Fife Coastal Road Trip

When you think of road trips in Scotland, your mind likely goes to the North Coast 500, considered by many the Scottish Route 66. While the NC500 is a great route, there’s no escaping the fact that it’s getting more crowded, and with so many other beautiful sights to see in Scotland, we’re happy to share the preferred Scottish road trip of campervan experts, Goboony: the Fife Coastal Route.

At just 77 miles long, the Fife Coastal Route is shorter than the NC500 but is no less spectacular. It takes you along the North Sea coastline offering views of ancient forests, castles, seal colonies and more. It can easily be lengthened to a week, shortened to cover a weekend or combined with a city break to Edinburgh. Being much quieter than other popular destinations, this is the perfect summer road trip. But it’s just as enjoyable in the spring or autumn, although you may need to check in advance that all the campsites you plan to stay at are open. 

Goboony is a motorhome sharing platform that was born from the belief that everyone should have the chance to experience the freedom of motorhome travel. Goboony have over 5.000 campervans and motorhomes available for hire. Sustainability is a priority, with the platform aiming to reduce the number of new motorhomes being produced and left unused for months on end and helping ensure older motorhomes get used to their full potential. 

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Your first stop is Devilla Forest, which provides a good chance of spotting red squirrels flashing through tall Scots Pines. Follow the Red Squirrel Trail, or explore the 700 hectares of forest, which harbour numerous historic sites. You can also extend this stop by visiting the four lochs and an abandoned church.

The next stop is the former Royal Burgh of Culross, two miles from Devilla Forest. Its cobbled streets and mustard-coloured buildings have changed little over the centuries. It's a must-visit for any Outlander fans who are sure to recognise many features of the 15th-century Culross palace and gardens.

After a day of adventure, head to Woods Caravan Park to camp for the evening. Equipped with two modern, heated sanitary blocks, disabled and baby changing facilities, dishwashing and laundry areas, it’s well set up for your stay. WiFi is also available, as is a dog walk area and gas bottle exchange.

Your first stop today is a slight detour to Dunfermline Palace & Abbey, but trust us, it’s well worth it. Not only are the towering mediaeval buildings impressive, but it’s the place where King Robert the Bruce’s body is buried.

After soaking up the mediaeval atmosphere of Dunfermline, it’s time to hit the road again. Don’t worry, as it’s only a short twenty-minute drive until your next break from driving at Aberdour Castle. Built in the 1100s, Aberdour is thought to be the oldest standing castle in Scotland. Enjoy a wander in the tranquil gardens and take a short stroll to the beautiful Aberdour Silver Sands beach. 

Any art fans may want to take a trip to the nearby Kirkcaldy galleries, which showcase the work of renowned artist John Vettriano, originally from Fife, alongside excellent collections by other artists. It is also home to the Moments in Time exhibition, which whisks viewers from 300 million years ago to today. 

After a busy day, pitch your campervan at Silverburn Park Campsite, just west of Leven. Set on the grounds of Silverburn Park, the surrounding area offers a range of coastal and woodland walks.

Driving through East Neuk, you’ll pass picturesque villages such as Crail, Elie and Pittenweem, all renowned for their fishing histories. Stop off along this stretch of the Fife Coastal route to admire the boats and fishing cottages and sample some of the local catch. Don’t miss the Scottish Fisheries Museum at Anstruther, which has over 66,000 objects from the region’s fishing history. 

No Scottish road trip is complete without tasting a wee dram of the ‘water of life’, so we recommend finishing your day at the Kingsbarns Distillery. Although modern, their distillery creates whisky just as it has for centuries.

Tonight’s campsite is the Forth House Caravan Site. They offer generously sized, serviced, hard-standing pitches that provide 10A electric hook up, a private spring water supply and a grey waste drain. 

This Scottish road trip wouldn't be complete without a moment in St. Andrews. This stunning city is too often forgotten by visitors to Scotland, despite being so close to Edinburgh. With impressive botanical gardens and endless sandy beaches, it’s well worth a visit. Spend a day in the city and don't forget to visit the West Sands beach, which was a filming location for Chariots of Fire.

When you’re ready, head to the next stop of the Fife Coastal route: Tentsmuir Forest. It’s home to red squirrels, red deer and a colony of seals that bask on the sands at the forest’s eastern end. After exploring this expansive reserve, you’ve reached your final destination: the Tay bridge to Dundee. If you’re not ready to go home, stay and explore Dundee’s treasure trove of attractions and urban delights, or head to Edinburgh for great shopping, museums and more.

If Goboony’s itinerary has given you a taste for van life, why not check out their impressive range of campervans available for hire? They’re currently offering our customers £20 off your first campervan hire with the code COTSWOLD22.*

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*This discount is only valid until the 1st of August, 2022, and T&Cs apply.