Leuchars to Tayport

Todays walk takes us along the Fife Coastal Path from Leuchars to the south end of the Tay Road bridge. The route will be waymarked a lot of the way. However due to the winter storms there is a diversion needed at Tentsmuir Forest. Please stay on the diversion route and don’t follow different paths through the forest as it is closed to the public.
The walk commences beside the old church in Leuchars village (NO 455254), turn left at end of church and immediate right onto Earlshall Road This soon becomes a country lane, passing Earlshall Castle (a private home) and running close by the Leuchars airfield. The public road ends at Comerton but the Fife Coastal Path continues through the gate and along the track ahead. Keep straight ahead on the track into the woods, ignoring a fork on the left NO469215 and then running along the right edge of a plantation of pines.
The track bends to the right at the end of the trees, with a gate straight ahead. Follow the track to the right here before heading through a pedestrian gate on the left 200m further on. The path is then well marked, running between fences before turning to the right and continuing over a series of boardwalks. Eventually a waymarker indicates where to turn left following a boggy path. After passing through a kissing gate the route joins a grassy track which is followed into Tentsmuir Forest. Continue along this until it meets a minor road, NO478238. This is where you must then follow the diversion. Turn left along the road heading west until you reach a path on the right at the edge of the Forest 472235. Turn right and follow the path Northwards, skirting the edge of the forest ignore all paths into the forest until you reach a tarred road NO472255 (just short of Fetterdale). Vere to the left initially and then continue Northwards through Fetterdale. The road passes under height restriction barriers before you turn right NO472259 Follow the new, tall signposts for Tentsmuir Forest and turn left NO 476263 and continue along the edge of the forest again to rejoin the costal path NO473277
Curve to the left and follow the path ahead to reach the road at Lundin Bridge. From here follow the road past a few houses before turning right onto a minor road, past a car park to reach Tayport Links Caravan Park.
Pass through the caravan park to reach the coast. Follow the road by the seawall to the left, turning right at a junction in Tayport and then following Harbour Road through the housing until it ends at the harbour itself. Turn left to pass around the harbour and follow the road that keeps closest to the water Until reaching a gravelled ramp which you turn left up, turning right and then left to meet Commonty Road. Turn right along this, then follow the right fork downhill and finally fork left onto a cyclepath.
After passing through some woods the cycleway gives ever more splendid views of the River Tay, eventually climbing up to the main road and running along the pavement. After passing round a layby the route continues beside the road, now with views of the Tay Road Bridge ahead. Keep straight on at the road junction near the bridge but then turn left across the road and up steps to reach the Tay Bridge viewing area where the bus will be parked at NO427287.
Walking Distance: 10 miles (16km); 100m of ascent approx.

Download file: Leuchars to Tay Bridge.gpx
Shorter Options
Those walkers requiring a shorter walk could alight the bus at the viewing area at the end of the Tay Road Bridge. It is about 2.25 miles (3.75 km) from here to Tayport so 4.5 miles (7.5 km) return walk. A really short walk (about 2.25 miles) could be had from Tayport to the finishing point at the viewing area. Anyone wishing a shorter walk must discuss this with Wendy who will consider your request and make appropriate arrangements with our driver.

Bus departs for Aberdeen 3.30pm

The above notes are for guidance only and are intended as an aid to be used along with a map and compass and/or a GPS device.
In the event of an emergency arising, the person in charge today should be notified, if possible, before the emergency services are contacted on 999.
The Committee Member in charge of today’s walk is Wendy Godsman.