Kinshaldy is the main place to start your visit to the popular Tentsmuir Forest, which has something for everyone. Its flat paths are ideal for walkers and cyclists. There's a play area and picnic site and access to the sand dunes and beach (although swimming is not recommended).

How to get there
Leuchars is the nearest town or village.  OS Grid Reference: NO498242
By road from Leuchars or Tayport - on A92, follow signs for beach. By foot from Tayport into northern end of forest

Opening times
Car park opens daily at 9.00am, however the times of closure vary throughout the year.

There is limited space in the car park.  Occasionally, especially during the summer holidays and on sunny weekends, it is necessary to restrict access and even to close the site.  This is to preserve the special qualities of Tentsmuir and to maintain a safe environment for everyone. 

When we do this we will put a sign at the main junction to Tentsmuir, before the entrance.  Please come back another day.

Closing Times for 2009

  • Aug 22nd - Sept 25th: last entry 18:00, car park locked 18:30
  • Sept 26th - Oct 23rd: last entry 17:00, car park locked 17:30
  • Oct 24th - Nov 6th: last entry 16:00, car park locked 16:30
  • Nov 7th - Feb 2010: last entry 15:00, car park locked 15:30

Please note, last entry is 30 minutes before closing time. Vehicles must be out of the forest by closing time as gates are then locked. Overnight stays are not permitted. 


Car parking charge: £1 per vehicle, payable at the electronic barrier. Please have the correct change available.

Barbeques
Barbecues are permitted, however they must take place within the picnic area, not on the beach. The bricks provided are to be used to avoid burning the tables.  Please also be aware that no alcohol may be consumed on the site and that you must take all rubbish away with you, including the barbecue (which can be cooled down with water from a tap outside the toilets if required).

Toilets
There are easy access toilet facilities. Please note that due to the risk of frost damage, all toilets are closed during the winter months.

Horse Riding and Parking at Tentsmuir
For safety reasons, horse owners are requested to unbox on the lane going down to Kinshaldy stables, although space is limited. If this area is full, Kinshaldy stables staff may, for a charge, permit parking on their ground. Use of their toilets will also incur a charge. The stables are independent of the Forestry Commission.  Once there, the staff can advise on the preferred route to the beach avoiding the road. We request, due to the high pressure of usage by other visitors, that the dunes directly in front of the car park are avoided, however horse riding is permitted along the beach and the rides at Tentsmuir. We also request that horse riders avoid the main car park and tarmac road into the forest

Please be a considerate visitor
The forest is used for a lot of different activities. You may meet other people during your visit - please respect their rights to enjoy their recreation.

This is also a working forest, and you may come across work sites, workers and vehicles 7 days a week. Please obey any safety signs and instructions and don't enter any areas where access has been restricted.