Lower Largo to St Monans

This section of the Fife Coast Path starts with a long beach covered in shells, and then passes a nature reserve popular with birdwatchers, before rounding Kincraig Head on high cliffs. Elie provides a pretty stopping point and from there the coast is attractive, passing the ruins of a clifftop castle before reaching St. Monans.

Terrain

Clear path, sometimes muddy, sandy beach or rougher dune path as high tide alternative

Public Transport

Buses to Lower Largo and St Monans

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Start

Lower Largo. Map and directions.

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Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 14km/8.75 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 140m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NO422026

Maps / GPS

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

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

If arriving by public transport, start from the harbour at Lower Largo and follow the road east, passing an impressive totem-pole sculpture on the right - 'Malagan', created by local artist Alan Faulds. Continue along the street, passing a house on the left with a carved statue of Robinson Crusoe (whose creator Alexander Selkirk liveed in Largo). When this street curves right to reach the shore, continue straight ahead along a narrow path which emerges at a car park with an information board about the Fife Coastal Path - if arriving by car this is the place from which to start.

Stage 2

From here head down onto the sandy shore and follow it east, past the last houses and out along Largo Bay. The old railway line, just inland, can be used as a high tide alternative, although the shore has more interest with varied shells and birds to be spotted. When the shore becomes stony head just slightly inland to pick up a path which eventually returns to the sands.

Stage 3

Where a burn flows across the beach, cross it next to the railway line on a narrow path and then follow the signed path from the car park at Dumbarnie Links Wildlife Reserve. Again, stay on the sands or take the signed dunes path. Soon a set of tank traps, relics from world war two, are passed and a long stretch of sand is now crossed. When the forest and headland above get close, look out for a tall signpost to the left. Take this path to reach the first of two bridges which take you over the Cocklemouth Burn.

Stage 4

Here you can choose to detour and explore Ruddons Point, a wildlife reserve popular with birdwatchers,by taking the path on the right of the pine plantation. Otherwise follow the path through a break in the pines to follow a surfaced track along the edge of the caravan park. At the far end follow a sign to cross a bridge and continue along the coast path. The path soon climbs above impressive basalt cliffs which form Kincraig Head.

Stage 5

A dramatic chain walk, with challenging rock steps cut into the rock and accessible only at low tide provides a difficult alternative around the headland. The chain walk should only be attempted by fit walkers with a head for heights, there have been fatal accidents on it, check tide times and weather conditions before attempting it. From the coast path on top of the cliffs, there are good views down to Elie from the second world war gun emplacement just beyond the trig point and mast. Descend to the golf course and follow the signs onto the shore and then turn left at the sign to cross the golf course.

Stage 6

Once across the golf course turn right along a grassy path which leads to a road. Follow the coastal path signs past the no entry signs on the main street and pass the variety of houses before taking one of the side roads on the right to return to the sandy shore. From here take the ramp up before the sea wall and follow the street towards the harbour, turning left up Admiralty Lane. Soon take the signed road on the right to reach a car park and the coast path once more at Ruby Bay.

Stage 7

At a fork in the path you can detour to the right to see the lighthouse, or continue to the left to pass an arch. The path is straightforward until St Monan's Castle where it climbs up to the left and then continues through a gate at an old Dovecot to reach St Monan's itself, descending to the shore for the final section. The coastal path round the bottom of the old Kirk is underwater at high tide, when it is possible to instead detour inland. St Monan's is an attractive fishing village; the Fife coastal walk continues with the St Monans - Anstruther section.

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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.