Fife Coastal Path

Leven Links to Elie

This walk is approximately 7 miles (11 km) and should take approximately 4 to 5 hours.  There are buses between Leven Links and Elie every hour or so.

Leven Links to Lower Largo

This part of the path has yet to be completed, but you can still follow a rough coastal pathway or a beach route along to Lower Largo.  When following the beach routes or the Chain Walk, described later, be very aware of tide times.

Head further into Largo Bay with the hill of Largo Law in the back, past the links and a caravan park.  A burn marks the boundary between Kirkcaldy and NE Fife so crossing it will mean you are now in the East Neuk of Fife proper.  Inland, a place you might want to visit is Silverburn which has a small farm and Tree Trail open to the public.  The tree trail was planted in 1854 inside a walled garden and now contains many mature exotic species.  This lies between Leven and Lower Largo.   The eastern end of Lower Largo is called Lundin Links (Lundie Links to the locals) and here there is yet another golf course.  Next you are into Lower Largo itself with its fine old buildings and quaint architecture.  Fishing was the main employment for local folks and there is still a harbour, although today it is much more likely to be filled with yachts and other pleasure craft.  Signs of the past remain with an unusual fish weathervane on Cardy Works.  There is a stature of Alexander Selkirk dated 1885 in the main Street.  It was on this man's life that Daniel Defoe modelled his Robinson Crusoe.   Born in 1676, Selkirk went to sea and when trouble broke out between crew and captain asked to be put ashore on the island of Juan Fernandez in the Pacific.  He expected to be rescued quickly, but it took over 4 years for him to be picked up!

It is possible at this point to take another detour up Largo Law which, at 290m high, should take about 2-3 hours.  The views of Fife, the Firth of Forth and the Lothians makes this a short jaunt which is well worthy of the effort.

Lower Largo to Elie

The East end of Largo is called Temple and possibly has links to the Knights Templar.  Heading round the pathway following the curve of the bay there are more signs of the war including pillbox gun placements and anti tank blocks.  Ruby Bay gets its name from the clear red garnet which was once found in the area, the Elie Ruby, so keep your eyes open, you may still be lucky enough to find a piece!  You can cross the Cocklemill burn on the sands if the tide is out or over the well hidden bridge.  Around Ruddons Point which used to have a rifle range on top, you will be in Shell bay.  you will immediately see where it got its name!  At the back of the bay  prehistoric middens (rubbish heaps) have been found with objects such as bone combs, a cup and numerous others. 

Next is the most challenging part of the walk, the Chain Walk.  This involves walking round Kincraig Point with the aid of a chain pinned along the cliffs.  It can be avoided by going over the hill instead and should only be attempted at low tide.  The walk takes approximately 1 hour and you will see spectacular views, caves, basalt columns etc.  Once around the point, whichever way you choose, you will see Earlsferry which used to be a separate place but now runs straight into Elie.  Off shore there is a rock called Chapel Ness which takes its name from the 11th century chapel built by MacDuff on the headland above.  It is alleged that he ordered the building as a thank you to the local ferrymen who took him to safety across the Forth when he was being chased by Macbeth.  Earlsferry itself also takes its name from MacDuff.

Earlsferry/Elie have several old buildings and are very cosy towns with a lot of character.  Many of the streets are called the old name of Wynd and even the newer developments seem to blend in.  The town hall in Elie dates from 1872 while Gillespie House is even older being built in 1682.  Another building, called the Castle but not a true castle, is from the 15th century.  Lastly, there is Elie church built at the cross roads of the main streets in the 17th century.   The clock tower has only three faces because, when it was built, there were no buildings to the North side of it.  The graveyard also has some stones of note, particularly one from 1650 which seems to have a skeleton wrapped in a blanket as a memorial to one Elizabeth Turnbull! 

Elie also has other diversions for the more active including a watersports centre, which gives sailing and windsurfing lessons; tennis courts; horse riding schools and the ubiquitous golf courses.

Leaving Elie, the path takes you around the small hill known as Shepard's Knowe with views of the lighthouse (built in 1908) and Lady's tower (built in 1760 for Lady Janet Anstruther to use as a summer house).

Some Highlights

• Many excellent golf courses en route

• Silverburn Tree Trail

• The quaint village of Lower Largo

• The home of Alexander Selkirk (aka Robinson Crusoe)
  

Last updated February 12, 1999

Copyright © 1997 The Anchorgate Partnership. All rights reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.