I’m completing the Fife Coastal Path in stages and this was the section I was least looking forward to, in part because it’s a few hours by public transport from where I’m based, but also because of the route description. I had pretty mixed feelings by the end.

So, on the bank holiday weekend I caught the 2 hour bus from St Andrews to Kincardine. The super kind bus driver explained to me that a day saver ticket meant I could catch a bus back from anywhere, which I didn’t end up doing but it was the cheapest ticket anyway.

The route begins next to a busy road in Kincardine. There’s a Co-op close by to get snacks at if you need. The path begins next to the coast but quickly heads inland and onto a quiet country lane. Nearing Culross the route returns to the coast with the train line in between, making a really beautiful portion. After Torryburn the route heads inland again and, unfortunately, takes a path next to a busy road and through the residential settlement of Crombie. This was not a pleasant section. After passing Waukmill farm alongside the main road the route finally turns back toward the coast again and through a beautifully wooded section, through Charlestown which has a nice looking delicatessen, and then the sweet little settlement Limelkins. This section is shaded and pleasant. My lunch sat outside in the sun at the Coorie by the Coast was the highlight of my day, though I got extremely sunburnt! I highly recommend the cheese scone with soup. After Limelkins you return inland and along another busy road, and from here the route follows main roads through Rosyth and it’s industrial areas and under the bridges in North Queensferry. Despite being beautifully still up to this point of the section near the bridges felt like a wind tunnel, though the fog blowing in off the sea was, in retrospect, merciful for my sunburn and eerily atmospheric. The route ends at North Queensferry, a very pretty little town and majestic views of the Forth Bridge - for me, views of the first few pillars and then thick fog.

The route is relentless tarmac and concrete paths underfoot so cushioned foot wear highly recommended. It would make an enjoyable bike ride but only worth the trek for those who live locally looking for a long walk and those set on completing the entire Fife Coastal Path.

There is a train station in North Queensferry as well as bus connections to take you back to the start or another Fife town. But it was on to the next stage for me as it seemed a good idea at the time to trek 45.5km