Discover wild things on Fife's coast

Take a walk along some of the 150km of the Fife Coastal Path this autumn and you’ll be surprised to see an amazing amount of wildlife.

 

The imposing Fife Coastal Path stretches from the Royal Burgh of Culross in the west, to the Tay Bridge and beyond to Balmerino in the north. The path is a favourite with walkers from all over Scotland for its access to quaint fishing villages and historic sites. However, it is also one of the best walks to spot wildlife such as grey seals, roe deer, red squirrels and a plethora of birds.

 

During your walk, take the time to explore the pretty little harbour town of Dysart. Follow the town trail around its beautifully restored 16th and 18th buildings and visit the Harbour Master’s House to learn about the variety of wildlife, amazing geology and unique fossils found along the Fife coast.

 

Tentsmuir Point, a National Nature Reserve (NNR) situated along the coast between St Andrews to the Tay Bridge, boasts an astonishing wealth of wildlife which can be seen along the path. The reserve features a pinewood forest home to red squirrels. One of the best times to spot the squirrels is during the autumn months when they are at their busiest, storing food for winter. Tentsmuir Forest has several themed trails and is a great place to catch a glimpse of the shy roe deer and birds such as goldfinches and crossbills feeding in the trees.

 

Walk along the windswept beach at Tentsmuir Point and Abertay Sands and you are sure to spot grey seals, and their pups which are born in the autumn months.

 

The Eden Estuary NNR south of Leuchars is a birdwatcher’s paradise in autumn when you can see birds such as the grey plover and four species of geese arriving in autumn for the winter months, bringing their cacophony of noise with them.