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Key Information

Starting Point

Grid Reference: NO603121

Postcode: KY16 8TN

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Grading...

Weather...

Temperature

12°C

Feels Like...

11°C

Wind Speed

4 mph

Chance of precipitation

4%

On this walk...

Other Beaches

Check the red message bar on our website and the specific website page for the route you plan to walk for any route changes prior to starting your walk.

Kingsbarns Beach

Kingsbarns Beach is a two-mile stretch of coastline backed by an extensive sand dune system. The main beach is composed of soft sand; however, numerous jagged rocks and boulders are present, particularly along the lower shore.

 

The beach is moderately exposed to easterly and north-easterly winds, facing the North Sea. This exposure produces small to moderate waves in calm conditions and larger waves during onshore winds. Shore break can occur at low tide, and surf becomes more energetic on a rising tide. While suitable for paddling and swimming in calm conditions, rougher weather can rapidly increase wave height and create hazardous conditions, particularly near the rocky lower shore.

 

Kingsbarns Beach is a popular, designated bathing water, attracting a high number of visitors including swimmers and surfers. Facilities located behind the dunes include a food outlet, sauna, public toilets, and a car park. Due to the variable and potentially challenging conditions, the beach is recommended for experienced swimmers rather than novices.

 
A short distance along from the beach is Cambo Estate, with its beautiful walks and stunning gardens. The Fife Coastal Path runs along the beach.

 

Watch Out for Wildlife

If you wait quietly by a rock pool you may see the inhabitants emerge from their hiding places among seaweed and stones. These might be shore crabs, hermit crabs, prawns, jelly-like sea anemones, starfish and small fish like Blennies. Then there are also slow moving limpets, periwinkles and dog whelks. Rockpools certainly are busy places and a wonderful way to spend some time on your visit.

On the seashore you will see the many different shore birds which come to feed on worms and molluscs like gulls, eider ducks, oystercatchers and redshanks.

The sand dunes at the beach are very important, providing food and cover for the insects and small birds that live or visit the beach. Sand dunes stabilise the beach and prevent coastal erosion. Please help to protect them by avoiding walking over the delicate coastal vegetation.

 

Safe to swim?

Before considering open water swimming in this location, please watch this video and make an informed choice.

 

Parking at Kingsbarns Car Park.

  • Overnight capacity: 8 vehicles only
  • Parking Charge Overnight: £10
  • Parking Charge Daytime: Under 2 hours free / All day parking £2
  • Parking Machine: Cash & Card
  • Disabled Parking Daytime: Free
  • Overnight Toilets: Yes

For full details of overnight parking at sites managed by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust visit the plan your trip section of our website.

Kingsbarns Beach are winners of a Keep Scotland Beautiful 2025 Scotland’s Beach Award.

Our ‘Fringe of Gold’ Beaches leaflet can be downloaded from the Resources section of our website.

If the car park is full please move on to a different location. Please do not park in the passing places or within Kingsbarns village, as this obstructs the residents accessing their properties.

Car parks managed by FCCT.

Kingsbarns Beach Fife family with dog walking along beach