An undulating section of coast passes interesting cliffs and rock stacks before reaching the large formation known as the Rock and Spindle. There are good views back to St Andrews and along the coast. The return is by the same route and the time given includes there and back.
Bog Factor
Clear path, sometimes muddy, lots of steps.
St Andrews.
Regular bus service to St Andrews.
NO518159
Start from the leisure centre just off the A917 on the south side of St Andrews adjacent to the East Sands. To reach here on foot from the centre of town, walk down to the pier from the Cathedral and cross the opening bridge and walk along the walkway behind the East Sands, where surfers can often be seen in the water.
Just past the leisure centre the path climbs up to pass in front of the caravan park, keeping between two fence lines - keep straight on at a junction, following the path along the side of the caravan park. There are great views back along the coast to St Andrews with the dunes and forest of Tentsmuir in the distance.
When a fork is reached and the main Fife Coastal Path goes right up steps, it is worth making a detour along the path to the left. This soon leads to a bench overlooking the Maiden Rock - a sea stack with a little beach below. From here either retrace your steps or take a shortcut path that leads back up to the Fife Coastal Path.
The Fife Coastal Path stretches for 183km from the Kincardine Bridge to Newburgh on the Tay; this walk takes in only a short stretch. After running along next to a fence the path heads down steps to reach the shore. Continue on a path close by the sea; soon a grassy track leads off right - ignore this and stay on the coastal path.
Soon the Rock and Spindle comes into view. The remains of much eroded volcanic plug, a similar formation to the rock on which Edinburgh castle is built, the Rock and Spindle has a spinning wheel like structure at the bottom - which can only be seen by continuing along the coast path, passing through a gate and going a short distance beyond the formation before looking back. The wheel is made from twisted basalt columns, together with the tall stack, gives the feature its name.
Although the coastal path continues to Kingsbarns, eventually rounding Fife Ness to reach the pretty village of Crail, our route returns from here. Retrace your steps along the coast path with improving views of the impressive St Andrews skyline.
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