Wormit and Balmerino Circuits

These circular walks make use of the Fife Coastal Path along the south side of the Tay estuary. Although nominally a coastal path, the walk is more of a woodland walk with some sections of open farmland. However, there are views across the Tay from the walks.

Route Map

Wormit and Balmerino Circuit

Start / finish: Wormit Bay parking area at grid ref NO 391 259.

Longer option

Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Ascent: 250 m / 820 feet
Terrain: paths and tracks, some sections can be muddy and wet

Shorter Option

Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Ascent: 200 m / 600 feet
Terrain: paths and tracks, some sections can be muddy and wet

Start the walk from the shore car park at the end of Bay Road in Wormit (DD6 8LZ) and walk along the surfaced path to the Tay Rail Bridge disaster memorial. Beyond the memorial the path continues to reach a wooden seal and a signpost for Balmerino. Follow the undulating path for 4km through the woodland which gives way to open views from time to time. The path can be muddy after heavy rain but has been maintained and includes steps on the steeper sections. As you start to approach Balmerino, the houses of Kikton become visible on the hillside above you. On reaching the outskirts of Balmerino follow the signs around the front of the houses to reach a small parking area at the end of the road.

Shorter Option

If you are doing the shorter option, keep to the road and walk to the junction in the village where you turn left to reach the Monk’s Road path. You may wish to make a detour to Balmerino Abbey before doing so.

Longer Option

If doing the longer option, continue on coastal path now heading west on a red ash path into the trees. Soon a pebbly beach is reached before the path turns left up steps into the woods. The undulating path passes through the mature woodlands of Birkhill Estate and crosses a number of small burns on wooden bridges. After about 2km it starts to turn inland alongside a small burn. Follow the Fife Coastal Path signs across the field alongside a hedge to reach a farm track.

Turn left on to this track leaving the route of the coastal path. Follow the track for 2km across farmland with open views north across the Tay to Dundee. When you reach the cottages at the end of the track turn left on to the quiet road and turn left again at the bus shelter. A short road walk now takes you back to Balmerino. If you have sufficient time make a short detour to the ruins of Balmerino Abbey on your right hand side as you reach the village. The abbey site is also home to the oldest tree in Fife.

At the road junction turn right and cross a bridge over the burn to reach a signpost for the Monks Road.

Both Options

After the road bridge over the burn, turn right on to the grassy Monks Road path which can be very wet in places. Pass through a gate into woodland where the path starts to become a bit drier. When you reach a road cross over and pick up the continuation of the Monks Road on the other side. Follow the core path purple arrows across the fields and into more woodland. More marker posts guide you past houses. When the road bears right, turn left into the woods beside a wooden fence (there is no marker here). The path skirts the outside of the fence, passes another cottage and bears right before reaching Naughton Farm. Follow signage around the farm and turn left onto the farm road to walk between the buildings.

At a track junction, go right following the signpost for Kilburns and follow the track through the Naughton Estate to reach the farm at Kilburns. Again there is signage directing the walker to turn right before reaching the farm buildings. Follow this next section of farm track along to Peacehill Farm. On reaching the cottages, a grass path heads off to the right to keep the walker outside of the main farm area. Follow this path and the signage to walk around the south and then east side of the large Peacehill Farm. Watch out for farm vehicles whilst in this area. After the farm the path heads downhill with a view of Wormit and the rail bridge in front of you. As you start to approach a tunnel under the railway line, the path turns left with a pond to your right. Follow it down the hillside to reach the end of the road at Wormit Bay.

Balmerino and Birkhill Woods Circuit

Distance: 5.4 km / 3.3 miles
Ascent: 100 m / 325 feet
Terrain: paths and tracks
Start / finish: Balmerino

From the small parking area at the end of the road at Balmerino (DD6 8SB) the coastal path heads west on a red ash path into the trees. Soon a pebbly beach is reached before the path turns left up steps into the woods. The undulating path passes through the mature woodlands of Birkhill Estate and crosses a number of small burns on wooden bridges. After about 2km it starts to turn inland alongside a small burn. Follow the Fife Coastal Path signs across the field alongside a hedge to reach a farm track.