Fife Pilgrim Way highlights

For hundreds of years pilgrims have journeyed across Fife to the sacred town of St Andrews. In the Middle Ages, the town was revered for hosting the bones of one of Jesus's disciples. This claim to fame put it on the map, alongside Santiago de Compostella, as one of the main pilgrim destinations in Medieval Europe. You can find out more about the fascinating history of pilgrimage in Fife here.

Starting your journey at Culross or North Queensferry, the 64 mile (104km) Fife Pilgrim Way follows one of the main routes taken by medieval pilgrims to Scotland's holy hot spot, St Andrews. 

The route takes in spectacular views of the Coast, Forth and Tay Estuaries and the Lomond Hills and passes medieval landmarks, industrial landscapes and historic picturesque villages and towns as well as the City of Dunfermline.

The route uses Fife's existing network of rights of way, paths and tracks offering a variety of long distance, multi-day routes supplemented by shorter walks and circular routes.

We've broken the route down into manageable chunks. Here are a few of our route highlights and top tips.

Culross to Dunfermline

8.5miles/13.7km.

Step back in time in Culross, where everything from grand properties to modest cottages have been restored to all their 16th and 17th century glory. Culross was one of the starting points for pilgrims journeying across Fife to St Andrews and it was also a pilgrim destination in its own right.

Culross Abbey and St Mungo’s Chapel were popular stop off points for pilgrims. The Abbey has been a religious site for more than 1500 years and is one of the oldest Christian sites in Scotland, dating back to the 6th Century, when St Serf established a community of monks here.

Other highlights in Culross include the distinctive ochre coloured Palace in the heart of the village, and the Town House once Culross’ court and jail, with criminals kept in the cell while witches were incarcerated in the attic. (Palace and Town House open April to October)  

Just along the coast is Torryburn which is Famous for its association with Lilias Adie, a Scottish woman accused of practising withcraft. Her grave at the mudflats is the only known one in Scotland of an accused witch. Look out for the plaque on the Fife Witches Trail - you can read more about the trail here.

North Queensferry to Dunfermline

8.5 miles/13.7km

Your journey starts in the shadow of the Forth Bridge, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the village of North Queensferry and stare in wonderment at this iconic structure which celebrates its 130th anniversary this year.

Long before the bridge was constructed Queen Margaret established a ferry for pilgrims travelling to St Andrews, giving North and South Queensferry and the newest bridge here their names.

Did you know you can find the world's smallest working light tower in North Queensferry? North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower sits in the shadow of the Forth Bridge and has been lovingly restored. Climb the 24 stairs up to the lamp as was last done over 100 years ago. Discover how the light-keeper kept the lamp burning and how the unique signalling system worked. You can even become part of the tower's history by lighting the lamp and receiving a Certificate of Competence as an Honorary Keeper of the Light!

Look out for the Forth Bridges Trail panels round the village - you'll discover the story of the bridges and some of the history, quirks and characteristics that make this area so special.

Continuing on the Way you'll come to Inverkeithing which came to prominence when a Franciscan Friary was founded in the heart of the town. Today, all that’s left of this 14th century monastery is the Hospitium of the Grey Friars, where pilgrims would be given bed and board on their way to St Andrews.

Dunfermline to Lochore Meadows

8.5 miles/13.7km

This section starts in the historic City of Dunfermline, Scotland’s newest city, which was a chief draw for pilgrims to Fife for centuries.

The route passes through the beautiful Pittencreiff Park which is a wonderful green space in the heart of the city. It was gifted to the people of Dunfermline by one of its most famous sons Andrew Carnegie in 1903. 

Close to the park stands Dunfermine Abbey - the burial place of many of Scotland’s kings and queens, including King Robert the Bruce and Queen Margaret, who was later made a saint. Look for the remains of the Shrine of St Margaret in the grounds of Dunfermline Abbey. Look closely and you’ll see where mighty pillars were once balanced on the giant stone slabs. 

Visit St Margaret’s Cave, where the Queen prayed every day. Although now on the edge of a car park, go down the 87-step staircase to find a tiny cave which has barely changed since Saint Margaret was Queen of The Scots. 

North of Dunfermline you'll come to Loch Fitty - crossing the causeway over Loch Fitty sets the scene for the vast man-made landscape that was once the St Ninian's opencast coal mine. Landscaping of the enornmous earth mounds depicting Scotland's influence on the world were the inspiration of famous land artist Charles Jencks in the St Ninian's Fife Earth Project.

Close by is Blairadam Forest - one of the largest forests in Fife - it has a trail that follows a picturesque meandering burn through a small glen, and is full of intriguing visible remnants of its industrial past.

