Coastal path brings £3.7m cash injection to Fife

FIFE Coastal Path has been hailed as a magnet for tourism, after new figures revealed more than three million visitors walked the route last year.

In total, more than 3.36 million people laced up their hiking boots and took to the coast in 2015, with 36,000 completing the full 120-mile route.

The study also revealed a massive increase in repeat visitors, rising to 89%.

A multi-million pound cash injection has been provided to the Fife economy as a result, according to a visitor use and economic impact study commissioned by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust.

Trust chairman Stephen Carter said: “The report reflects the positive endorsement of all that Fife has to offer along its stunning coastline.

“We are delighted that so many people are actively visiting and engaging with the Fife Coastal Path, which continues to boost tourism; 49% of business owners in the Fife area have reported a positive effect on their companies as a result of increased visitors to coastal locations, which the survey shows continues to rise.

“Visitor expenditure is on the up and we hope to replicate this along the entire length of the Fife Coastal Path.”

In total, it is estimated that the path has generated around £3.7 million annually for local businesses.

Lynne Short and Alex Garthley.

The path at Elie