AMBITIOUS plans to create the Fife Pilgrim Way – a walking route following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims – are currently being consulted on.

The walking route covers the path of pilgrims who, for hundreds of years, journeyed from Culross Abbey and the quay at North Queensferry to St Andrews via Dunfermline.

The Fife Pilgrim Way will take in existing rights of way, paths, tracks and the core path network as well as new paths, offering a variety of walking opportunities for both residents and visitors to Fife.

The Fife Pilgrim Way will link the region’s historic sites of pilgrimage with its award-winning natural beauty, passing landmarks such as Dunfermline Abbey, Markinch, ‘The Waterless Way’ and Ceres, before ending in front of the grand ruins of St Andrews Cathedral.

Simon Phillips, business manager of Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, which is leading the project, said, “We are excited and optimistic that if we can secure the funding and support required to deliver this project, it will bring significant economic benefits for the region and attract many new visitors to Fife.

“It will be a major challenge for the partners to secure the funding required to implement the route, its signage, interpretation and promotion.

“We also need to be aware of the costs associated with maintaining a path of this length and hope that local communities and businesses will support us to help to make this path a reality.” Councillor William Campbell added, “This project spans the whole of Fife and is something we’d love to see happen.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for local communities and businesses to get behind something which will benefit everyone in the area.” For further information on the Fife Pilgrim Way proposals or consultation events, please contact Simon Hill, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, on 03451 555555 ext 450693 or email simon.hill@fifecountryside.co.uk.