Fife Coastal Path 9: Kingsbarns to St Andrews

Summary

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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

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.

Start

Kingsbarns - car park on coast (charge). Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.5km / 8.5 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 140m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO601124

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Walk Description

User reports (6)

WARNING

Part of the path before Borehills has fallen into the sea. If the tide is out this can be bypassed on the shore, but at high tide would involve climbing a barbed wire fence.

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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 (charge) at the end of this road, where there are toilets and a seasonal food kiosk. Take the path past the toilets and continue along a path which skirts the edge of the golf course (give way to golfers when required).

Stage 2

It soon becomes a track; when the track swings left continue ahead on a footpath (signposted). After a tall post the path ends and the route continues along the rough sandy and rocky shore. Pass below a modern cabin and then the small headland of Babett Ness. Beyond this the route again becomes a footpath between a fence and the sea, crossing a short section on a built up sea wall.

Stage 3

After a small sandy bay the path passes around a derelict building and reaches a junction beyond - take the path straight ahead, signed for Boarhills, alongside a stone wall. It soon turns inland next to the Kenly Water, which flows through a wooded den - as these ravines are known in Fife. Keep right to avoid a house and continue through the den for around a kilometer.

Stage 4

Eventually the path descends to a bend in the river and a metal footbridge. Cross this and follow the lane on the far side to pass a farmhouse and reach a road. Turn left and follow the road uphill until a left hand bend - here leave the road to take the track straight ahead (waymarked). This reaches some large metal sheds; turn left pass these and then immediately right (noting the old dovecot). Turn right at the next signed junction to follow a path between fields that leads back to the coast. Here the path bends left through a gate (stile alongside) and descends to the shore.

Stage 5

The shore path can be very muddy, but the impressive Buddo Rock is soon reached, with an arch on its right, and a cleft on the left which you can ascend for some distance. After the Buddo rock the path passes over a stile by a gate, and continues alongside a stone wall. It then ascends steps before soon returning to the shore, detouring left at a burn to cross a footbridge. On the far side the path continues along the coast, passing a bench and ascending steps. Follow the waymarked route to the right at the golf course, turning right at the wall, crossing a footbridge.

Stage 6

After the bridge the path descends to the shore once more. At a warning sign, the tidal section of the walk is reached - if the tide is high, you'll need to wait for it to recede (the high tide section is unsigned if coming from the opposite direction). A metal foothold marks the place to scramble up the rock where a step has been cut. Continue, now back on a path, 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 has 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.

Stage 8

Follow the path around the edge and front of the caravan park, turning left at a junction. Soon the path descends a surfaced walkway to reach a leisure centre and St Andrews' East Sands. Continue all way along the front path. At the far end of the beach the route turns left to cross the lock gate for the harbour, then turning right to pass the tall buildings. Beyond these turn left and head steeply uphill with the coastline down to your right. The path passes the Cathedral ruins on your left. Keep right at a junction to eventually emerge past the Castle and along the Scores, a street with many beautiful university buidlings. At a t-junction - with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club building ahead to the right - turn left. The street leads into town, whilst the next stage of the route takes the first right.

Next stage:St Andrews - Newport on Tay

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