I've just returned from the Camino Ingles and am considering my next walk. Has anyone walked the St Andrews Way in Scotland ( I know there are a few various routes ) who might offer the pros and cons and perhaps some comparison to any of the Santiago routes?
Hi Sophie,
Happy to help.
Firstly I would point you in the direction of the ‘Fife Coast & Countryside Trust" website. They manage the two long distance footpaths in Fife. The online info is accurate and up to date.
Climate - the reason our landscape is green is because is rains a fair bit.
The St. Andrews Way is a recently opened route. It hasn’t yet bedded in and has little in the way of infrastructure supporting Pilgrims. The tracks etc are ancient but the Way is new. There are no dedicated Pilgrim overnight stops or bunkhouses as we call them here. Sad to say that there are few coffee stops enroute. Meeting a fellow pilgrim is a rare thing. I met one group of 6 and later a sole Walker, that apart, solitude. I would describe way marking as "quirky". For some reason the way is marked with very small signs and sometimes, to keep you on your toes, use a variation.
The Fife Coastal Way is a long established walk. Directions are simple - keep the sea on your right hand side,but there is also very good signing. There is much more in the way of infrastructure as you are passing through many more (fishing) villages which have, cafes, hotels, B&B’s etc. (Sorry still no bunkhouses).
Both walks can be started in North Queensferry and finished in St. Andrews.
i have walked both routes and would, without a shadow of a doubt, recommend the Coastal route.
I hope this helps. If you need any further info please get in touch.
Dael