There are some interesting cycling routes on quiet roads, farm tracks and an old railway line just waiting to be explored in Crail and the East Neuk of Fife.
At this point I have a confession to make. I do own a bike but I do not confess to be a keen cyclist. I enjoy walking and have done a number of walks along local rights of way. However more and more I am asked if my walks would make good cycling routes. The answer to this question is yes, some of them would. So for those who are keen cyclists and are looking for good safe offroad cycling routes in the area here are some suggestions from my walks page.
Crail Airfield
This route starts at Roome Bay, takes you through Sauchope Links Caravan Park to Kilminning Nature Reserve. Proceed up the grassy path to the car park. Then continue up the road past the airfield and the race track and back to Crail. The link below from my walks page will give you a route description. This route is easy and suitable for all ages. For more details click on the picture below.
Elie and Kilconquhar Loch
This route is another easy walk or cycle mostly on tarmac roads however part of the way is across a farm track. This circular route is easy and suitable for all ages. For more details click on the picture below.
Crail to Kingsbarns on the track of the old railway line.
On my walk I recommend taking the bus and walking back. There are two options for cyclists, firsly cycle to Kingsbarns along the main road and take a left up station road and follow the route back to Crail as indicated on the walks page. Alternatively if you dont want to cycle on the road which can be busy you can follow the route in reverse and return back to Crail the same way. For more details click on the picture below.
Pittenweem Balcaskie & St Monans – Cycling Routes near Crail
This is a circular walk we have done recently and would be an easy cycle route. The route takes you through Balcaskie Estate on good tarmac roads, is flat all the way and very easy if you follow the route of the walk. If it is done in reverse it is a little more challenging. For more details click on the picture below.
Cameron Reservior – Cycling Routes near Crail
Cameron Reservior is only a short drive from Crail. The first part of the route starts from the car park along the north side of the reservior. you will see from the pictures it is a wide grassy path and suitable for cycling. However the route on the other side is a narrow walking path through trees. The path is probably good for off road cycling but not suitable for everyone.
Tentsmuir – Cycling Routes near Crail
Tentsmuir is a large forested area approximately 45 minutes drive from Crail.
How to get there:
Follow the A917 to St Andrews. At the DIY shop at the top of Abbey Street take a right and follow the road past he the cathedral on the right. Proceed down North Street and follow the A91 to Guardbridge. Take a right at the roundabout and follow the road toward Leuchars passing the railway station. At the next roundabout take a left. When you come to St Michaels take a right for Tayport. There is a sign for Tentsmuir approximately a mile along this road.
Top Tip:
As you enter the forested area there is a barrier across the road. Please remember to have £2 ready to pay for parking. If you don’t have £2 you will not get any further! The barrier is lowered overnight to discourage overnight camping. Check what time the barrier is lowered to avoid being locked in!
There is a large car park at the beach and lots of forest tracks for cycling. You can easily spend a day exploring the forested areas or walking along the large expanse of beach. There is also a crepe shack selling coffee’s, soft drinks and snacks during the summer months, ample picnic tables and toilet facilities.
Cycling Routes in other parts of Fife
For more cycling routes in other parts of Fife click this link
Other useful links
https://www.welcometofife.com/view-business/fife-cycle-routes
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Blog updated January 2024
