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Ports of Tay
| Route Details | |
| Start Point | Tayport Harbour Car Park |
| End Point | Tayport |
| Total Distance | 29.500000596 miles (47.5 km) |
Route Description
This route is 29.5 miles in total (47.5 km). The route is mostly off road due to some route improvements. It would be suitable for adults accompanying children although one section to look out for is crossing the road (A914) between Guardbridge and Leuchars. There are some hilly stretches and it may be tough for some.
This route begins in Tayport, the northernmost town in Fife and once known as Ferryport-on-Craig. You’ll experience both the farmland and the coastal land of Fife as you cycle through the villages of the Howe and the towns beside the Firth of Tay. The route also takes you through Tentsmuir Forest where off road cycling routes allow you to explore the forest.You can cycle this route in either direction but we suggest you follow the guidelines below.
1.7 miles (2.7 km) From the harbour, follow the signs to Leuchars.
Properties
| On Road / Off Road | On and Off Road |
| Terrain | Some Hilly Stretches |
7.3 miles (11.8 km) Follow the off road cycle track through Tentsmuir Forest, or try some of the other forest routes before continuing to Leuchars.
Properties
| Terrain | Some Hilly Stretches |
| On Road / Off Road | On and Off Road |
0.8 miles (1.3 km) Stop in Leuchars to visit the parish church which still has many of its original 12th Century features.
The parish church at Leuchars, built in the 12th Century, is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture, with its round, or Roman-style, arches. A new nave, the central section of the church, was added in the 19th Century.
Properties
| Terrain | Some Hilly Stretches |
| On Road / Off Road | On and Off Road |
0.3 miles (0.5 km) Take care crossing the A919 in Leuchars.
Properties
| Terrain | Some Hilly Stretches |
| On Road / Off Road | On and Off Road |
1.2 miles (1.9 km) Turn right at the sign for Balmullo and cross the railway bridge near Leuchars Station.
Properties
| Terrain | Some Hilly Stretches |
| On Road / Off Road | On and Off Road |
1.0 miles (1.6 km) Take care crossing the A914 in Balmullo.
Properties
| On Road / Off Road | On and Off Road |
| Terrain | Some Hilly Stretches |
7.3 miles (11.8 km) Take care when passing the Balmullo Quarry as there may be lorries using the road too. The red sandstone produced by the quarry is used as chippings for drives and paths.
Properties
| Terrain | Some Hilly Stretches |
| On Road / Off Road | On and Off Road |
2.4 miles (3.9 km) Take care crossing the A92 at Rathillet.
Properties
| On Road / Off Road | On and Off Road |
| Terrain | Some Hilly Stretches |
7.5 miles (12.1 km) Look out for the sign for Balmerino Abbey, a ruined Cistercian monastery which is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. It has one of the oldest Spanish Chestnut trees in the country.
i For opening times contact St Andrews Tourist Information Centre on 01334 472021.
Balmerino Abbey was founded in 1226 by the widow of William the Lion (William 1st of Scotland). When Scotland became a Protestant country, after the Reformation in 1560, the Abbey fell into disuse.
As you cycle along the coast between Newport and Tayport look out for the interesting lighthouses which line the coast.
The old Pile Lighthouse stands on stilts in the sea opposite Tayport Harbour. It was built in 1848 when the Tay was busy with trading and whaling ships.
Properties
| On Road / Off Road | On and Off Road |
| Terrain | Some Hilly Stretches |
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