logo Walking Britain
Home About Holidays FAQ Email MENU ☰

Out Head & West Sands, St Andrews

Fife Walk

County/Area - Fife

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 3.0 miles / 4.9 km    Ascent - 50 feet / 15 metres

Time - 1 hours 30 minutes    Grade - easy

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer 371Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer 371Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 59Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 59Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Out Head & West Sands, St Andrews
Click image to visit gallery of 3 images.

West Beach at St Andrews on the Fife Coast is one of the great beaches in Scotland with a wide expanse of fine sand stretching as far as the eye can see. A walk along the beach can also be combined with a visit to this and historic University town. During Golf Tournaments it is wise to avoid this area as traffic and parking can be extremely difficult.

The start is parking off the road that heads north on the east side of "the Old Course" at grid ref. NO502175. If it is busy you may have to park further along the road. Toilets and refreshments are available in season.

Access to the beach is available on short boardwalks from the main tarmac path immediately behind the beach. Depending on the tide you may be able to walk along the beach on firm wet sand otherwise you may need to walk on path by the dunes. West Beach was the location for the film "Chariots of Fire" and you might imagine the theme tune playing in your head as you enjoy the bracing walk.

It is a good idea to walk to Out Head as the crowds thin and you can walk and enjoy the peace and quiet. From Out Head you can see to the Angus Coast and Carnoustie the home of another famous golf course. To return to the start retrace your steps along the beach.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1560 Kingsbarns to St Andrews - Fife Coastal Path easy/mod8.0 miles
Walk 1559 Crail to Kingsbarns - Fife Coastal Path easy/mod6.5 miles
Walk 1563 Pittenweem to Crail - Fife Coastal Path easy4.5 miles
Walk 1962 Lower Largo to Elie - Fife Coastal Patheasy/mod7.4 miles
Walk 1562 Elie to Pittenweem - Fife Coastal Path easy6.0 miles
Walk 3281 East Lomond from Craigmeadeasy2.5 miles
Walk 3282 West Lomond from Craigmeadeasy/mod5.0 miles
Walk 3280 West Lomond from near Gatesidemoderate6.8 miles
Walk 3356 Dunbar circular from John Muir Country Parkeasy/mod8.0 miles
Walk 1700 Edinburgh - Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat & Princes Streeteasy5.5 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

No suggestions for this area.

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Facebook  Twitter

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.