Walking Mends My Mind

A Publication by Gary @ Write Up Ur Street–Fife

Kirkcaldy Strong More than just a walk. 

The heart of a community, the Kirkcaldy Strong Walk is a testament to what happens when personal resilience meets civic pride. Now celebrating its sixth year, the event has grown from a solo recovery mission into a local tradition.

The Spark of Resilience: When Lisa May Young contracted COVID-19 in late 2020, the world was a frightening place. Ambulances lined up outside hospitals, and the future felt uncertain. But for Lisa, that period of isolation and illness sparked a “brainchild” inspired by the “Boston Strong” slogan. that would eventually weave the fabric bringing Kirkcaldy closer together, Lisa felt that the people of Kirkcaldy possessed that same grit.

During lockdown: Lisa made a personal vow to reclaim her health and what began as a simple circle around the block evolved into longer treks through the town, on one of her walks passing by the play park near Asda, is when she had a vision: 

What if a group of us did this? 

What if we did it for local charities?

What if everyone joined together as one?

“Walking is my anchor,” Lisa says. “You never feel bad after a walk.”

She envisioned a town that didn’t wait for government permission to improve, but instead thrived through grassroots initiatives, creative use of empty spaces, and a deep appreciation for the Fife Coastal Path and the Langtoon Waterfront.

Kirkcaldy Strong was born: As a vision built on handshakes, not paperwork, while many community projects get bogged down in bureaucracy, Lisa was adamant that the Kirkcaldy Strong Walk remain informal and direct. The event had to operate on a foundation of trust and human connection.

• Direct Impact: Every penny raised goes straight to the participating local charities.

• Grassroots Partnerships: Key support has come from the Linton Lane Centre, Nourish, and the Rapid Relief Team, who provide the now-famous post-walk burgers.

• Simple Networking: There are no formal committees or endless email chains—just “conversations over a cup of tea.”

More Than Just Miles: The walk has become a living timeline of Kirkcaldy’s community spirit. Over the years, the event has created a unique “magic” in the streets:

• Shared Challenges: Watching families from Nourish conquer the “big hill” 

• Growing Together: Seeing children who first joined as toddlers return year after year.

• Civic Pride: From cars beeping in support to the King’s Theatre opening its doors to shelter walkers from the rain, the event proves the town is vibrant and resilient.

A Legacy: As the event enters its next chapter, Lisa is handing over the reins to the Linton Lane Centre and Dunnikier Country Park Development Group. Her goal was never to own the idea, but to ignite a concept that belongs to the people of Kirkcaldy.

“I want the concept to live on.” Whether it expands to other towns as a “Fife Strong Walk” or stays a local Kirkcaldy staple, the message remains the same: “Don’t wait for permission to make your community better, Just get out there and run with your ideas”

Family & Community at the Heart: Lisa says,the most memorable part of these walks for me isn’t the distance covered—it’s the people. Having my Mum and Dad there every single step of the way, along with the incredible support from all of you, means the world to me. Family and community aren’t just parts of my life; they are who I am.

A Message from Lisa: So, let’s clear the air, I won’t be going anywhere! I will still be attending every single walk, cheering you on and supporting each one of you from the starting line to the very finish. It’s time to show everyone just how strong Kirkcaldy really is.

Walk 6 “Long may it continue”

• When: 6th June 2026 09:30 Start

. Where: Oswald Sensory Garden Dunnikier Country Park

. Finish: The Kings Theatre 

• The Kit: Grab your yellow coat and lace up your trainers.

• The Goal: Support your community and walk together.

Come and join us and let’s make this next walk the best one yet!