Walk this way: Fife

On this Scottish clifftop walk, a straightforward route means you can concentrate on enjoying the pretty fishing village and abundant wildlife

Why go? This stretch of the 93-mile-long Fife Coastal Path makes comfortable walking, with the fishing villages of Elie, Anstruther, St Monans and Crail providing diverting stopping-off points. In between are stretches of rocky and sandy coastline peppered with architectural ruins and geological features, including the extraordinary, weathered sandstone Caiplie Caves.

 

The route: Join the coastal path just after Crail, passing The Pans (the ruins of a medieval saltworks) and the Caiplie Caves, until you reach Cellardyke, which merges into Anstruther. The path skirts the town and harbour, and continues along a clifftop to Pittenweem. Walk through the village to St Monans. Carry on, past the ruins of Ardross Castle, through Elie, past its lighthouse and on to the beach. Proceed to Earlsferry beach, where you can take the Chain Walk or the clifftop path. The walk ends in Shell Bay near the caravan park.

 

Difficulty ● ● ● 

 

Duration: 9 miles

 

Stamina required? The path is mostly flat with few gradients to conquer. The only serious challenge is the Elie Chain Walk: a series of steps carved into the cliff face, navigated by holding on to chains. The less adventurous may prefer the official clifftop path.

 

Refuelling options? The Anstruther Fish Bar (UK winner of the Seafi sh Fish & Chip Shop of the Year Award 2008/9), 42-44 Shore Street, Anstruther (01333 310518, www.anstrutherfishbar. co.uk), is a good lunch stop but factor in time to join the ever-present queue. For a reward at the end of the walk, book a table at the Michelin-starred, family-run Sangster's, 51 High Street, Elie (01333 331001, www.sangsters.co.uk).

 

What else is there to see? This stretch of coastline is a geologist's paradise, with evidence of its volcanic past much in evidence in the form of raised beaches and carboniferous rock. The volcanic plug of the Bass Rock (home to the gannet) is visible across the sea, as is the Isle of May National Nature Reserve (for boat trips from Anstruther, see isleofmayferry.com).

 

What to bring: Summer weather can still be erratic, so it's always a good idea to carry a lightweight cover-up when out walking. This hooded top by Sprayway, £40, is made from bamboo, adapts to warm or cold conditions and absorbs moisture more effectively than cotton.

It is also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal so keeps fresh whatever the weather (0161 366 5020, www.sprayway.com).

 

What to take home: The Ardross Farm Shop, run by farming family the Pollocks, sells the best local farm produce, including beef from their own herd, steak pies, fresh vegetables,ice cream, free-range eggs, homemade jam and delicious honey. Open daily in summer; Wednesday-Sunday in winter. Elie, Fife (01333 331400, www.ardrossfarm.co.uk).

 

Wildlife highlights: Seals, dolphins and whales have all been spotted. Keep binoculars handy to view oystercatchers, redshanks and eider ducks, among others.

 

And for the kids? The Blue Flag beach at Elie Harbour has water-sports equipment to hire and ‘adventure trips' on inflatables. The craggy coastline is also great for rockpooling.

 

Where to stay: The Inn at Lathones, Largoward (01334 840494, www.theinn.co.uk) is a little inland but worth booking for its recently smartened rooms and live music venue.

 

Don't miss... Known as the St Ives of Scotland, Pittenweem has about 30 resident artists. Its annual Arts Festival on 1-9 August (www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk) sees them open their studios, homes and gardens to exhibit and sell their work.

 

Getting there: Access is by car from the A917 or by bus (numbers 26 or 95).

 

OS maps: Explorer 371 St Andrews & East Fife; Landranger 59 St Andrews. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online.

 

For more information: For info on the Fife Coastal Path, see www.visitscotland.com/perfectwalks. For where to eat, along with details on food festivals and trails, visit www.eatscotland.com.

 

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Read more about the Fife Coastal Path in our long-distance footpath guide

 

Find one hundred wonderful walks - 11 more in Scotland - here

 

 

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