Walk Leader
Monica Vella
Capacity
10
Kirkcaldy Old Kirk is the oldest building in continuous use in the town, and today it warmly welcomes everyone as a non-denominational Christian church. Founded by Columban monks from Iona in the 7th century, it was reconsecrated by Catholic Bishop de Bernham in 1244. The church's oldest section, a charming 15th-century, 7-metre-square tower, is part of the Corpus of Medieval Churches in Fife. Notably, Adam Smith was baptised in the Old Kirk. Visitors are often drawn to its captivating architecture, peaceful churchyard, and spectacular stained glass windows.
Just a short 17-minute drive from the Old Kirk is St Bridget’s Kirk. Founded in the 1170s, it served the community right up until 1830. This historic church was gifted to the canons of Inchcolm Priory by William I, and in 1244, it was reconsecrated and dedicated to St Bridget.
Today, the extensive remains of St Bridget's Church stand proudly above the shoreline at the head of Dalgety Bay, an inlet on the north shore of the Firth of Forth. The picturesque ruins can be found at the eastern edge of Dalgety Bay's settlement, offering a lovely spot to explore and enjoy the views.
Our photowalk begins at Oswald’s Wynd Car Park, just a short, pleasant walk from the Old Kirk. If the group wishes, we can spend at least two hours enjoying and photographing both the inside and the beautiful surroundings of the Old Kirk. Afterwards, we’ll head to St Bridget’s Kirk, which is just a short drive away and promises more wonderful photo opportunities.
While there is no parking immediately next to St. Bridget's, you can conveniently park next to Cornerstone Full Gospel Church, Four Lums, Aberdour, Dalgety Bay, Burntisland KY3 0RY and enjoy a short, easy 10-minute walk on a paved footpath with a gentle incline to reach St Bridget’s Kirk. Once there, you'll find plenty to photograph, including a beautiful view of the Kirk and the surrounding area if you climb a short flight of stairs.
After spending a few hours at St. Bridget’s Kirk, anyone looking to end the day on a cozy note can enjoy a visit to the charming Aberdour Bistro, where you’ll find delicious coffee, tea, cakes, and more. The friendly staff at the Bistro are happy to reserve a table for our group, making sure everyone feels welcome and comfortable.
Walk Location
Kirkcaldy Old Kirk & St Bridget's Kirk
Walk Directions
The meeting point is the Oswald’s Wynd Car Park at 10:00 sharp located at Oswalds Wynd, Kirkcaldy KY1 1HB. What3words: ///kauppa.joulupukki.hämäys
Other nearby parking options include street parking on Kirk Wynd/Hunter Street and the Coal Wynd or Esplanade car parks.
Accessibility
The Old Kirk offers reasonable accessibility, featuring mostly level access throughout the church and disabled-accessible toilets. Visitors should enter via Oswald’s Wynd/Church Lane to avoid the steep stairs at the Kirk Wynd entrance. The site includes a wheelchair-accessible graveyard, though the historic tower requires stairs.
St Bridget's Kirk ruins are situated in a graveyard with grassy, uneven ground. The site is reached by walking down a path from the nearby residential area. While the main area of the Kirk is accessible, the site is a ruin with some potentially challenging terrain, including a small "watch house" built into the wall and stone steps that lead up to the upper floor of the laird's loft.
Feedback Meeting Type
Zoom
Feedback Talk Date and Time