The Fife Coastal Path, Scotland
North Queensferry to Kinghorn, A Scenic and Historic Tourist Trail
Sep 4, 2008
History and Scenery for Visitors to Enjoy
The Fife Coastal Path is a 78 mile walk around the east coast of Scotland’s Kingdom of Fife. The walk can be tackled in smaller segments with numerous villages and towns along the way. All of these have hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts, making it easy to find places to stop for the night. Walkers will also encounter a wide range of wildlife and historical buildings.
The path begins in the village of North Queensferry, which stands in the shadow of the Forth Rail Bridge. The village is very picturesque and home to Deep Sea World, a large aquarium and major tourist attraction. The slipway leading to the Firth of Forth was used in the 1959 film version of, ‘The Thirty-nine Steps.’ There are fine views to be had of the two Forth Bridges and Edinburgh beyond.
Continuing along the path from North Queensferry walkers will reach Port Laing with its derelict barracks. During World War One it was a base for a fleet of sea-planes. In the Second World War the Forth Rail Bridge was a major target for German bombers, along with the nearby naval base at Rosyth, and remnants of defensive fortifications can be seen at various points along the path.
A short distance further on is the Royal Burgh of Inverkeithing, with its paper mill and ship breaker’s yard. The path then rounds St David’s harbour and skirts Dalgety Bay, with its many riverside houses and apartments. After passing Downing Point the 18th century Donibristle Chapel can be seen. Further along are the ruins of St Bridget’s Kirk, which dates from the 12th century. There is a small mort house in the graveyard of the Kirk where relatives would stay with the deceased until the body was useless to grave robbers.
Aberdour and its Annual Festival
The path then passes the Braefoot Oil Terminal before reaching the small village of Aberdour, which boasts an excellent beach. There is also a historic castle, church and doocot to be seen in the village. The Aberdour Festival is held each August and attracts visitors from around the globe.
Burntisland to Kinghorn, Important Location in Scottish History
Burntisland is the next town to be reached on the path, and it also has a fine beach. Shipbuilding was once the main industry in the town and, latterly, a large aluminium plant provided most of the local employment. The plant has been demolished in recent years and replaced with residential developments. The town also hosts an annual Highland Games.
The path then carries on to Kinghorn. On the way walkers will pass a monument to the 13th century Scottish King Alexander III, who fell from his horse to his death on the cliffs above Pettycur Bay while travelling to Kinghorn to meet his wife. The village itself has two beaches, a loch where various water sports can be enjoyed and an ecology centre. It is the last stop on the path before the much larger town of Kirkcaldy.
For part two of the guide to the Fife Coastal Path, please click here.
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