Area: Fife

'The development of roads was significantly advanced in Medieval Scotland by the increased hegemony of the church. This road was probably in existence before 1200 but around this time it was appropiated and developed by the monks in Balmerino Abbey to facilitate the transport of stone from Nydie quarry for the improvement of the Abbey.'

Heritage Paths

'Three enticing trails wind through Blairadam Wood, an attractive mix of mighty spruces and colourful beech woodland. William Adam, the noted Scottish architect, built Blairadam House here in the 1730s and landscaped the surrounding estate. He also built pits to extract coal.'

Forestry and Land Scotland

'Local community group CLEAR Buckhaven has been involved in planting around town - woodland, orchards, spring bulbs, flower beds. This includes planting along some paths and parks around town and especially out along the Fife Coastal Path ...'

CLEAR Buckhaven

'This wooded valley is an important link between the former mining communities of Cardenden, Dundonald and Chapel on the edge of Kirkcaldy. There's an enticing network of paths through the mixed woodland of colourful broadleaves and conifers, including an easy stroll along the Den Burn, and the wood is full of history and wildlife. Find the remains of 16th century Carden Tower high above the burn and enjoy sweeping views across to the Lomond Hills. Our guide map of Cardenden will help you explore.'

Forestry and Land Scotland

Details of seven Walks.

Forth Valley, Fife & Tayside Area Ramblers

Member of the Ramblers - Forth Valley, Fife & Tayside Area Grouping

'This long-established forest is an attractive mix of conifers and broadleaved woodland. It’s a great place for a walk or cycle, and you can get here straight from town along the West Fife Cycle Way. Come in May to see the haze of bluebells along Pitfirrane Dean burn.'

Forestry and Land Scotland

Member of the Ramblers - Forth Valley, Fife & Tayside Area Grouping

'To call the Elie Chainwalk a walk is not strictly accurate; it is more of a scramble, requiring a healthy spirit of adventure, a good measure of agility and a strong head for heights ...'

James Carron

'Runs from the Forth Estuary in the south, to the Tay Estuary in the north and stretches for 117 miles. The path is clearly waymarked and offers a range of walking experiences from the easy and level, to the wild and demanding.'

Fife Coast and Countryside Trust

Information about Fife's 'Core Paths' - including access to a Core Paths Plan Interactive Map - can be found by navigating through the Website's 'Topic Pages'.

Fife Council

‘For 400 years, St Andrews was one of the main pilgrimage destinations in Medieval Europe ... The Fife Pilgrim Way follows one of the routes taken by countless pilgrims to Scotland’s holy hot-spot.’

Fife Coast & Countryside Trust

'There is at least one walk on almost every weekend in the year. Walks are graded so that you can be confident about whether a particular walk will suit you or not. We welcome visitors, so if you would like to come out with us to see if we offer what you are looking for just turn up at the walk starting point ready to walk at 10.30 a.m ...'

'Beryl Leatherland, keen walker and member of the Fife Access Forum, has collated some walks related to the Fife Core Path Network ... Also ... we have various walk leaflets/publications produced by local groups for you to download.'

Fife Access Forum

Member of the Ramblers - Forth Valley, Fife & Tayside Area Grouping

'Purpose is to look after the interests of the community and users of the pathways within Kinghorn and the surrounding countryside and coast, by protecting and developing the network of paths. At the same time it will encourage and promote the use of the network by walkers, cyclists and horse riders (where appropriate) ...'

Craigencalt Trust

Member of the Ramblers - Forth Valley, Fife & Tayside Area Grouping

'This route was originally a Waggonway coming from Cowdenbeath and Crossgates to St David's Harbour in Inverkeithing Bay.  It was used to export coal and minerals from the mines around Cowdenbeath and Crossgates for shipping from Inverkeithing.  The Fordell Railway was still in use in 1939.'

Heritage Paths

'Forth Valley, Fife and Tayside Area, formerly Central, Fife & Tayside Area, has 14 Groups and, at the most recent count, around 1,400 members.'

Member of the Ramblers - Forth Valley, Fife & Tayside Area Grouping

'Stroll along peaceful paths under the canopies of towering trees and take in the attractive herbaceous displays, water features, the rock garden and woodland. The glasshouses contain plants which would not otherwise flourish in the St. Andrews climate. These include plants from warmer regions such as South East Asia. Whatever the weather or season, there are always plants in flower and attractive foliage to be admired both in the glasshouses and outdoors.'

The Friends of St Andrews Botanic Garden

'You can find pine-scented forest, windswept sands and a wonderful range of wildlife at Tentsmuir. The trails are ideal for walking, family cycling or horse riding. If you're lucky you may see squirrels in the trees and seals basking on the sand ... '

Forestry and Land Scotland

'With such gems as historic St Andrews, the Home of Golf, and picturesque fishing villages linked along the Fife Coastal Trail, Fife has won a well-deserved reputation as one of the best Scottish regions for walking. With 117 miles of coastal trails, golden beaches and rolling hills, Fife has much to offer walkers of all abilities.'

VisitScotland

'Leaflet prepared by St Andrews & NE Fife Ramblers with details of 10 walks round St Andrews.'