Fife Coastal Path 5: Lower Largo to St Monans

Summary

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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

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

Public Transport

Buses to Lower Largo and St Monans.

Start

Lower Largo. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

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

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Walk Description

User reports (10)

WARNING

A section of the coast path beyond Elie (Stage 7) has closed due to erosion. The diversion to avoid this is along the A917 road, but many walkers are still completing the original coastal route by diverting to the shore when it is not high tide.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

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 lived 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. 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.

Stage 3

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

The renowned - or notorious - Eline chain walk - can be glimpsed below from the path. This alternate route descends very steeply from the Fife Coastal Path to a warning signpost. Beyond that is proceeds across the lower part of the cliffs and shore, with steps cut into the rock and progress made possible by a series of chains. The route is only possible at lowest tide and has been the scene of many accidents - it requires some scrambling ability (gloves to help grip the chains are essential).

Stage 6

Ignore the chain walk - which is less than ideal with a pack - and continue along the clifftops. There is a stunning view down to Earlsferry and Elie from the second world war gun emplacement just beyond a 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 7

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 (with seasonal toilets) and the coast path once more at Ruby Bay.

Stage 8

At a fork in the path you can detour to the right to see the lighthouse, or continue to the left on the smaller path. The path continues along the coast keeping to the seaward side of a fence and eventually climbing up through Ardross Castle (farm shop just beyond offers takeaway food and drink). The route then descends to run along a section of seawall, ignore steps leading up to a gate keeping on the right hand path instead to soon reach the remains of Newark Castle. Here the path heads slightly inland to pass round the back of the castle and to old Dovecot before descending to St Monan's. The coastal path round the bottom of the Old Kirk is underwater at high tide, follow the inland detour at the church. St Monan's is an attractive fishing village; the Fife coastal walk continues with the St Monans - Anstruther section.

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