Distance: 183 km Grade: 2 (Slightly harder)
Fife Coastal Path at Hoch-ma-Toch
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mat Fascione - geograph.org.uk/p/6422587
Description:
This 11‑stage route traces the ever‑changing coastline of Fife, offering an overall difficulty of 2 (Slightly Harder). Although generally well‑waymarked, the path isn’t always obvious on the ground, so confident navigation skills are useful—especially in wilder sections.
The Fife Coastal Path is a journey through landscapes shaped by centuries of human and natural history. It links the Forth and Tay estuaries, connecting with long‑distance routes such as the John Muir Way and St Duthac’s Way, before sweeping into the intimate streets and beaches of St Andrews.
One of the most distinctive features of the trail is the Elie Chainwalk—a short but exhilarating coastal scramble. Over roughly two hours, you traverse cliff faces using chains bolted into the rock. It’s entirely optional, but for those comfortable with exposure and scrambling, it’s a highlight that adds a dash of adventure to the journey.
Stages:
- Kincardine - North Queensferry 27 km (Easy)
- North Queensferry - Burntisland 18,5 km (Easy)
- Burntisland - East Wemyss 18,75 km (Easy)
- East Wemyss - Lower Largo 11,5 km (Easy)
- Lower Largo - St Monans 14 km (Slightly harder)
- St Monans - Anstruther 5,75 km (Easy)
- Anstruther - Crail 6,75 km (Easy)
- Crail - Kingsbarns 9,5 km (Slightly harder)
- Kingsbarns - St Andrews 13,5 km (Slightly harder)
- St Andrews - Newport on Tay 29 km (Easy)
- Newport on Tay - Newburgh 28,5 km (Slightly harder)
This trail connects with the following trail(s):
John Muir Way at South Queensferry
St Duthac's Way at the Tay Road Bridge
St Columba's Way at the Tay Road Bridge
Mary, Queen of Scots Way at St Andrews
Stevenson Way at Culross & North Queensferry