Kingsbarns to St Andrews

A lovely section of the Fife Coast Path, with unspoilt beaches, rocky shore, and an inland section along riverside and over farmland. NOTE: There is a tidal section near the Buddo Rock, approximately two-thirds of the way along, that is not possible at high tide - check tide times before setting out. This is a one-way walk; return is possible by bus.

Terrain

Clear path, sometimes muddy, many short steep sections, straightforward rock step on coast. NOTE: tidal route, some sections cannot be walked at high tide.

Public Transport

Regular bus service to and between Kingsbarns and St Andrews

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Start

Kingsbarns - car park on coast. Map and directions.

grade grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.5km/8.25 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 140m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NO601124

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 371 - St Andrews
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

If using the bus, get off in Kingsbarns and take the road to the coast from the A917 at the south end of the village, signed for Coastal Path. Alternatively start from the car park at the end of this road, where there are toilets and a picnic area. Take the path past the shelter and toilets and then the steps down onto the shore just before the golf course is reached. Head across the boulder-strewn shore and either continue on the shore or make your way up to the track on the left which skirts the edge of the golf course.

Stage 2

Soon the track becomes a path between fields and the shore. At a signed junction keep straight ahead to cross a stile over a stone wall with a sign saying St Andrews 7.5 miles. Keep straight on when a path leaves to Kingsbarns and after a tall post the route is on the sandy and rocky shore. Pass the small headland of Babett Ness and regain the path slightly inland and continue to a short section on a built up sea wall.

Stage 3

After crossing a small sandy bay, pass a derelict building and follow the path signed for Boarhills, alongside a stone wall and then inland next to the Kenly Water. Just before a gate turn right to head down steps into the wooded glen and follow the river upstream, passing two metal pumps and crossing a small bridge to pass a ruin.

Stage 4

Eventually the path descends to a bend in the river and a bridge, cross this and follow the lane on the far side to reach a road. Turn left and follow the road uphill until you take a track straight ahead at a left hand bend in the road. Look out for the Coast Path signs. This emerges near a farm, turn left and then right to pass the barns and then turn right at the next signed path junction to return to the coast. Head left to climb a stile and descend to the shore.

Stage 5

Soon the large Buddo Rock is reached - it is possible to climb up part way up through a cleft in the middle, if you don't mind the large quantities of bird muck underfoot. After the Buddo rock the path passes over a stile and alongside a wall. Another stile leads to a small stream crossing and then a section where the path undulates up and down the cliff, passing a set of picnic benches. Keep at the far edge of the golf course until the path goes through a gate and turns left before heading left over a stile over the wall and continuing along the cliff.

Stage 6

A bridge leads to a downhill section through trees back to the shore. At a warning sign, the tidal section of the walk is reached. Do not attempt this at high tide. A green triangle of paint marks the place to scramble up the rock where a step has been cut. Continue to a stile and soon the Rock and Spindle formation is reached. From this viewpoint the spinning wheel shape of the lower rock can be seen clearly.

Stage 7

Follow the path past the rock and spindle and climb a flight of stone steps to reach the clifftop. This section of the path, running alongside a fence is often muddy but with views over St Andrews and Tentsmuir forest and dunes in the distance. Keep left on the main path when the path forks and then bear right below the boundary pines of a campsite to head down steps towards a caravan park. Follow the path around the edge and front of the caravan park and soon the path emerges onto the surfaced walkway near St Andrews leisure centre and East Sands. From here continue along the front path and then take a left onto Woodburn Place after a parking area. Turn right on the main road and then right again once across the burn onto Balfour Place. Finally a left through the arch of the Pends leads towards the Cathedral and town centre. For the continuation of the Fife Coast path and the bus station, pass the front entrance for the Cathedral and then turn left along North Street. The bus station is off City Road which is to the left at the main junction at the end of North Street.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.