Pilgrim Way

Wed, Apr 1st 2026 at 12:40 am - 2:00 am

Rev Simon Hessett

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It is hoped that many Rotarians from Fife Rotary clubs will walk the Pilgrim Way on 31st May

The guest speaker was the Rev Simon Hessett, a minister in the Church of Scotland, speaking about the Fife Pilgrim Way of which he is the new pastor.

Simon looks forward to working with ecumenical partners to encourage greater use of the route. St Andrews was once one of Europe’s major pilgrim destinations when rich and poor would flock to the Cathedral to be near the bones of St Andrew. The Fife Pilgrim Way, which traverses over 64 miles, gives modern walkers the chance to make their own multi-day journey. The route begins at either the ancient burgh of Culross or at North Queensferry and both routes join up at Dunfermline Abbey. The route, created and maintained by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, leads through the heart of the Fife countryside, passing through a mix of fertile fields and reminders of the area’s industrial and mining heritage. A 'passport' scheme enables walkers to log their journey as they walk from place to place. There are seven distinct walks: Culross/ North Queensferry to Dunfermline, Lochore Meadows and then onto Kinglassie, Kinglassie to Markinch then Ceres, and the final walk to St Andrews. Walking the whole route can take around 4 to 5 days. Simon sees his job as a shepherding role and he will encourage walkers to stop, look and listen. He often joins up with pilgrims he meets on the way, and also organises group walks -he has already taken bookings from many groups from America visiting later this year. On the route many churches are now serving refreshments to walkers and they allow walkers to rest for a while en route. The vote of thanks was given by the Rev Ian Hamilton. He thanked Simon for a most informative talk.

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