Kinghorn Pathways

Kinghorn Community Website © Produced 2007 by Ron Edwards

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Walking, riding and cycling.

In Scotland you have the right of access to almost anywhere, as long as you exercise that right responsibly. This includes walking, horse-riding, cycling and canoeing - but powered vehicles are allowed only with the landowner’s permission.

Also see Mike Gilbert’s walks.

Kinghorn is within a very wide area of attractive countryside, criss-crossed by numerous paths and quiet country roads. It has a rocky coastline with many islets and rocks that seals use all the year round. There are very interesting small beaches and rock pools to investigate. The village has a splendid beach at its heart, and another wide beach between Kinghorn and Burntisland.

The community council has produced a set of local walks, for both within the village and outside, and vary from short ambles to 10 or more mile hikes. Several are suitable for horses and cycles, and some are wheelchair friendly - although most are hilly. They start either from the lochside at the Ecology Centre or from the railway station. The pathways booklet (care - 3.4MB) can be downloaded, although this will be split into individual cards in due course. The booklet is available in the Library, Community Centre, local shops and the Tourist Office in Kirkcaldy.

Remember that you do not have to stick to the pathways, but avoid crop fields. Dogs enjoy the space but cattle do not normally like dogs. For your own safety do not take a dog into a field of cattle. The fields are generally accessible from late autumn through to April. This is a wonderful time to enjoy the openness around Kinghorn and Burntisland. Buzzards abound and eider duck and seals on the sea are matched by swans, pochard and coots on Kinghorn Loch, while large numbers of waders live on Pettycur Bay sands and come inland on the high tide.

When you go out and about in the countryside remember that you need to do so in a responsible manner. Your main responsibilities are:

(1) Take responsibility for your own actions - the outdoors can be a naturally dangerous place and you are legally responsible for your own safety.

(2) Respect other people’s privacy and peace of mind - avoid people’s gardens, the area around farm houses and steadings other than on a path or track.

(3) Care for your environment.

(4) Keep your dog under proper control.

The Scottish Outdoor Code gives more information.