This year, we’ve been trying to walk the whole 117 miles of the Fife Coastal Path, from Kincardine round to Newburgh. To date, one or more members of our family have managed to reach from Kincardine round to Kingsbarns. So our July holiday in Crail has seen us set an objective to try to complete the last three sections – 6, 7 and 8.
Preparation for the Walk
This is a very attractive walk however like all walks you must be well prepared. A pair of stout shoes or walking boots are advised. Some parts of the route can be rough under foot. At certain times of the year paths can be overgrown. There is no access to public transport at any point between Kingsbarns and St Andrews.
If you are not fully fit you would be advised to try an easier section such as the route between Elie and Anstruther. Click this link for details
Start of the Walk
We parked at The Square in Kingsbarns, intending to return by Stagecoach 95 bus from St Andrews. We walked towards the coast, joining the coastal path at the Cambo Sands car park, and turning left to head for St Andrews.
If you want to stop for breakfast we would recommend the Cheesy Toast Shack at Cambo Sands
The path is well marked, following the coast for most of the way. An inland section at Boarhills follows the Kenly Burn through woodland. A bridge enables you to cross the burn. Head round Burnside Farm and follow the signs toward the coast.
With the exception of the Cheesy Toast Shack at Cambo Sands there are no refreshment stops en route. Therefore you should take sandwiches and drinks with you as this walk is likely to take most of the day.
Ice Cream stop at the end of the walk
Having set off at 10 am, when the Kingsbarns Parish Church clock was striking the hour, we reached Jannetta’s in South Street at around 3:45 pm.
Buddow Rock an ideal picnic spot
We stopped a couple of times on the way – once at Buddo Rock and the second time at the Rock and Spindle. The path was billed as 7.5 miles from Cambo Sands, and we’d added maybe a mile or so to that by starting inland and finishing in the middle of St Andrews.
Highlights of the Walk
Highlights were the different flowers in bloom along the path, seeing the poppies at the edge of the golden barley fields and enjoying the sea air. Low points were finding the Castle Course clubhouse had been built just above the Rock and Spindle, which had seemed a remote place the last time we’d visited.
Walking the Fife Coastal Path Kingsbarns to St Andrews
This is a great walk, with the addition of the woodland section inland at Boarhills providing variety and shade on a hot day. There is a bit of scrambling over rocky parts and a bit of up and down walking between Boarhills and St Andrews to escape the rocky coast. However a most enjoyable walk, and definitely one we’ll do again
Staying at Sandcastle Cottage. Crail
If you would like to find out more about staying at Sandcastle Cottage. Check our availability then click the link below. We look forward to welcoming you to Sandcastle Cottage.
Walking the Fife Coastal Path from Crail to St Andrews
Here is a short film shot recently of the walk from Crail to St Andrews which you might like to view