Fife Coastal Path 1: Kincardine to North Queensferry

Summary

The first section of the Fife Coastal Path leaves Kincardine Bridge to journey along a mixture of paths, tracks and roads passing through coastal settlements including historic Culross and Rosyth with its giant port and naval base, before reaching the Forth bridges at North Queensferry. A long stage, but easy walking on flat ground and well-waymarked.

Grade

Bog Factor

2.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked, generally flat paths, shared cycleways, farm track, minor roads and larger roads with pavements.

Getting there

Start

Kincardine Bridge.

Public Transport

Weekday bus from Kincardine to North Queensferry which has train and bus connections.

Start Grid Ref

NS928873

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 27km / 16.75 miles
Time: 6 - 8 hours
Ascent: 182m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

The Fife Coastal Way starts from a wrought iron archway on the north side of Kincardine Bridge. It's a fast road so you can't park or even drop someone off here; there's a bus stop on the North Approach Road, or you can get out of a car at the Walker Street Car Park and then walk here along the A876 pavement. Begin the walk by heading through the archyway; there is a good view of the busy Kincardine Bridge, the central section of which was, until 1988 a steel swing bridge which opened to allow large ships through. At the junction turn left; the Coastal Path now follows a new section of shared cycleway alongside the A985. Eventually it reaches the old road at a seat and follows this past Inch House and then Inch Farm. When it emerges at the larger road, cross and dog leg to the right to follow the B9037, signed for Culross, on a separate walk/cycleway on the right hand side of the road.

Stage 2

The walkway shadows the road through the undulating countryside until it heads closer to the coast and railway line at Torry Bay nature reserve. The tidal mudflats here provide the perfect overwintering environment for a number of birds including Curlew, Widgeon, Great Crested Grebe and Redshank. At other times of year you might spot Greenshank, Ringed Plover and Sandwich Tern, and Oystercatchers are always present. An area of saltmarsh on the left provides another important habitat with Sea Thrift and Sea Aster providing summer colour. The route soon reaches Culross.

Stage 3

Culross (pronounced coo-riss) with its well-preserved 17th and 18th century buildings and winding cobbled streets, is well worth exploring, although the National Trust buildings are not open in the winter. There is a also a cafe, shop and pub. The Coastal Path continues between the town and the railway passing the primary school on the eastern edge of Culross. Soon, carefully cross the railway on the level crossing and take the signed path on the left. The other path can be taken for a longer route around Preston Island, formed from ash waste from Longannet coal power station and including a number of lagoons popular with wading birds and other wildlife. Otherwise continue until a right turn to a footbridge takes you over the railway to a carpark, turn right at the bottom of the steps to follow the signed route which soon reaches a road, follow the pavement as it passes through Newmills (shops) on the A9037.

Stage 4

The route rejoins the coast near a car park and picnic area on Torry Bay. Follow the surfaced coastal path past the car park and the houses of Torryburn. When a paved area of path is reached leave the cycle route to turn left and head uphill on a path. At the top of the hill the Crombie Old Parish Kirk is off on the right; it is believed to date back to the 13th century. Continue along the farm track until it reaches a minor road at a bend and continue straight ahead along the road. When this reaches the A985 turn right along a pavement and soon turn right at the top of the hill into Crombie, following Farm Road. Follow the road as it bends left with good views down to the Forth, and cross the road into Orchard Grove, from which the footpath continues. The route soon returns to the A985 following the pavement until it leaves the main road to head towards Charlestown.

Stage 5

The signed shared cycle route passes a large barn/warehouse on your right and follows a track past Masons Mortar before bending left passing a house on the left and reaching a minor road. Turn right to follow the road downhill into Charlestown passing a shop and the Scottish Lime Centre which promotes the appropriate repair of historic buildings. Follow the road as is passes the Inn at Charlestown and follows the seafront. You can detour back to the right to visit Charlestown harbour where coal, lime and iron was exported when the village was a thriving industrial centre. Follow the seafront as it reaches neighbouring Limekilns, once home to 14 lime kilns served by their own railway. Before the harbour follow Red Row as it turns inland and then turn right along Brucehaven Road, at the end bear left to pass a low row of red-tiled sheds and pass a gate to follow the path along the shore of Bruce Haven bay.

Stage 6

After passing Rosyth old churchyard the massive dockyard at Rosyth comes into view in the distance. Follow the path as it heads inland, skirts the edge of a field and heads uphill before descending to reach the A985 once more. Turn right and follow the pavement, crossing over Hilton Road to stay on the A985 until you turn right at a roundabout then follow signs for Fife Pilgrim Way/Coastal Path to go right and then left to follow Wilson Way to Hilton Road where you turn left, passing some shops and crossing the road. Follow the signed path to the right to cross the busy Castle Road just down from the roundabout and then head left up the other side of the road to take Ferry Toll Road from the roundabout, passing a business centre to the right and staying on the pavement.

Stage 7

Just before the crest of the hill turn right onto a path through a gate in the blue railings. Ignore the signed Heritage Path on the left and continue alongside the car park until you take the surfaced path on the left which passes an ancient dovecot before emerging on Milne Road. Here you can take a slight detour to visit Rosyth Castle by turning right and crossing the road until a gap on the left allows access to the fifteenth century castle, now surrounded by industrial buildings. Otherwise cross the road and turn left to follow the pavement to a roundabout. Turn right here to continue by the B981, passing underneath first the Queensferry Crossing and then the old Forth Road Bridge, eventually continuing into North Queensferry.

Next stage:North Queensferry to Burntisland

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