Walks near Dundee by train
Angus · Scotland
MapA day hike in the countryside is just a simple train journey away — explore the most charmingly located railway stations near Dundee and plan your next day of green.
Alternatively, view walks directly from Dundee.
Bridge of Allan Circular via Dumyat (Stirlingshire)
1 hour from Dundee, with one change.
Moderate climb to Dumyat, the landmark peak at the western Ochils, through mixed woodland and a rhododendron tunnel, with summit views to the Wallace Monument.
Dumyat: A prominent peak at the western end of the Ochil Hills offering outstanding panoramic views over Strathallan and the Forth valley.
Time: 4h30
Warnings: A moderate hill climb with steep, occasionally slippery paths and crag edges; take care on the descent.
Walk details: Strathallan Community Rail Partnership (PDF).
North Queensferry to Burntisland (Fife)
1 hour from Dundee, with one change.
Scenic coastal walk on the Fife Coastal Path beneath the iconic Forth Bridge, through charming towns including Aberdour with its harbour and sandy beach, on to Burntisland.
Warnings: Exposed to coastal weather; pack layers and waterproofs.
Walk details: ScotRail (tips).
Carnoustie to Monifieth (Angus)
15 minutes direct from Dundee.
Recommended: All inland as the headland is not walkable, though it still has a coastal feel.
Walk details: Railwalks.
Aberdour to Inverkeithing (Fife)
1 hour from Dundee, with one change.
Recommended: Mainly hard-surfaced with a few short climbs, around suburban Dalgety Bay with some sections secluded by trees and great views to the Forth bridges.
Coastal: nine tenths along the coast.
Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.
Time: 3h–6h30
Warnings: A few short climbs.
Walk details: Railwalks.
Leven to Kirkcaldy (Fife)
45 minutes direct from Dundee.
Portlethen to Stonehaven (Kincardineshire)
45 minutes direct from Dundee.
Recommended
Walk details: Railwalks.
Dalgety Bay to Burntisland (Fife)
1 hour from Dundee, with one change.
Very nice section of The Fife Coastal Path; a stunning section of the Fife Coast Path. A stunning section of the Fife Coastal Path with good surfaces throughout and minimal gradients and becoming a little industrial on the final approach to Burntisland. The pavement is narrow through Aberdour. Follows the Fife Coastal Path; the journey can be broken at Aberdour (station and buses) or combined with the Inverkeithing to Dalgety Bay route. A little waterfall near Aberdour is worth seeing.
Coastal: almost all along the coast.
Woodland: a quarter under tree cover.
Time: 3h–5h30
Lunch: Easy access to facilities along and at either end of the route.
Warnings: The pavement is narrow through Aberdour.
Walk details: Slow Ways.
Cowdenbeath to Burntisland (Fife)
1 hour from Dundee, with one change.
About half on road, half off-road, with gorse, grazing animals, kissing gates, stiles and small lochs. Most road sections are small and quiet or in-town with good pavements and though there is a 2 km stretch along the A909. Includes the Old North Road local heritage trail and a footpath along the banks of Stenhouse Reservoir, with likely views to the Firth of Forth. Optional side trips up Dunearn Hill (an ancient hill-fort) or Burntisland Binn. Bring food and drink as there is nowhere to stop and eat; bus routes on the B925 and B9157.
Time: 3h–6h30
Lunch: Nowhere to eat en route — pack lunch!
Warnings: Follows a busy road for a fifth of the walk.
Walk details: Slow Ways.
Arbroath to Montrose (Angus)
15 minutes direct from Dundee.
Breath-taking views along the cliffs. A dramatic clifftop coastal walk on worn-grass and farm tracks (which can be muddy), with sandy beach, pebble-beach and some road sections. Spectacular cliff scenery throughout and with steps and erosion in places. Crosses the Montrose Basin (a notable wildlife site) on the approach to Montrose; nice artworks line the path into town. Optional diversions take in Lunan Bay, Red Castle and Scurdie Ness.
Coastal: three fifths along the coast.
Time: 8h30–17h30
1 lunch spot: the But 'n' Ben
Warnings: The route runs close to cliff edges where there is some erosion; watch your footing and follow any diversion signs. Some farm-track sections can be muddy.
Walk details: Slow Ways.
Reverse direction: Railwalks.
Carnoustie to Arbroath (Angus)
15 minutes direct from Dundee.
Beautiful views; nice views out to sea. An easy, flat walk on unsurfaced hardcore running level alongside the railway for most of the route, with town streets twisting through at each end and nice sea views. Suitable for cycles and wheelchairs and pushchairs. Follows the train line. East Haven has a small beach.
Coastal: almost all along the coast.
Time: 3h–6h
1 end-of-walk reward: the Marcos
Warnings: There is a possibility of flooding at one point, though remedial work has been done and it is fine in most weathers.
Walk details: Slow Ways.
Reverse direction: Railwalks.
Cupar to Leuchars (Fife)
15 minutes direct from Dundee.
Ladybank to Leven (Fife)
30 minutes direct from Dundee.