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Tentsmuir Forest, Tayport

4.2

#1 of 6 in Things to do in Tayport

Forest · Nature / Park

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Tentsmuir Forest is in north east Fife, Scotland. Covering some 5 square miles (13 km2), the forest was originally sand dunes and moorland before acquisition by the Forestry Commission in the 1920s. The forest consists mainly of Scots pine and Corsican pine, and is now owned by Forestry and Land Scotland, successor body to the Forestry Commission.

Three parts of the area, Morton Lochs, Tentsmuir Point and Tayport Heath are managed by NatureScot, and are now designated as Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, with Tentsmuir Forest covering most of the land between the three portions of the NNR.
Tentsmuir is notable for the many concrete blocks known as 'Dragon's Teeth' distributed along the shoreline, which acted as coastal defence against landing craft during World War II. The nearby Leuchars Station means that military aircraft are often seen (and heard), but aviation links go back to 1911 with the setting up of a Royal Engineers training camp. During World War II, troops of the Polish Army were based here to staff the coastal defences.
Also of interest is a 19th-century icehouse, historically used to store salmon but now an important artificial bat roost.

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Tentsmuir Forest reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

201 reviews

Google

4.6

By sandramontrose77

The kids park is great, as are the views from the dunes. However the place is ruined by the litter everywhere. Provide bins and get someone out there daily to look after the place. Every single area..... more

The kids park is great, as are the views from the dunes. However the place is ruined by the litter everywhere. Provide bins and get someone out there daily to look after the place. Every single area..... more »
By T631OMpeterd

After walking through the forest with my family and just making it to the beech due to flooded dunes we walked back along the beech the car park only to be completely cut of due to the flooding...

After walking through the forest with my family and just making it to the beech due to flooded dunes we walked back along the beech the car park only to be completely cut of due to the flooding... more »
By AntheaJG

We were very disappointed with our visit to the forest and nature reserve. So many dogs not on leads which made it very unpleasant to walk through the woods with dogs barking and jumping up at us...

We were very disappointed with our visit to the forest and nature reserve. So many dogs not on leads which made it very unpleasant to walk through the woods with dogs barking and jumping up at us... more »

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Google

By Rebecca Johnston

Visited today and was not let down. £2 entry to car park (coins only) is something I don't mind paying for a place as nice as this. Toilets on site, Salt and Pine food shack which was delicious! Some lovely walks and plenty of parking. All very well maintained. The drive up to the car park is tight with passing places but is lovely in itself. Gorgeous horses too!

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By Andrew Roberts

Best beach I’ve ever been on well kept and long plenty room for everyone

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By Omar Bashir

Nice gravel paths leading to beach. Really enjoyable for a quiet walk / cycle. Follow the sign for carpark if you want a delicious crepe to top off the adventure.

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By A I

Another great Fife coastal walk. Beach, dunes and woodland with snack bar, picnic tables, toilets and car parking. Make sure and have some cash in case car park barriers are operating.

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By John Smith

£2 for the car park..but lovely walks and cycling. Enormous beach and look out for seals. Good crepe cafe open during the summer. Well worth a visit.

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