Kingsbarns to St Andrews - Fife Coastal Path

Fife Walk

Maps

Ordnance Survey Explorer 371	Sheet Map	1:25k	BUY
Anquet OS Explorer 371	Digital Map	1:25k	BUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 59	Sheet Map	1:50k	BUY
Anquet OS Landranger 59	Digital Map	1:50k	BUY

Walk Route Description

Click image to see photo description.

This linear route follows the Fife Coastal Footpath from Kingsbarns to St Andrews. If you don't have the benefit of two cars then there is a regular bus service connecting the start and end of the walk (Stagecoach route 95). It is assumed that you start in Kingsbarns as parking is easier here than in St Andrews. On completion of the walk return by bus to Kingsbarns.

From the main A917 running through Kingsbarns, follow 'Back Stile' northeast towards the sea. You soon have a view over Cambo Sands and the rocky foreshore. Turn left (with the sea on your right) and start to follow the Fife Coastal Path. The way ahead is rarely in doubt and with a virtually level route progress is generally good.

Continue past Babbet Ness staying on the path close to the sea. You turn inland along the banks of Kenly Water to just before Hillhead (grid ref. NO578140) where the Fife Coastal Path diverges off the lane to the right. Cross a footbridge over a side stream and continue to Pitmilly Mill where you cross Kenly Water to Burnside Farm, which is on your right. Shortly after the onward path bears right and leads you to a road marked with a Dovecot on OS maps (grid ref. NO566143). Turn right here and after 200 metres right again to walk down to the coast.

Reaching the coast turn left and continue along the Fife Coastal Footpath past Buddo Ness to reach a small stream in a deep cutting. Ford the stream and bear right to follow the path along the top of the cliffs (with Torrance Golf Course on your left) to the Rock and Spindle at Kinkel Ness. St Andrews is soon in sight and with The Castle Golf Course on your left complete the walk at East Sands. St Andrews has plenty of interest as might be expected from such a historic town and there are numerous opportunities for refreshment before returning by bus to Kingsbarns.

Walk GradingMore Fife Walks

Other walks nearby

Walk 1559	Crail to Kingsbarns - Fife Coastal Path	easy/mod	6.5 miles
Walk 1563	Pittenweem to Crail - Fife Coastal Path	easy	4.5 miles
Walk 1558	Out Head & West Sands, St Andrews	easy	3.0 miles
Walk 1562	Elie to Pittenweem - Fife Coastal Path	easy	6.0 miles
Walk 1962	Lower Largo to Elie - Fife Coastal Path	easy/mod	7.4 miles
Walk 3356	Dunbar circular from John Muir Country Park	easy/mod	8.0 miles
Walk 3281	East Lomond from Craigmead	easy	2.5 miles
Walk 3282	West Lomond from Craigmead	easy/mod	5.0 miles
Walk 3280	West Lomond from near Gateside	moderate	6.8 miles
Walk 1700	Edinburgh - Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat & Princes Street	easy	5.5 miles

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