The Limekilns in Charlestown

A combination of coastal footpaths and inland countryside tracks give this circuit variety. Starting along the promenade, delve into the history of the village of Charlestown as you pass the 14 limekilns which were quarried into the cliffs in the 1700s. Walk on the former Elgin railway followed by a minor road high behind the village before returning to the shorefront via a series of farm and woodland tracks. Pass the impressive Broomhall House en route, as well as the Limekilns War Memorial.

Technical sheet

25945149
A Fife walk posted on 24/08/22 by Gillian's Walks. Last update : 24/08/22
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.14 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 1h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 32 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 32 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 42 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5 m
  • ⚐
    District: Fife 
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 56.034404° / W 3.486166°

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Limekilns

Description

(S/E) Leave the Harbour Car Park to walk West along the Promenade in the direction of Charlestown (the water should be on your left-hand side).

Pass the War Memorial then turn left (West) down Saltpans. Saltpans soon becomes East Harbour Road where you pass the limekilns themselves, then West Harbour Road.

(1)Near the end of West Harbour Road follow the road as it bends to the right (North West). The road soon ends and leads onto a narrow earth track, signposted "Public Path to Lyne Burn".

(2) After a short distance you will then walk along the wooden slats of a disused railway. Continue past a bridge which comes into view on your right and look out for a fork on the right leading to some steps. Climb the steps and cross the bridge then continue along the track behind a large house.

Turn left (North East) at the fork and left again (North) onto West Road.

(3) After 730m, just before reaching A985, turn right (East) onto the NCN 76 cycle track. This road bends to the right before passing the Scottish Lime Centre Trust building. It then heads uphill and bends to the left.

(4) Continue all the way to the end of the road, coming off the cycle track towards the end, then turn right (South East) and follow this track for 1km towards Broomhall House.

(5) As you approach the house you will come to a crossroads where you should turn right (South West), heading away from Broomhall.

Pass through the gate and follow the track as it bends left and passes the site of a former quarry.

The next section of footpath is on high ground above the Promenade and emerges out of the woods at Charlestown Bowling Club.

(6) Pass the car park then turn left (South) onto Cross Row before using the gap in the stone wall to take the steps down onto Main Road.

(7) Turn left (East) and walk along Main Road, becoming the Promenade 200m along. You will again pass the war memorial (climb up for a closer look if you wish).

The Harbour Car Park is 350m further along the road on the right (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 10 m - Harbour Car Park, Limekilns (KY11 3HH)
  2. 1 : km 1.5 - alt. 9 m - Narrow earth track
  3. 2 : km 1.81 - alt. 9 m - Turn right to steps and bridge
  4. 3 : km 2.87 - alt. 25 m - Right turn onto NCN 76
  5. 4 : km 3.39 - alt. 42 m - Right turn towards Broomhall House
  6. 5 : km 4.44 - alt. 42 m - Right turn away from Broomhall House
  7. 6 : km 5.36 - alt. 23 m - Steps leading to Main Road
  8. 7 : km 5.74 - alt. 14 m - Path to war memorial
  9. S/E : km 6.14 - alt. 10 m - Harbour Car Park, Limekilns (KY11 3HH)

Useful Information

For more information and a walk review, visit Gillian's Walks

Transport

  • Harbour Car Park just off the Promenade on the edge of Limekilns village (KY11 3HH)
  • Closest train station is Dunfermline, 3.5 miles (5.5 km) away. Local bus service to Limekilns village stops at the harbour where the walk begins.
  • Limekilns village sits on the NCN 76 cycle route along the Fife coast so can also be reached by bike

Terrain
Surfaced roads and promenades, roadside pavements, earth tracks, some uneven terrain along an old railway line and large set of steps to reach a bridge. Overall a pretty flat walk.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

During the walk or to do/see around

  • Villages of Limekilns and Charlestown on the Fife Coast
  • Fife Coastal Path
  • 14 historical limekilns
  • War memorial
  • Disused railway line
  • NCN 76 cycle track
  • Scottish Lime Centre Trust building
  • Broomhall House
  • Former quarry site

Other walks in the area

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.

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