The Town of Kirkcaldy
Kirkcaldy is the largest town in Fife with a population of around 50,000 people. Walkers are greeted by the sight of the promenade stretching out in front of them. Due to its elongated nature Kirkcaldy earned the nickname of, ‘The Lang Toun.’ Once famous for its linoleum factories it is now a busy shopping centre. The town boasts two public parks, a museum and an art gallery. There is also a wide range of accommodation to choose from. Once a year the town plays host to the Links Market, Europe’s oldest street fair.
Between Kirkcaldy and its incorporated burgh of Dysart walkers pass by the 15th century Ravenscraig Castle. Dysart also boasts an impressive Tolbooth and a scenic harbour, as does the next village on the path, West Wemyss. Walkers can enjoy a welcome break at the West Wemyss Community Lodge for refreshments, a chat and toilet facilities. The Lodge also contains details of local events and local history.
Onwards to East Wemyss and Leven
Walkers encounter the remains of the 14th century Wemyss Castle before reaching East Wemyss. This tiny village’s most famous son was the great Scottish band leader Sir Jimmy Shand. In the village’s cemetery are the ruins of MacDuff’s castle, once lived in by the Thane of Fife, who famously killed Macbeth.
A visit to the Wemyss caves is worthwhile at this point on the path, to see early Pictish carvings, before continuing on to Buckhaven and Methil. Once busy fishing ports and then prosperous mining areas, the area is currently undergoing regeneration. Methil is home to East Fife FC, whose stadium sits near to the coast next to a disused power station. It is also the birthplace of the celebrated Scottish artist Jack Vettriano.
A short distance along the path is the town of Leven. Due to excellent rail links with Edinburgh being established in the mid-19th century the town was once a popular tourist destination. Today, tourists mainly go to Leven to play on the town’s golf courses. There are two public parks, Letham Glen and Silverburn Estate. Both of these have woodland walks and a small collection of animals.
Next stop on the path is Lundin Links, a village primarily dating from the 19th century. It was originally constructed to provide additional accommodation for tourists holidaying in the neighbouring village of Lower Largo. It also has excellent golf courses, one of which features an unusual collection of ancient standing stones.
Lundin Links practically joins onto the village of Lower Largo, with its picturesque harbour. The village is best known for being the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, who inspired Daniel Defoe’s classic adventure story, ‘Robinson Crusoe.’ There is a statue of Selkirk in the village, incorporated into the front of the cottage where he was born.
For part three of the guide to the Fife Coastal Path please click here.
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