This walk is approximately 5 miles (8 km) and should take
approximately 2 to 3 hours. There are buses between Wemyss and Leven Links every
hour or so.
Buckhaven to Leven Links
Following the line of an old railway it is just over 1km to Buckhaven, called Buckhyne by the locals. A local tale has it that the town was founded by Dutch sailors in 1500 after they were shipwrecked here. Buckhaven was once a prosperous fishing village - in the 19th Century it had the second largest fleet in Scotland, almost 200 boats. Now, the harbour is disused and most of the fishermen's cottages gone. The main industry is construction for the North Sea oil companies which occurs on the site of an old colliery. The St. Andrews kirk was brought from the town of that name in the late 19th century. It was brought brick by brick and re built at its present site a la the London Tower bridge. A display on the town's history can be seen in the local museum.
The next town along is Methil, a modern industrial town making a living from it's docks, oil rig construction yard and power station. The expansion of Methil harbour killed off most of the other harbours in the area including those at Dysart, The Wemyss and Buckhaven. The modern power station is built on the site of a former golf course but there are plenty of other courses that survive along this coast and inland. Passing the docks we see the town of Leven.
Leven
Methil and Leven are joined by the Bawbee bridge (a bawbee is a Scots half penny - the toll for crossing the original bridge). It was built in 1907 but replaced an earlier bridge dating from 1821. The town boundaries are marked by the River Leven flowing beneath. Leven has a few historic sites, the sandstone mercat cross and sundial has an interesting tale to go with it. In 1767 it was dismantled to make way for a funeral procession and disappeared for over 100 years. It was then found built into the wall of the Greig Institute and restored to its former use near Carberry house where it still stands.
The grand sweep of Largo Bay can be seen from Leven Promenade and is an excellent area to watch birds in the winter. Eider, Long-tailed Duck, Scaup and Scooter are all regular in the area. Leven is the main shopping area for the surrounding villages and is also a tourist town. It has been since early 1900's when it became popular for its golf courses. There are still several excellent courses especially on the links, just past the town.
Local football talent with the stars of East Fife at their Buckhaven home
Last updated February 12, 1999
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