Local walkers have said this section of path is impassable

A section of the Fife Coastal Path has become so boggy that local walkers claim it has become impossible to pass.

Footpath managers said the section, near the site for the new Castle Golf Course at St Andrews, is known to be a problem but is privately owned.

Access is allowed by permission of the farmer, who is entitled to let his stock graze across the path.

The coastal path has become popular with tourists since it was completed in 2002.

The continuous walkway runs from North Queensferry to Newport on Tay.

While some of the route is long-established, much of it has been created after negotiations with local farmers.

Crail resident John Henderson, who recently attempted to use the path, told the BBC Scotland news website: "Part of it has been completely obliterated.

"The cows have churned everything up. Some parts are really difficult to navigate."

Cattle graze and feed on the cliff-top and coastal footpath

Mr Henderson said there were 10 cows grazing on the footpath when he tried to pass and that a feeding trough had been set up for them.

Rambling groups said they had been raising concerns about that section of path for several years.

Rambling Association area access officer Pat Richie said: "It is a difficult stretch.

"They got some money from the hotel a few years ago but not much happened."

The damaged section of path runs through a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, which maintains the route, said the grazing was needed to maintain the "botanical diversity" of the area.

A spokeswoman said: "That section is on a farmer's land and he is entitled to graze his cattle.

"We share the concerns raised by Mr Henderson and have had our ranger and operations manager on site exploring options.

"In the past stepping stones have been installed along with gravel and small bridges to help with drainage. However, due to the unusually wet winter these have not withstood the pressure.

"We are now looking at innovative solutions which would allow us to improve path conditions across this private land while enabling this special site to flourish.