Dunfermline and West Fife Group

Photo: Ramblers in the countryside

Walking in and around Dunfermline

The ancient town of Dunfermline, formerly the capital of Scotland, is at the centre of the area covered by our group. It sits only four miles from the Firth of Forth, with coasts, agricultural country, woodlands and the hills of Fife and east Central Scotland our playground to explore and find relaxation. 

Fife itself has some significant hills, such as the Lomonds, which dominate the central area, with the highest point of 1700 feet (516 metres). There are numerous smaller hill ranges, with a large number of towns and villages, some ancient, some with an industrial heritage, nestling among them.  

Fife is particularly notable for its very long and beautiful coastline, sometimes lined with cliffs, sometimes with long, sandy beaches. The Fife Coastal Path follows the entire length of the Forth Estuary, the North Sea and the Tay Estuary, a distance of 81 miles, passing through some wild coastal country and quaint fishing villages. Of course, the gleaming Firth of Forth with its iconic bridges is never far from view. 

Our walking community

We are a friendly group of around 70 members with a real mix of locals as well as some who live in the surrounding area. Our group usually arranges three or four walks each month, often at weekends but also sometimes mid-week.  

In spring and summer, short evening walks can also feature. We walk throughout the year, with a varied programme, ranging from leisurely, often local routes, to more demanding mountain and moorland walking. All walks are graded and distance and ascent are given in the walk description, enabling you to choose one that suits your ability.  

The walk leader must be contacted beforehand to ensure the walk is suitable. All places on walks must be booked in advance. This is to ensure that the walk leader knows numbers walking, their transport needs, who will use the Leys Park meeting point and to maximise car sharing.