The best-loved stretch of the path
The Fife Coastal Path runs for around 117 miles (188 km) from Kincardine to Newburgh. The East Neuk section, from Lower Largo round to Kingsbarns, is the part most people come for: sandy bays, clifftop paths and a fishing village every few miles, each with a harbour, a café and a bus stop.
Because the villages are so close together, you don’t need to be a long-distance walker. Most of our guests stay in one village, walk to the next for lunch and catch the bus back.
From Lower Largo to Kingsbarns
Distances and times are approximate and assume an easy pace with stops. Elie to Kingsbarns is about 16 miles in total, or 5 to 6 hours of walking.
Lower Largo to Elie
Elie to St Monans and Pittenweem
Pittenweem to Anstruther and Crail
Crail to Kingsbarns
Walk one way, bus back
Elie to St Monans
Pittenweem to Anstruther
Anstruther to Crail
Lower Largo to Elie
The bus does the hard part
The 95 bus runs along the coast road between Leven, the East Neuk villages and St Andrews, so you can walk in one direction and ride back. Check times on Traveline Scotland before you set off, especially on Sundays.
Fife has good train links too: Kirkcaldy and Leuchars are the nearest stations for the start and end of the East Neuk section.
Before you set off
Check the tide
Wear proper footwear
Dogs and livestock
The Chain Walk is separate
Phone signal
In an emergency
Stay right on the path
Every one of these villages sits on the Fife Coastal Path, so you can walk from the front door.
Fife Coastal Path: your questions answered
How long is the Fife Coastal Path?
Around 117 miles (188 km), from Kincardine in the south-west to Newburgh on the Tay. The East Neuk section from Lower Largo to Kingsbarns is roughly 24 miles.
Which is the best section for a day walk?
Pittenweem to Crail, via Anstruther and the Caiplie Caves, is about 4.5 miles and an easy grade. Elie to St Monans is a good half-day with castle ruins and clifftop views.
Can you get a bus back?
Yes. The 95 bus runs along the coast road through the East Neuk villages, so you can walk one way and ride back. Check times on Traveline Scotland.
Do I need to check tide times?
Yes for some stretches: the beach sections near Lower Largo, the Randerston cliffs north of Crail and the optional Elie Chain Walk. High-tide alternatives are signed at Lundin Links, Dumbarnie Links and St Monans.
Can I walk the path with my dog?
Yes. Keep dogs on a lead where sheep and cattle graze, and note that the Elie Chain Walk is not suitable for dogs.