Elie to Anstruther (6 miles)
We are now in an area of Fife known as the East Neuk. This walk takes us through three fishing villages but you can of course shorten the expedition. All three places are linked with Elie by buses X60 and 95. From Elie High Street, head down towards the beach and follow the usual signage. The grassy path to St Monans sticks fairly close to the old coast railway and the occasional stone bridge can be seen.
St Monans has a traditional harbour and the East Pier Smokehouse is open from Easter until the end of October (every day during summer months). If you fancy a pint, climb up Station Road to the Mayview Hotel which has real ales. Leaving the village, we pass a windmill, an outdoor swimming pool (no longer maintained) and the remains of salt pans on the shore.
Push on to Pittenweem which also has a quaint harbour. This port still has a strong commercial presence and a fish market takes place every morning. It's a steep hike up to the High Street, should you wish to take a look. The Cocoa Tree chocolatier and the Pittenweem Fish & Chip Bar are situated next to each other. A bit further uphill on the A917 is the West End Bar which serves cask ale.
Between Pittenweem and Anstruther the path follows the edge of a golf course and you are asked to stay on the boundary to avoid disturbing players. Anstruther is by far the busiest place in the East Neuk and tourists throng the harbour area all year round. There are many eating options in this bustling town. The legendary Anstruther Fish Bar is famous all over the country and has won countless awards. It has been patronised by royalty and Hollywood stars. The queues sometimes stretch out to the street. Just along the road is the Scottish Fisheries Museum which has a surprising amount of exhibition space.
Ale lovers will find plenty choice. The Dreel Tavern and The Bank are encountered on the way into town while The Boathouse and Ship Tavern are along at the harbour end. Boat trips on the May Princess can be taken to the Isle of May, which some say marks the point where the Firth of Forth becomes the North Sea. The island is a haven for birds, including tens of thousands of puffins. The tour - including time ashore - takes several hours and booking in advance is often essential. A shorter option is The Osprey sea safari on a RHIB which zips around the island in just over an hour. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
