Dysart Harbour to Leven Guided Walk

Dysart is a Royal Burgh dating from the 7th century. You’ll see the 13th century St Serf’s Tower and the restored Pan Ha’ red tiled cottages that look out over the Forth and dominate the shore.

This area was important in the coal industry and the FCCT staff leading this walk can point out mining heritage like the Frances Colliery winding gear. From there the path climbs over Blair Point to a walled chapel garden and the Wemyss family private burial ground. This section of the Fife Coastal Path is unfortunately suffering from extensive coastal erosion.

West Wemyss was one of Fife’s most important ports, trading in coal and salt with the Continent. The village and harbour have been extensively restored. The path passes 14th century private residence Wemyss Castle en route to East Wemyss.

The Wemyss Environmental Centre has displays on the Wemyss Caves, a major feature along the shoreline. Six caves remain and we will visit them with Save Wemyss Ancient Caves Society. Follow the path past the remains of Macduff Castle, believed to be linked to the Thane of Fife, who slew Macbeth. From there follow the old tramway to the village of Buckhaven, then on to Methil and Leven.

This is the sixth day of our Beach of Dreams journey around the Fife coast. This section is sometimes narrow and steep and you will see coastal erosion. There are 5 more stages that you can join in by either walking or cycling and each event is free of charge. See Eventbrite and the FCCT website for details and how to book.

Beach of Dreams

Beach of Dreams is a UK-wide coastal arts festival that explores the unique heritage, culture and climate future of our coastline. Fife Coast and Countryside Trust are delighted that Fife is the Scottish location for this creative programme. Presented by Kinetika, Beach of Dreams sees acclaimed and emerging artists commissioned UK-wide to create works to help local communities connect with the natural environment.

In Fife, artist Julie Brook will create a tidal sculpture from locally sourced materials, inspired by walks along the Fife coastline and talks with residents and artists. She will also lead workshops with local schools and community groups in partnership with ArtMovesFife.

Important Information

Please note that this is a one-way walk. The end time is approximate and depends on fitness levels and refreshments stops. Express bus services stop in Dysart, and Kirkcaldy railway station is just over two miles away. Leven also has a good bus service and has a railway station.

Please bring your own refreshments as there is no guarantee that we will stop for lunch near shops and cafés.

If you book places but then can't attend, please let us know by cancelling your ticket on Eventbrite, or by emailing ask.us@fifecountryside.co.uk or phoning 01592 656080. This will ensure we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list. Nearer the event date we will email all participants with details of the meeting place.

If you cancel your tickets, which have an associated payment/donation, you will be responsible for paying the Eventbrite administration fee.