The Fife Coastal Path

The Fife Coastal Path is the first walk of its kind in Scotland, extending 78 miles, starting at the world famous Forth Bridges and when complete finishing beyond the Tay Bridge. The strategy developed in 1994 recognised that a path of sorts already linked a number of natural and cultural attractions within the coastal zone. As well as providing a providing a long distance route it could also form part of a network of walks, allowing circular walks of different lengths between car parks. Its development as a sustainable tourism product could provide an additional Fife wide attraction in its own right, enhance the existing attractions and tourism products, and in addition generate new tourism products and business. Defined and improved routes, signs and car parks were the main needs.

A Design Guide was produced to establish standards for the various elements and bring coherence and identity to the route. This was especially important as there would be a number of designers involved over a period of years. The guide included a logo and range of sign details including a graphic panel orientation board showing the walk grades, times, distances and facilities. Village entrance plaques, milestones, directionals and roadsigns were also designed.

Having established the strategy and design guide, Ann Nevett was then retained as advisor to the initial Steering and Working Party Implementation Group to establish benchmark phases. Since then much of the route has now been improved and completed and also involved a number of other Landscape Practices from throughout Scotland

A website www.fifecoastalpath.co.uk provides detailed information on the walks and facilities and current status of each length.

Client: Fife Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage and Fife Council

1994-6