*ESSENTIAL SCOTLAND: Fife
May 06 '02
The Bottom Line Scotland is a world-class destination, but there's so much to see that it's overwhelming. This guide picks out the best of the best in Fife. Enjoy!
I traveled to Scotland from my old home in England 16 years ago and loved it – so much so that within a year, I had moved house to live here! I’ve toured my new home country with my family quite a few times now, and I never tire of the scenery, the people and the fascinating history.
When most people think of Scotland, they think of the bagpipes and kilts of St. Andrews, but there is much more to the country than that. Here’s one of a series of “ESSENTIAL SCOTLAND” guides to this amazing place…
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Where is Fife?
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Fife is the area of Scotland just north of Edinburgh across the Forth road bridge. Probably it’s most famous town is St. Andrews – “the home of golf”. But just like there's a lot more to Scotland than St. Andrews, there’s a lot more to St. Andrews than just golf. I recommend the Fife area as a base for visiting some off the rest of Scotland – it is close to the borders, near enough to Edinburgh for a day trip and not all that far away from the North-East. It’s still quite far to the Highlands and the west coast, though.
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The Feel of The Place
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Fife is less relaxed than the North and North East – it is nearer to the major cities of the central belt and there’s more emphasis on getting things done. Despite that, though, the people will always find time to speak to you in their reasonably mild Scottish accents. The pace of life in the smaller towns is much slower and I find the people to be friendlier away from Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy.
Like all of Scotland, the countryside in Fife is beautiful. There are only a few built up areas – more than in the north but far less than in the central belt – and the air is magically crisp. I love it.
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Sports and Activities
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Fife is a brilliant place to visit if you like life outdoors. I personally like cycling in the area and attending the motor racing at the Knockhill racetrack. Whatever your favorite activity is, you’re sure to find it here (unless of course it’s baseball – we just don’t understand that game!).
Walking
The North Fife Tourist Trail takes you right through the heart of Fife, but I personally prefer the Fife Coastal Tourist Route (confusingly, this also gets called the Fife Coastal Path; at least, I think they are both the same path). The coastal route starts at a place called North Queensferry and heads east to Crail, via a fringe of golden beaches; but be warned, the water is freezing! You’ll find everything you need to know about the coastal path/route (or whatever the heck it’s called!) at www.fifecoastalpath.co.uk.
Cycling
The Millennium Cycle Ways project is well under-way in Fife, with distances ranging from eight and a half miles (that’s the one my son and I do) to one hundred and five miles (I’ll pass, thanks). The eight and a half mile route is off-road and requires a certain amount of stamina; of course, you can just hire a bike and go wherever you want. There are also short circular forest routes and on-road trails (see www.fife-cycleways.co.uk for more information).
Golf
Fife is the place to play golf in Scotland. St Andrews is the most famous course by far, but don’t overlook Tayport, Cupar, Crail, Ladybank, Dunfermline (pronounced Dun-firm-lin), Kirkcaldy (kirk-or-dee) or Lundin Links for great golf. See Useful Websites for more information on golfing around Fife.
Other Pursuits
Also in Fife there is the opportunity to go quad biking, take part in watersports and go horse-riding. There is an off-road driving course and the Knockhill race-track often lets visitors drive on the circuit (but watch out – neither of these activities come cheap. My guess is over $100 for a couple of hours). If you are interested in a drive on this circuit, or might want to watch some motor racing during your stay, the Knockhill web address is listed at the bottom of this page. Archery and clay pigeon shooting are widely available and you can also receive flying lessons at Fife Airport (but again, this is costly).
One of the most popular activities with visitors is sea and loch salmon fishing. Equipment is always provided, though I can’t personally recommend it because I don’t often go (seems like a lot of standing around to me!). There are hundreds of companies offering this kind of activity, so do your homework and get a good price.
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The ESSENTIAL Towns in Fife
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Fife has a number of distinct areas, each of which has a very different character. Here are some of my favorites and those that I consider ESSENTIAL for all tourists to visit…
Kirkcaldy
The theater, museum and art gallery should be at the top of you “things to see” list here. The gallery hosts an excellent exhibition of work by Scottish Colourists and I never tire of visiting. If you’re visiting in April, don’t miss the Links Market, which is reputed to be the longest street fair in Europe; whether it is or not doesn’t matter – it’s great fun! The train and bus service is good from here to other Fife towns, but I always advise hiring a car – the buses are terribly slow and don’t always go where you want to go.
North Fife
On the Tay estuary, this is the perfect place for birdwatchers. This is also a good area to go walking, cycling or horse riding in.
Dunfermline and South Fife
In ancient times, Dunfermline was Scotland’s capital city and it was also the final resting place of Robert The Bruce. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in history like me.
Falkland Area
In 1458, this area was made a royal burgh by James II. The Royal Palace was the principal hunting lodge of the Stuarts and a favorite of Mary Queen of Scots. Falkland is overlooked by the Lomond Hills, which some people less lazy than myself like to walk up every so often (personally I don’t see the attraction, but there you go).
St. Andrews
I love this place, and so will you. It was once the center for religion in Scotland but is now better known as “the home of golf”. The university here, the oldest in Scotland, is currently being attended by Prince William. This is a great town to explore on foot and there are many gift shops dotted around
amongst the mediaeval, Edwardian and Victorian architecture. This is certainly one of the prettiest towns in Scotland and it is absolutely ESSENTIAL that you visit it.
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Events
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RAF Leuchars
This deserves a special mention; and if you are visiting Scotland in September, read on. Every year, my son and I head down to the airbase at Leuchars (owned by the Royal Air Force) to watch their air displays. And it’s always astounding. As well as watching military aircraft displays and the stunning aerial maneuvers of the Red Arrows air stunt team, you can wander around the hundreds of stalls that are set up every year. I can’t emphasize how great this air show really is. It happens on about the 15th of September every year (it varies) and you can find out more at their website (www.leuchars.raf.mod.uk). Not to be missed.
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Summary – The Bare ESSENTIALS
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So let’s say you want to see the best that Fife has to offer but you haven’t even got time to visit all the places I’ve listed. Here are the things in Fife that you absolutely must cram in to your visit, never mind how long you might have:
*Golf at St. Andrews and a walk around the town
*A visit to the art gallery and museum in Kirkcaldy
* A walk around - or at least at look out of your car window at – the Lomond Hills
Enjoy your visit to Fife!
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Useful Websites
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www.knockhill.co.uk - has all you need to know about the racing circuit.
www.fifecoastalpath.co.uk - information for walkers on the route of the coastal path.
www.fife-cycleways.co.uk - the organization that maintains cycle routes in the area.
www.standrews.co.uk - the official website of the Kingdom of Fife tourist board. It’s your one-stop shop for information on Fife and the surrounding area.
www.standrews.org.uk - this is the homepage of the Links trust – the people who own the golf courses in the area, including the famous Old Course. You can book online and I recommend you take advantage of this to avoid disappointment when you arrive.
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Other Guides in ESSENTIAL SCOTLAND:
The North-East - http://www.epinions.com/content_2635833476
The Orkney Isles - http://www.epinions.com/content_2637209732
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