Dumbarnie Links, Fife coast, Scotland
Dumbarnie Links Nature Reserve
Coastal reserve
Place photograph
6.3
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.3Rare lime-rich dune grassland meets the Firth of Forth at this wildlife reserve, where the Scottish Wildlife Trust says nearly 2,000 species have been recorded.
Dumbarnie Links earns its place for the unusual richness packed into its coastal grassland: the Scottish Wildlife Trust highlights rare plants, invertebrates and shore and sea birds, alongside a path that brings the Fife coast into the visit.
Wild · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapDumbarnie Links, Fife coast, Scotland
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Follow the Fife Coastal Path from Lower Largo towards the reserve, then explore the coastal habitat and look for flowers, butterflies and birds. The Scottish Wildlife Trust reports recent path flooding, so check conditions before visiting.
Things to do
Walk in from Lower Largo
Follow the Fife Coastal Path east along Largo Bay from the car park at the east end of Lower Largo; the Scottish Wildlife Trust describes the approach as about a mile.
Look for dune grassland wildlife
Explore the reserve’s lime-rich dune grassland, an increasingly rare habitat in eastern Scotland. The Trust highlights rare plants and invertebrates, including butterflies in summer.
Watch for coastal birds
Look and listen for shore and sea birds. The Scottish Wildlife Trust lists skylark, reed bunting and linnet among the wildlife to look for.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check before visiting
Quick coastal wildlife walk
- 01
Start from the car park at the east end of Lower Largo.
- 02
Follow the Fife Coastal Path east along the edge of Largo Bay towards the reserve; the Scottish Wildlife Trust gives the approach as about a mile.
- 03
Explore the reserve for coastal scenery and wildlife, then return the way you came.
Half day · Check before visiting
Make a half day of the coast
- 01
Walk the Fife Coastal Path from Lower Largo to the reserve.
- 02
Spend time looking for dune grassland plants, butterflies and birds.
- 03
Return along the coast path. Check the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s current path notice before setting out.
Hidden details
A rare grassland habitat — The reserve’s lime-rich dune grassland is described by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as an increasingly rare habitat on Scotland’s east coast.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · No specific time of day is recommended by the supplied sources.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust recommends spring and summer for flowers and summer for butterflies; it says birds can be seen all year.
The Trust reports that recent flooding has affected paths. Take care and check current conditions before visiting.
What to look for
Look for lime-rich dune grassland, rare plants, invertebrates and shore and sea birds. The Scottish Wildlife Trust also lists small heath, skylark, reed bunting and linnet among the wildlife to look for.
Best time to go
Spring and summer for flowers; summer for butterflies. Birds can be watched year-round.
Visit in spring or summer for flowers, or in summer for butterflies. Birds are a year-round interest. The Scottish Wildlife Trust does not specify a best time of day.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Practical information
Opening & access
The Scottish Wildlife Trust advises reaching the reserve from the car park at the east end of Lower Largo, then following the Fife Coastal Path east along Largo Bay for about a mile. The Trust reports that recent flooding has affected reserve paths: take care and check current conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
The Scottish Wildlife Trust directs visitors to a car park at the east end of Lower Largo. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs must be kept under close control at all times, according to the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Accessibility
The source row describes main paths as wheelchair-accessible, with some areas potentially requiring assistance. The Scottish Wildlife Trust warns that flooding has recently affected paths; check conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Dumbarnie Links Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
