Exploring the Fife Coastal Path

Arrive in the small Fife seaside town of Leven with a wide sandy beach, known as the inspiration for Jack Vettriano’s famous painting, “The Singing Butler”. Leven is easy to reach from Edinburgh directly by train with the journey taking just over an hour. Accommodation: Overnight in a centrally-located B&B.

Join the Fife Coastal Path and head towards Lunden Links via the wide sweeping beach at Largo Beach before passing through a nature reserve and some ancient fortifications and Shell Bay, a sheltered cove. Continue to follow the coast path until you reach the harbour at Elie. Approaching Elie, views extend to the striking Elie Ness Lighthouse, perched on the rocky headland beyond. With its charming harbour, sandy beach, and historic inns, Elie is the perfect place to relax and soak in the coastal charm of Fife. Accommodation: Overnight in an inn by the harbour, with sea views and an excellent restaurant with a focus on local, seasonal food. The inn has limited rooms, so if we are not able to secure accommodation here for you, we’ll arrange transfers and accommodation for a second night in Leven or Crail.

Rejoin the Fife Coastal Path and pass by the remains of 15th century Ardross Castle before passing a second ruin, Newark Castle. Linger to explore these ancient buildings and then continue to follow the trail (low and high tide options) to the small harbour town of St Monans. A short distance later you will arrive in Pittenweem, which hosts an Arts Festival in August each year. Enjoy exploring the village and walk onwards via a golf course inland for a short time before arriving into the town of Anstruther where you may wish to pause for a traditional Scottish fish supper! Hike through Cellardyke and the caves at Caiplie, once home to a hermit and a site of early Christian worship. Savour the views out to the Isle of May and the Bass Rock and across the Firth to North Berwick before reaching today’s final destination, the beautiful fishing village of Crail. Explore the narrow cobbled streets and the historic harbour or enjoy an ice cream, visit the local heritage centre, browse local galleries and pottery. Accommodation: Overnight in a small and friendly local B&B in the heart of the village.

Your final day on the Fife Coastal Path is the most challenging as the trail rounds 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 path here is more rugged and offers dramatic views, with cliffs at Kinkell Braes providing a breathtaking approach to the ancient city of 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 B&B, welcoming to hikers.

Tour arrangements end after breakfast. You can spend further time exploring St Andrews independently or travel on to Dundee to visit the V&A museum and gallery (ask our team about adding transfers and extra nights). Alternatively you can return to Edinburgh by bus directly from St Andrews or take a short taxi ride to Leuchars from where you can connect to trains to Edinburgh, Perth and Inverness.