An introduction to walking the Fife Pilgrim Way

How long is the Fife Pilgrim Way?

The Fife Pilgrim Way covers a distance of 103km (64 miles).

Where does it start and finish?

The route has two alternative starting points: Culross or North Queensferry (both within easy reach of Edinburgh). Each are equally beautiful walks, and it is impossible to recommend one over the other. If you begin in Culross, you will experience one of the most complete villages, or 'burghs' from the 17th century, and have the opportunity to visit the evocative Culross Palace and Gardens. Alternatively, if you begin in North Queensferry, you will be starting at the location where medieval pilgrims landed after crossing the Firth of Forth on the 'Queen's Ferry', named after Queen Margaret. Today, you will be starting at the foot of the Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This last stage takes you into the coastal town of St Andrews, where you can explore its fascinating history, and take in the bustling university town with its many boutiques, restaurants, beach walks, and golf. Indeed, the reasons for making a pilgrimage to the tourist hot spot of St Andrews are many, both in the past and today.

How long does it take to walk?

Several staging options are available, which you can choose based on the pace you would like to take. What may be considered a more leisurely pace is preferred, completing, on average, under 15km a day.Walking at this pace will give you a six-day itinerary. Alternatively, the route can be walked in 5-, 4-, and 3-day journeys. Choose one that is the right pace for you.

How difficult is the Fife Pilgrim Way?

The gentle terrain makes this an ideal first long-distance walk. It's still challenging, but not too strenuous.

When is the best time of year to walk the Fife Pilgrim Way?

While Fife has a mild year-round climate, the trail is best in the spring and summer – when long days provide generous time for walking – or autumn.

What accommodation is available?

There are several options for accommodation, depending on your budget and the type of adventure you would like to have. It's possible to wild camp along the way or stay in hotels or B&Bs every night. In some areas, accommodation can be costly, so it is advisable to look into all options. Accommodation is sparse around Kelty and Kennoway, so taking a short taxi or bus to a nearby town for accommodation may be required.

Do I have to be a pilgrim to walk the route?

We use the term ‘pilgrim’ is used in a diverse sense. A ‘pilgrim’ is any person going on a journey with intention. You need not be on a spiritual quest to become a pilgrim. If pilgrimages are not your thing at all, that’s OK, too. You do not have to be a pilgrim to walk the Fife Pilgrim Way. Anyone can undertake this route, whether or not they are interested in visiting ancient and holy sites. There are rich experiences awaiting everyone on this path – from birdlife and hidden wild places to witnessing the history of mining and the economic changes that have occurred across the centuries, to stones from prehistoric times to the farming communities that have tilled the fertile soil for centuries.

Is the Fife Pilgrim Way better than the Fife Coastal Path?

Although several long-distance paths arrive in St Andrews, the Fife Pilgrim Way offers an alternative to the windswept and popular Fife Coastal Path. Walking the Fife Pilgrim Way lets you experience a lesser-known, quieter, yet equally stunning part of rural Scotland while passing through centuries of history. Fife is a true pilgrims’ kingdom, and this new route allows you to travel through the centre of this kingdom.

What are the route highlights?

Starting in the historic Burgh of Culross, you can explore its palace and abbey, before passing iconic landmarks like the Forth Rail Bridge and the Hospitium of the Grey Friars in Inverkeithing. Dunfermline Abbey, once the burial site of Scottish royalty, is another notable stop along the route. The path also leads through Lochore Meadows Country Park and former mining communities, including the historic St. Ninian’s Mine. Other highlights include the ancient Balfarg Henge, the charming town of Markinch, and the tranquil River Leven. As you ascend Clatto Hill, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views, while the Fife Folk Museum in Ceres offers a glimpse into local heritage. The trail concludes with the breathtaking ruins of St. Andrews, where the cathedral, castle, and St. Rule’s Tower stand as reminders of the town’s religious significance.

What are the stages of the Fife Pilgrim Way?

The guidebook to Walking the Fife Pilgrim Way describes the route in 6 day-long stages, with the option of starting in either Culross or North Queensferry. The stages are detailed in the route summary table below.