Edinburgh & The Fife Coastal Path Hike

Arrive in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital city, known as the "Athens of the North" for its contributions to philosophy, science and the arts. Stroll around the winding streets of the Old Town, visit Edinburgh Castle or check out the world-class museums and galleries. There is so much to see and do, we highly recommend additional nights here if you have the time. Speak to our team about this when you book. Accommodation: Overnight in a B&B or hotel in the vicinity of Haymarket train station. Upgrades are available.

Make your way to Haymarket Station for the short train journey (18 mins, payable locally at low cost) to North Queensferry. Our baggage handlers will meet you at the station to collect your bags before you set out on the Fife Coastal Path Trail. Your hike begins at the station 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 £40), 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.