Hi, I’m here to take you through some of the best walks in St Andrews. From hikes to nice strolls, there’s something for everyone in this town.
I’m going to show you 15 of the best places to walk, all of which are truly special. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’ll be sure to find something to make your walk memorable.
So let’s get started!
West Sands Beach Walk
Soak in the stunning scenery of the West Sands Beach Walk, a breathtaking stroll along St. Andrews’ sandy shoreline.
The walk offers breathtaking views of the North Sea boasting a unique landscape of rolling dunes and grassy knolls, as well as a wide array of wildlife.
The walk is great for those looking for an easy and leisurely stroll, with plenty of benches and areas to take in the scenery.
On the walk, you’ll also find the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, which makes for an interesting addition to the views.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an invigorating adventure, the West Sands Beach Walk offers something for everyone.
St Andrews Castle to Crail Walk
Heading out of St Andrews, the Castle to Crail Walk is an enjoyable journey through the coastal paths and rolling hills of the Fife area. Taking around three hours in total, this is a great way to spend a day outdoors, taking in the stunning views, nature, and wildlife that Scotland has to offer.
The walk begins at St Andrews Castle, taking you along the coast towards Crail. Along the way, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the North Sea, as well as the gorgeous countryside, with its rolling hills and winding paths. You’ll also pass by many scenic villages, such as Kingsbarns and Anstruther.
This is a great walk for all levels of fitness, as it is relatively easy going and not too strenuous. Plus, it’s an ideal way to explore the area and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
So, if you’re looking for a leisurely stroll with beautiful scenery, the Castle to Crail Walk is a great option.
Lomond Hills Regional Park
Explore the stunning Lomond Hills Regional Park, where you’ll be able to marvel at the rolling hills and lush greenery of Scotland’s countryside.
Encompassing an area of over 5,000 hectares, this regional park is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll while taking in the breathtaking views of the Fife coastline and the surrounding area.
The park is home to the two peaks of East and West Lomond Hill, which both offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Not only is the scenery breathtaking, but the park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, otters, ospreys, and buzzards.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous route, the park also offers a variety of trails for you to explore. From easy paths to more challenging hikes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
You can even explore the ruins of the old Lomond Castle, perched atop West Lomond Hill.
A trip to the Lomond Hills Regional Park will be sure to leave you with lasting memories of the stunning Scottish landscape.
St Andrews Cathedral & St Rule’s Tower Walk
Take a breathtaking journey around the ancient ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and St Rule’s Tower on the stunning St Andrews walk.
The walk begins at the entrance of the Cathedral, which is the oldest standing building in Scotland. Make sure to take the time to appreciate the ruins, which are a reminder of Scotland’s rich history.
As you continue the walk, you will be treated to stunning views of the North Sea, the Fife coastline, and the surrounding countryside.
The path will then take you to St Rule’s Tower, which is one of the oldest buildings remaining in Scotland. You’ll be able to explore the area, taking in the breathtaking views from the highest point in St Andrews.
The walk concludes near the entrance of the Cathedral, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the area.
The St Andrews walk is the perfect way to experience the beauty of St Andrews and its ancient history.
Elie Chain Walk
Experience the beauty of the Fife Coastline like never before with the Elie Chain Walk. This breathtaking walk takes you along the coastline, starting from the picturesque Elie Harbour and passing the scenic village of Earlsferry.
The winding path takes you through the sand dunes and along the beaches, with stunning views of the sea and the Isle of May. Enjoy the fresh sea air and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks.
The walk is approximately 4 miles long and is suitable for all fitness levels.
The Elie Chain Walk is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Fife Coast, with its rolling hills, pristine beaches, and lush green countryside.
Stop along the way to take in the views of the Elie Lighthouse, the Royal Burgh of Earlsferry, and the ruins of St. Monans Church.
There are plenty of opportunities to take photographs and enjoy a picnic along the route.
The walk can be extended to include a visit to the Elie Links golf course and the scenic Elie harbour, adding to the experience.
The Elie Chain Walk is a must-do for any nature enthusiast looking for a memorable experience.
