Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about the Tentsmuir Cycle Link? We’ve answered the most common ones below. If you’d like to ask something else, feel free to contact us.

About the Route

Why does the path run between Tayport and Leuchars specifically?

This section is the critical missing link in an otherwise continuous route from Dundee to St Andrews, two major economic hubs. Currently there is no safe off-road option for this stretch. Cyclists are forced either onto the A914, which is a busy, fast, and narrow road that many people, particularly families, children, and older adults, find far too dangerous or they have to cycle through gravel paths in Tenstsmuir which are not direct and unsuitable for many types of bike and other forms of active travel.

Completing this connection would unlock the entire Dundee–St Andrews corridor for safe active travel.

How long is the proposed route?

The proposed routes between Tayport and Leuchars are approximately 6.7 - 8.9 km (4.2 - 5.6 miles) long depending on whether the more direct railway route or one that passes along the edge of Tentsmuir forest is built. At a relaxed to moderate cycling pace this takes roughly 20–45 minutes.

Where exactly would the path go?

We have identified three potential routes that would run in or alongside Tentsmuir Forest, a beautiful part of Fife. You can explore the proposed routes in detail on our Map page. Our preferred option is the route along the old railway line but this is subject to a feasibility study and runs through private land.

Why Build It?

Why can’t people just use the existing roads?

The current road options between Tayport and Leuchars are unsuitable for most cyclists:

  • The A914 is a busy, fast-moving road with no dedicated cycling provision and narrow verges.
  • Many people, including children, families, and older or less confident cyclists, simply won’t use it.
  • The road also suffers from potholes and poor sightlines in places.

A safe, dedicated off-road path is needed to make cycling a genuine everyday option for local residents, tourists and commuters.

Haven’t bus services recently been cut in the area - why not spend the money on reinstating those?

Yes. Recent cuts to bus services in Tayport and Leuchars have left many residents with fewer options for getting around without a car. While the cycle path won’t directly replace bus services, it provides an important and reliable alternative for shorter local journeys, particularly to Leuchars railway station, that people can use regardless of timetables or fares. The money ring fenced for cycling cannot be used for more bus services and, even if it could, a cycle path guarantees an alternative option for travel for decades to come, while extra bus services can be withdrawn at any time.

Why don’t we just fix the potholes on the A914 instead?

While fixing potholes on the A914 would be welcome, it wouldn’t address the fundamental safety issues of that road for cyclists. The A914 is a busy, fast-moving road with no dedicated cycling provision and narrow verges. Even if the surface were improved, many people, particularly children, families, and older or less confident cyclists, would still find it too dangerous to use. A dedicated off-road path is needed to make cycling a genuine everyday option for local residents.

What about the farmers and land owners - won’t this negatively impact them?

We made it a priority to engage with the landowners along the proposed routes. We understand that there would be some disruption during construction and then more people would use the paths than currently, but we are committed to working collaboratively to minimise impacts and ensure that the path is designed in a way that respects the needs of local farmers and landowners. While we understand that landowners have objections to the path, we believe many of these can be mitigated and the huge benefits to the community outweigh the temporary inconvenience to land owners.

In the long term, the path could provide benefits such as improved access for farm vehicles and increased foot traffic for local businesses. You can read more about landownership issues here.

How would the path help people get to Leuchars railway station?

Leuchars railway station sits on the main Edinburgh–Dundee–Aberdeen rail line and provides fast connections to Edinburgh and beyond. Currently, accessing the station from Tayport without a car is difficult.

The cycle path would make it straightforward to cycle or walk to the station in 20–45 minutes from Tayport, opening up rail travel for commuters and day-trippers who would otherwise need to drive and park.

Would this benefit people who don’t currently cycle?

Absolutely; and that’s one of the main goals. Research consistently shows that people don’t cycle primarily because roads feel unsafe, not because they lack interest. A safe, off-road path removes the biggest barrier. Many people who wouldn’t dream of cycling on the A914 would be happy to use a well-surfaced, segregated path through Tentsmuir.

The path would also be fully accessible on foot, so it benefits walkers, families with buggies, and people with mobility aids too.

Will it bring more visitors to Tayport?

Yes. The path would make Tayport much more accessible by bike from Leuchars, St Andrews, and Dundee. This increased footfall would benefit local shops, cafes, pubs and businesses, providing a boost to the local economy.

It would also give visitors a new and attractive way to access Tentsmuir Forest and Beach — one of Fife’s most popular natural destinations.

Is the route only useful for leisure cycling?

No, the route is designed for everyday transport as well as leisure. It would be a practical option for:

  • Commuters cycling to Leuchars station or to workplaces in Leuchars (including RAF Leuchars / MOD Leuchars) as well as cyclists who wished to travel between Dundee, Tayport, Leuchars and St Andrews for work or study.
  • Students and families travelling between communities
  • Shoppers and visitors travelling between Dundee, Tayport, Leuchars and St Andrews
  • Recreational cyclists and walkers exploring Tentsmuir

Environment & Health

How does the path help reduce CO₂ emissions?

Every car journey replaced by a bike ride reduces carbon emissions. Studies have shown that investment in cycling infrastructure can produce significant and sustained reductions in car use. By making cycling a safe and practical choice for everyday trips, the Tentsmuir Cycle Link would contribute to reducing the area’s carbon footprint and help meet Scotland’s climate targets.

What are the health benefits?

Regular cycling and walking improve both physical and mental health. A safe local cycle path encourages more people, including those who currently do very little exercise, to build active travel into their daily routines. This has knock-on benefits for the NHS and for individuals’ long-term wellbeing.

Will the path be good for wildlife?

Overall, yes, but of course, laying a surface suitable for cycling will have some localised negative environmental impacts. However, especially for Option A along the old railway line, much of the path is mostly track anyway and so laying a surface suitable for cycling would have little effect on wildlife. The current fields where cycle path may be constructed are used for crops and mostly do have not hedgerows and therefore are not particularly biodiverse habitats. Alongside the path, we would hope to plant native hedgerows and wildflowers; this will support insects, birds and other wildlife — turning the route into a biodiversity asset as well as a transport one.

The Project

Who is behind this campaign?

The campaign is run by a group of local residents and cycling enthusiasts who want to see Tayport, Leuchars and the surrounding communities better connected by safe active travel routes. We work under the name Tentsmuir Cycle Link and engage with Fife Council and other stakeholders to push the project forward. The group is affiliated with Tayport Community Trust.

Where has the project got to so far?

There has been encouraging progress behind the scenes, including early engagement with Fife Council and local representatives. You can read more about the story so far on our blog.

How can I help?

The single most impactful thing you can do right now is take our survey. Demonstrating local support with real numbers is vital for making the case to Fife Council that this route should be prioritised.

Take our Survey!

You can also spread the word by sharing the website with friends, family and neighbours, especially those who live in Tayport, Leuchars and St Andrews.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Feel free to get in touch by email; we’d love to hear from you.