Largo Serpentine
Largo
Woodland Trust wood group
- Largo Serpentine
- Selkirk Ground
Size:
1.09 ha (2.69 acres)
Grid reference:
NO424028
Map reference:
Explorer 371
OS Landranger 59
Largo Serpentine is a narrow strip of broadleaf woodland by the Fife coast. It is home to the Serpentine Walk from which the site takes its name.
Estimated to be 200 years old, the Serpentine Walk is a pleasant trail which links Upper and Lower Largo and the Fife Coastal Path. Complete with a sea view towards the southern end, this slice of woodland provides a scenic route to the coast.
Features
- Parking nearby
- Public access
- Broadleaved woodland
How to get to Largo Serpentine
Largo Serpentine is situated on the Fife coastline and connects the villages of Upper Largo to the north and Lower Largo to the south.
Largo Serpentine sits just south of the A915. From Lower Largo, the Temple Beach car park (KY8 6BJ) can be reached by following Durham Wynd south before turning east onto Main Street. Please note that roads in the area are narrow with sharp bends. From the car park, you can either walk up the steps at the back to join the Fife Coastal Path or follow Main Street east until you meet the southeast entrance of the wood.
The nearest train station is Leven, approximately 6km (4 miles) from the wood.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The nearest bus stop is at the post office in Upper Largo and lies roughly 300m away from the northern entrance. Alternatively, the Harbour Wynd stop in Lower Largo is approximately 1km (0.5 mile) away.
Visit Traveline for more information.
Facilities and access
The site takes its name and shape from the Serpentine Walk, which runs through the site from north to south, forking into two spurs at its southern end that both meet the Fife Coastal Path. The paths are a mixture of surfaced hardcore sections and unsurfaced sections.
The nearest parking is located at Temple Beach car park at the east end of Lower Largo (KY8 6BJ). This is a free, council-owned car park with a toilet and two electric car charging points, as well as space for roughly 30 cars. The woodland is located 150m to the east of the car park.
The nearest public toilets are located at Temple Beach car park (KY8 6BJ). Disabled access toilets can be found at Elie Harbour (KY9 1DT).
Wildlife and habitats
Animals
Despite its size, Largo Serpentine is an important pocket of established woodland, acting as a wildlife corridor in a wider agricultural landscape. Spot insects such as green-veined butterflies and buff-tailed bumblebees, and enjoy listening to a variety of birdsong during your visit.
Look out for
Trees, plants and fungi
Parts of the woodland are long-established, having likely been planted as part of the Largo House Estate, which was built in 1750. Although narrow, there is still plenty of wildlife to find including some lovely crab apple trees and various wildflowers.
Look out for
Habitats
The Largo Burn runs the length of Largo Serpentine, connecting the woodland to the coast and providing a riparian habitat. The woodland in the northern part of the Serpentine Walk is categorised as a Long-Established of Plantation Origin in terms of antiquity and biodiversity.
Explore
History
The Serpentine Walk has historic significance, having originally been designed as part of the Largo House estate. As such, the path has been used as a link between villages for at least 200 years.
The site was acquired by the Woodland Trust in 1988; a feat made possible by a substantial donation from the local community, raised via the North-East Fife District Council. The Selkirk Ground, an area of adjacent open field, was gifted to the Trust by the Selkirk family. Interestingly, Alexander Selkirk (1676-1723) is said to have been inspiration for Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. The northern part of Selkirk Ground is a now thriving area for planted wild cherry, rowan and other native trees.
Things to do
For those looking for a longer walk, join the Fife Coastal Path as it winds its way through Lower Largo and around the coast. Lower Largo itself also has lots to offer, with the beach and statue of Robinson Crusoe both a stone’s throw from the end of the Serpentine Walk.
Discover more things to do at Largo Serpentine
Visiting woods
Walking dogs in our woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
Events
Discover events at our woods and the festivals and fairs you can find us at soon.
Visiting woods
Things to do in the woods
Go on an adventure. Get closer to nature. Uncover history. Discover ways to explore the UK's woods whatever the season.
A lasting legacy
This wood is just one of many to have been protected by gifts in wills, securing it for generations to come. Your legacy gift could also make a real difference to woods, trees and wildlife.
Learn what your gift could mean