Anstruther to Pittenweem Walk
Meander along the gorgeous Fife Coast with the Anstruther to Pittenweem Walk, a stunning journey across the region’s rolling hills and lush green countryside.
This popular walk begins in the quaint fishing town of Anstruther and takes you on a scenic tour of the East Neuk of Fife.
Experienced hikers or those just looking for a leisurely stroll will appreciate the variety of terrain this walk has to offer.
From the sandy beaches of the coastline to the rolling hills of the countryside, the Anstruther to Pittenweem Walk is a great way to get a real sense of the beauty of Scotland.
Along the way, you’ll pass picturesque villages, historical landmarks, and plenty of wildlife.
You’ll also get to enjoy some of the best views of St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, from the top of the hills.
The Anstruther to Pittenweem Walk is a great way to explore the stunning beauty of Scotland and get some exercise at the same time.
Tentsmuir Forest Walk
Embark on a journey through the wild beauty of Scotland’s Tentsmuir Forest, a stunning natural paradise home to an abundance of wildlife.
Meander along the pathways of the forest, taking in the sights and sounds of the flora and fauna around you.
The golden beach is a perfect place to take a break, listen to the waves lapping onto the shore, and watch the seals bobbing in the sea.
As the paths lead you further into the forest, the canopy of trees gives way to a number of tranquil lochs, where you can observe the birds skimming across the waters.
With a wide variety of trails and paths to choose from, there is something to suit every walker, whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a more challenging hike.
Exploring Tentsmuir Forest is a truly unique experience, one that’ll stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Anstruther to Cellardyke Walk
Take in the sights, sounds, and history of Scotland’s striking East Coast as you journey along the beautiful Anstruther to Cellardyke Walk.
Stretching from the small fishing port of Anstruther to the picturesque harbour of Cellardyke, the 6.8-mile route takes in some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the area.
The walk starts from the South Pier of Anstruther, and passes through a variety of landscapes, including a stretch of beach, a golf course, and a salt marsh.
As you meander along the path, you’ll be able to take in the beauty of the East Neuk’s rolling hills, with views of the Isle of May, the Bass Rock, and the Lothian Coast.
There are plenty of places to stop along the way, including picturesque harbours and fishing villages, not to mention several pubs and cafes.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, the Anstruther to Cellardyke Walk is sure to please.
Elie Ness Lighthouse Walk
Explore the spectacular Elie Ness Lighthouse Walk and discover some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery Scotland has to offer.
This scenic route offers a unique perspective of the area, beginning at Elie, a picturesque village on the Fife coast, and winding its way around the cliffs and beaches of the East Neuk.
The walk takes around two hours, and is a great way to take in the stunning views of the North Sea, the Isle of May, and the Bass Rock.
Along the way, visitors can also explore the ruins of St Monans’ windmill, as well as the ruins of the Elie Lighthouse.
It’s an ideal place to take a leisurely stroll and take in the natural beauty of the area.
For those looking for an even longer walk, the route can be extended by heading south to St Andrews.
With its stunning vistas and interesting historical sights, the Elie Ness Lighthouse Walk is a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
Kingsbarns to Cambo Walk
Stroll along the stunning Kingsbarns to Cambo Walk and marvel at the breathtaking landscape of the East Neuk.
This stunning walk offers spectacular views of the Fife coastline and takes you through lush meadows, sandy beaches, and tranquil woodland.
It’s a great way to explore the rich history of St Andrews and take in the beauty of the region.
Along the way, you’ll find a variety of interesting sights including the ruins of a 16th-century castle, a beautiful Victorian church, and a picturesque beach.
It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours in the great outdoors, enjoying the serenity of the countryside and the stunning views of the East Neuk.
The walk is suitable for all levels of fitness and can be enjoyed by everyone, from families to seasoned hikers.
So why not take a leisurely stroll and experience the beauty of the Kingsbarns to Cambo Walk?
Kellie Castle and Donibristle Estate Walk
Experience the beauty of Kellie Castle and the surrounding Donibristle Estate by taking a leisurely walk through its lush, green grounds.
Starting your walk at the castle, you’ll be able to take in the stunning architecture of the 15th-century Kellie Castle, and you’ll be able to explore its walled garden and grounds.
