Walk of the Month: Lower Largo to St Monans

September’s instalment of Walk of the Month sees us hiking across Scotland to bring you the best views of both the coast and country. Making use of the Fife coastal path between Lower Largo and St Monans, this route has everything you could ask for from an autumn walk; spectacular ocean scenery, open spaces, fresh country air and the chance to see Scottish wildlife and historic ruins.

Image by Andy Hawkins – CC 2.0

From start to finish there is plenty to explore along this ancient route, making it extremely popular with walkers from all over the UK. Once you’ve finished your walk, the area is also great for day trips with plenty to see and a number of eateries scattered about. There are also buses available from both Lower Largo and St Monans so no need to bring the car.

The Walk

The route from Lower Largo to St Monans is almost nine miles long and can take up to four hours to complete; the distance along with some uneven terrain makes the walk better suited to adults and older children with previous experience of long walks/hikes. It can get rather nippy along the coast so as well as good walking boats and plenty of water, we would suggest wrapping up warm and using a waterproof jacket.

The Route

If you’re arriving by bus, start at the Lower Largo harbour and follow the road east, passing a unique totem-pole sculpture and the house with a carved statue of Robinson Crusoe. As the road curves right, keep straight until you reach a narrow path- follow it through to the car park. This is the starting point if you arrive by car. From the car park make your way down to the sandy shore and follow the coast east, heading out along Largo Bay. If the tide is high, follow the old railway line which can be found slightly inland. When the path gets stony, head slightly inland and follow the path until it brings you back out to the sands.

When you reach the burn that flows across the beach, cross it close to the railway line and then follow the signed path from the car park at Dumbarnie Links Wildlife Reserve. Here you can either stay on the sands or follow the signed path through the dunes until you reach a set of tank traps; keep walking until you see a tall signpost on your left. Follow this sign posted path to reach the first of two bridges which take you over the Cocklemouth Burn.

Follow the path though a break in the pines and along a surfaced tack which runs by the edge of the caravan park. Once you reach the far end, follow a sign to cross the bridge and continue along the coastal path which will soon begin to climb above the basalt cliffs which form Kincraig head. There is an option here to take the chain walk but this should only be done by experienced walkers at low tide. From the top of the cliffs, descend to the golf course and follow signs to the shore. Once you reach the shore, turn left at the sign to cross the golf course.

Once across the golf course, why not take a detour to your right and investigate the lighthouse? If you decided to give the lighthouse a miss, simply continue left past an arch. The path is now pretty straight forward until St Monans Castle where it will climb up to the left and continue through a gate at the old Dovecot. Descend to the shore for the final stretch and follow the coastal path round to the bottom of the old Kirk, if this is underwater there are inland detours available.

To view the route map.

Rent a cottage in Fife with Sykes Cottages

If you fancy taking on the Lower Largo to St Monans walk and exploring all the Fife has to offer then why to book a stay in one of these Fife Cottages? Filled with character and charm, these cottages are ideal for exploring Scotland and its culture. Along with the wonderful coastal walks and fascinating history, the area also happens to be known as the home of golf, giving you the perfect opportunity to work on your swing!