Central Scotland - Scotland - page 395

FIFE
Protruding like a serpent's head from Scotland's east coast, Fife ( www.visitfife.com ) is a
tongue of land between the Firths of Forth and Tay. A royal history and atmosphere distinct
from the rest of Scotland leads it to style itself as 'The Kingdom of Fife'.
Though overdeveloped southern Fife is commuter-belt territory, the eastern region's
rolling green farmland and quaint fishing villages are prime turf for exploration and crab
crunching, and the fresh sea air feels like it's doing a power of good. Fife's biggest attrac-
tion, St Andrews, has Scotland's most venerable university and a wealth of historic build-
ings. It's also, of course, the headquarters of golf and draws professionals and keen slashers
alike to take on the Old Course − the classic links experience.
Activities
The Fife Coastal Path ( www.fifecoastalpath.co.uk ) runs more than 80 miles, following the
entire Fife coastline from the Forth Road Bridge to the Tay Bridge and beyond. It's well
waymarked, picturesque and not too rigorous, though winds can buffet. It's easily accessed
for shorter sections or day walks, and long stretches of it can also be tackled on a mountain
bike.
Getting Around
The main bus operator here is Stagecoach Fife ( 0871-2002233;
www.stagecoachbus.com ) . For £7.50 you can buy a Fife Dayrider ticket, which gives un-
limited travel around Fife on Stagecoach buses.
If you are driving from the Forth Road Bridge to St Andrews, a slower but much more
scenic route than the M90/A91 is along the signposted Fife Coastal Tourist Route .
DEEP SEA WORLD
If the kids are tiring of historic buildings, a trip to Deep Sea World ( www.deepseaworld.com ; North Queensferry;
adult/child £13/8.75; 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm Sat & Sun) might make them feel more kindly towards Fife.
Situated at North Queensferry, just by the Forth bridges, it's a blockbuster aquarium with all those 'respect' species