As you make your way around the estate, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful parkland, and you’ll be able to observe a variety of wildlife. The estate is home to some rare and endangered species of birds, and it’s a great place to spot Red Kites and other species of birds of prey.
The walk is perfect for a leisurely afternoon, and you can even explore the estate’s ancient ruins as you go. If you’re lucky, you may even get a glimpse of a red deer or two.
This walk is sure to provide a great break from the hustle and bustle of the city, and it’s the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Donibristle Estate.
Fife Coastal Path Walk
Take a leisurely journey along the Fife Coastal Path and be mesmerized by its picturesque views.
The Fife Coastal Path is a 117 mile route that stretches from the Firth of Forth in the south to the Tay Estuary in the north, winding through the historic East Neuk of Fife.
Along the way, you’ll discover many hidden gems, from quaint fishing villages to stunning coastal views.
From the white sandy beaches of Elie to the rocky shoreline of Crail, the Fife Coastal Path offers an array of sights and experiences.
The path is accessible for walkers of all abilities, with plenty of places to rest and take in the views.
Whether you’re looking for a short walk, a full day of exploration, or something in between, the Fife Coastal Path is the perfect way to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors.
Enjoy the fresh sea air and the peace and quiet of Scotland’s stunning coastline.
Fife Pilgrim Way Walk
Meander along the Fife Pilgrim Way for an enriching journey through Scotland’s beautiful countryside. This 70-mile path, known as the Fife Pilgrim Way, is a great way to explore the stunning landscape of St Andrews and the East Neuk of Fife.
The Fife Pilgrim Way starts at St Andrews, the home of golf. The walk then takes you through a series of coastal towns, villages, and hamlets, including Crail, Anstruther, and St Monans, where you can take in the amazing views of the Firth of Forth.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, including forests, lochs, and rolling hills. You can also visit historic sites, such as St Andrews Castle and the ruins of Lindores Abbey.
The Fife Pilgrim Way is a great way to experience the beauty of Scotland and its culture. With plenty of stops along the way, you can take the time to explore the towns and villages, and experience the unique culture that is unique to this part of Scotland.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an exciting adventure, the Fife Pilgrim Way is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
St Andrews to Boarhills Walk
After exploring the Fife Pilgrim Way Walk, it’s time to experience another one of St Andrews’ stunning walks. The St Andrews to Boarhills Walk is a popular route among locals and visitors alike.
This 4-mile (6.4-km) route follows the coastline of St Andrews Bay and takes in some of the area’s most beautiful scenery. The walk begins at St Andrews Town Hall and winds its way along the East Sands beach and past St Andrews Castle.
From there, it follows the shoreline to the picturesque village of Boarhills. Along the way, hikers will enjoy breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and its islands, as well as the lush green countryside.
The walk can be completed in just over 2 hours, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. For those looking for a more challenging route, there are plenty of hills to climb and paths to explore.
No matter how you approach it, the St Andrews to Boarhills Walk is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
St Andrews to Crail Walk
Experience the unique charm of Fife’s picturesque coastline with a walk from St Andrews to Crail. This walk is a great way to spend a day in St Andrews, as it allows you to take in the stunning views of the North Sea and the Fife coastline.
The walk begins in St Andrews, where you take a scenic route along the coast until you reach the picturesque fishing village of Crail. Along the way, you will pass several sites of historical interest, such as the ruins of Kilminning Castle, which dates back to the 12th century.
You will also pass through Kinkell Ness, a nature reserve with expansive views of the sea, and the dramatic cliffs of St. Monans.
Once you arrive in Crail, you can take a break and enjoy a meal of fresh-caught fish, before heading back to St Andrews.
The walk is a great way to experience the beauty of Fife, and is suitable for all levels of fitness.
Conclusion
Wrapping up my tour of the 15 best walks in St Andrews, I can confidently say that it’s a great place to explore.
The variety of walks offers something for everyone, from the leisurely stroll along the beach to the more strenuous hikes up the Lomond Hills.
Taking in the stunning views of the coastline, the ever-changing landscape, and the historical sites along the way, it’s easy to see why St Andrews remains such a popular and beloved destination.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful respite or an adventure, this city won’t disappoint.