Burntisland, located on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth in Fife, is a popular and accessible spot for the Scottish winging community.
The beach at Pettycur Bay offers a mix of conditions, from flatter water in the lee of the harbour to rolling chop in the open Firth. It is a fantastic venue for progression, providing safe, cross-shore winds in the prevailing South-Westerlies. The local community is very active, with a strong contingent of sailors and windsurfers who have used the bay for years. The benefit of Burntisland is its proximity to Edinburgh and its ability to provide consistent "bump and jump" conditions in a safe, shallow-sloping environment. Ideal Conditions: SW, W. South-Westerly winds blow cleanly across the Firth of Forth.
SW, W, S (SW is cleanest across the Forth)
15-25 knots is the sweet spot for most; 4-5m wings in lighter air, switching to 3m wings when it exceeds 28 knots.
Overall
Offers a mix of conditions with clean cross-shore winds near Edinburgh.
Vibe & Crowds
Active and social. A strong local contingent of sailors and windsurfers who are very welcoming. Moderate. Popular on weekends, but the bay at Pettycur is wide enough for all.
Suitable For
The shallow-sloping sand makes for a safe entry, but the low-tide mudflats must be avoided.
Negatives & Hazards
Submerged rocks near the Black Rocks area; fast tidal currents in the main Firth; busy with families in summer.
Burntisland
Open in Google MapsAmple parking at the Links or Pettycur Bay; easy launch from the sandy beach.
Best at High Tide. At low tide, the water retreats significantly, revealing vast sandflats and some mud.
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at support@knotnow.co.uk
LIVE hourly wind, an interactive wind map with customised forecast ratings, and a 14-day outlook on the same page - everything you need to plan a session at Burntisland.
High and low water times, tide curves, moon phase, and spring vs neap context - plan your winging or sailing session around the tide at Burntisland, Fife.
Water quality at Burntisland
At KnotNow, we report on real-time sewage discharge data to help you decide if the conditions at Burntisland, Fife are right for you to sail or wing foil.
Wind and weather forecasts for Burntisland are provided to help you plan your sessions. Conditions at this coastal location can change quickly, so always check the actual conditions when you arrive and trust your judgment. These forecasts are for recreational planning - always prioritize safety and verify conditions yourself before heading out. Tidal predictions for Burntisland are based on the nearest primary station at BURNTISLAND (0.83km away). Local conditions can vary from these predictions due to coastal topography and weather effects. Always verify tidal conditions on arrival - these predictions are for planning purposes only, not for navigational use or critical safety decisions.
