be seen. The Fife Coastal Path is managed and maintained by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, which is a registered environmental charity.
The focal point of the Fife Coastal Path is the Harbourmaster's House, in Dysart.
The path includes a short but difficult optional section known as the Chain Walk, between Kincraig Point and Earlsferry on the Firth of Forth.[3] Apparently created in the 1920s, and best accessed at low tide, this route has chains fixed to the cliffs and rocks of the shore to assist progress. At times, short vertical climbs are necessary, although most of the chains are positioned to provide support while walking. The chains were renewed in 2007. An alternative, more straightforward route runs along the clifftop above.
Towns and villages on the path
Listed from south to north (anti-clockwise):
- Kincardine
- Culross
- Valleyfield
- Torryburn
- Charlestown
- Limekilns
- Rosyth
- North Queensferry
- Inverkeithing
- Dalgety Bay
- Aberdour
- Burntisland
- Kinghorn
- Kirkcaldy
- Dysart
- West Wemyss
- East Wemyss
- Buckhaven
- Methil
- Leven
- Lundin Links
- Lower Largo
- Elie
- Earlsferry
- St Monans
- Pittenweem
- Anstruther
- Crail
- Kingsbarns
- Boarhills
- St Andrews
- Guardbridge
- Leuchars
- Tayport
- Newport-on-Tay
- Woodhaven
- Wormit
- Balmerino
- Creich
- Newburgh
Record
On 5 October 2013, a team of 6 runners from Carnethy Hill Running Club in Edinburgh set a mark of 15 hours and 10 minutes running continuously in stages along the 117 mile length, starting at Kincardine at 3am and finishing in Newburgh at 6.10pm. This mark has subsequently been ratified by the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust.
References
Outside links
- Official Fife Coastal Path Web Site
- Route and description of Fife Coastal Path
- Fife Coastal Path description and mapping on Walkhighlands
- Report of record from Carnethy Hill Running Club