Lochore Meadows to Kinglassie

11.5 miles/18.5km

Lochore Meadows is a lovely place to stop and spend some time. Located around a beautiful loch, it's Fife’s number one free visitor attraction. There's an extensive network of paths through the incredible variety of habitats including wildflower meadows, park land and ancient woodlands, with lots of opportunities for wildlife spotting. 

There are also water sports, fishing, play areas and even a beach!

Don't miss Lochore Castle - this was the fortress home of the Lochore family, established by Robert the Burgundian in c.1128.Lochore Castle was described as one of the strongest castles in Fife in the 16th century. It's on the 'In the Footsteps of Kings' trail. Stop off and enjoy an augmented reality experience with Jess the Jester.

Kinglassie to Markinch

8 miles/13 km

Kinglassie was a popular rest point for pilgrims making their way to St Andrews. There has been a church here since the 1100s, although the current one dates from 1773. The parish church and St Finglassin’s holy well were popular pilgrim destinations as places for healing and prayer. Recently restored, the well is worth the short walk from the main path. 

On leaving Kinglassie the route climbs over the hill above the village where the views are lovely, before it follows the River Leven and descends on a pretty countryside trail into the town of Leslie.

The next place on the route is Glenrothes - a 'new town' of the 20th century. One of the highlights of the town is the amazing public art collection - the Town Art Trail’s 172 public artworks include unique sculptures, murals, decorated tiles and poetic paths.

The Fife Pilgrim Way goes through Riverside Park which is a lovely green space with woodland walks, children’s play areas and beautiful gardens. 

Markinch to Ceres

18 miles/29 km

After leaving Glenrothes you come to markinch and the beautiful Balbirnie Park. The park includes416 acres of parkland and woodland garden.It was once the the estate grounds around the magnificent Balbirnie House (now Balbirnie House Hotel).

The park is home to more than 60 species of exotic trees. You can also enjoy fine views of Fife from high up view points and there is a network of paths running through the site, following the valley of the Back Burn within estate woodland. There is an extensive collection of Rhododendron together with sculpture and gazebos. 

Heading further along the route you will come to Markinch Parish Church - The church is dedicated to St Drostan, a 7th century saint. Many medieval pilgrims would have enjoyed a well earned rest here on their way to St Andrews. They may have passed Stob Cross just outside the village. It is, most probably a Pictish Stone, heavily defaced during the Reformation. The church tower dates from the 12th century and is one of the oldest buildings in Scotland still in continuous use. The cross on the pilgrim badge is based upon a mason’s carving high up in the west arch. This is another stop on the ‘In the Footsteps of Kings’ augmented reality experience.

Another highlight of this section of the route is Clatto Reservoir which is which is a particularly beautiful part. 

Ceres to St Andrews

9.5 miles/15.3km

For Medieval pilgrims Ceres would have been the final overnight stop on the road to St Andrews. One of the most unspoilt sections of this historic route, the path to Ceres offers a treat for the senses. Enjoy breath-taking views and a spot of wildlife-watching while following in the footsteps of countless pilgrims over the Waterless Way. 

Once named ‘The Most Attractive Village in Scotland’, Ceres has retained much of its olde-world charm. It's a perfect photo spot too.

The Fife Folk Museum in the heart of the village is a free and welcoming museum that tells the story of the people of Fife. The museum is housed in a group of listed buildings including the original tollbooth of the burgh, and a row of weavers’ cottages. (open April to October)

Getting closer to St Andrews the route passes through Craigtoun Country Park - a beautiful park with lots of free facilities, including an adventure play area, trampolines, trim trail and zip slides. There are also seasonal attractions including the miniature railway, crazy golf, and boating. 

St Andrews is your final destination and a place full of history and interest. 

St Andrews Cathedral is the official end of the pilgrim way. The cathedral was Scotland's largest and most magnificent medieval church. The cathedral was the seat of Scotland’s leading bishops (and from 1472 archbishops) and occupied a site used for worship since the 8th century AD, when the relics of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, are said to have been brought here. (check opening times if visiting Nov to March)

Close by is St Andrews Castle which has been a bishop’s palace, a fortress and a state prison during its 450-year history.

If you take a wander through the streets of St Andrews you'll see many of the buildings of the University of St Andrews which is Scotland's first university and the third oldest in the English speaking world. 

St Andrews is also known across the world as the home of golf and on Sundays you can walk on the most famous gold course in the world, The Old Course. Next to the Old course are the West Sands - a stunning expanse of uninterrupted beach stretching along to the Eden Estuary. You might have seen them in the opening scenes of the classic film, Chariots Of Fire.

St Andrews has plenty of places to stay, eat and drink - perfect for the end of your Fife Pilgrim Way adventure.

For more information on the Fife Pilgrim Way including online maps, visit the official site 

'A journey becomes a pilgrimage as we discover; day by day, that the distance travelled is less important than the experience gained.'