Discover Scotland’s hidden heritage on the Fife Pilgrim Way

The Fife Pilgrim Way (FPW) is a journey through Scotland’s Kingdom of Fife that connects historical and religious landmarks with centuries of industrial, agricultural, and cultural heritage. Officially opened in 2019, this 64-mile trail from Culross or North Queensferry to St Andrews follows paths walked by pilgrims for centuries, reaching back to the medieval era when pilgrims came to worship at the shrines of St Andrew and St Margaret. Today, the route provides a unique way to experience Fife’s diverse landscapes and communities.

The FPW offers many a quieter alternative to the busier Fife Coastal Path. While the coastal path brings thousands of visitors to Fife’s shores, the FPW takes walkers inland, where they pass through rural towns, historic sites, and scenic countryside often overlooked by tourists. Walking this path allows for a slower, reflective journey through Scotland's heart, offering a fresh perspective on Fife’s deep connections to the past and present.

The FPW has two starting points, each with its own unique charm. Starting at Culross, walkers step into a well-preserved 17th-century village known for its cobbled streets, historic homes, and the Culross Palace. Alternatively, beginning in North Queensferry brings you to a spot once crossed by medieval pilgrims. Here, walkers pass under the Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before reaching Inverkeithing, where a medieval hospice once provided shelter to pilgrims.

Dunfermline, the first major stop, is steeped in history. Once the capital of Scotland, it is home to the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey and the tomb of King Robert the Bruce. This city offers a glimpse into the days when Fife was at the centre of Scottish royal power and influence.

Moving northward, the route passes through areas that showcase Fife’s industrial heritage. In Kelty and Lochore Meadows Country Park, walkers encounter reminders of the mining industry that shaped the region. The park has transformed from a former mining area into a vibrant recreational space. From here, the path heads through villages like Kinglassie, where a historic holy well remains a relic of past pilgrimages.

Continuing toward Glenrothes, walkers follow the River Leven and past neolithic stone circles, blending ancient history with the modern townscape. Glenrothes was built after World War II but retains a sense of connection to Fife’s ancient roots. In Markinch, a 12th-century parish church dedicated to St Drostan is another historical highlight before the route moves to more remote stretches of the Fife countryside.

One of the most peaceful sections of the FPW is the climb to Clatto Hill, the highest point on the trail, offering panoramic views of Fife’s landscapes. After descending, walkers reach Ceres, where a small folk museum offers insight into local life. The last leg takes walkers along the ancient 'Waterless Way,' a road used by travellers for centuries, before reaching the coastal town of St. Andrews. Here, walkers can explore historical sites, the university, golf courses, and scenic beaches, completing their journey in a town that has welcomed pilgrims and travellers for hundreds of years.

The Fife Pilgrim Way allows modern pilgrims, walkers, and history enthusiasts alike to discover a different side of Scotland. It’s a journey of connection, both with the land and the rich, varied history that has unfolded here.