Fife Coastal Path: St Andrews to Anstruther

The Fife Coastal Path stretches for 117 miles. Today, we hiked from St Andrews to Anstruther, completing 18.5 miles! Our friends, Adam and Lindsay, joined us for the journey.

We filled up on blueberry pancakes and eggs before setting out at 8:30 this morning. The tide was out, the sun shone, and we had lots of energy. The first leg of our journey was from St Andrews to Kingsbarns, about 7.5 miles. Stone steps led us up and down from the beach to the bluff. We watched golfers tee off at the Castle Course and stopped to collect a few pieces of sea glass. Then the path went inland. We trekked through farm roads and stumbled upon ruins of stone houses and finally the trail took us out to the sea. Adam found a few geocaches along with way and we chatted with other hikers. Once we reached Kingsbarns, we ate lunch and all agreed that we could keep hiking for while.

 

The next leg, Kingsbarns to Crail, was fairly flat and we alternated between the beach and the grassy trail. We all remarked about the dramatic differences in the coastline as we hiked further. From sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, the Coastal Path has it all. The Kilminning Nature Reserve was especially beautiful. Once we could spot Crail in the distance, tiredness set in. We sat down on the first bench we saw and took in the sun and views.

 

 

Without the support of the others, I don't know if I would have gone the last three miles to Anstuther. Our goal was to reach Crail, but we had a few hours of daylight left and Garrick and Adam head their hearts set on fish and chips. So, we set off for the final leg. We stopped a few times as our feet needed some rest, but we finally rounded to bend to the Anstruther harbour and couldn't stop smiling. We devoured fish and chips and then walked out to wait for the slow bus. To our surprise, the express bus pulled up a minute after we arrived at the bus stop. It was a serendipitous day: lovely weather, perfectly timed tides, good friends, fish and chips, and a convenient bus ride. Next time we'll begin our hike in Anstruther for another section of the Fife Coastal Path!

 

 

North Street

We walked to church this morning without our jackets. Although a bit windy, the sun shone brightly off the stone buildings and heated our faces. Our church meets at the Lawn Bowling Club, and we sat facing large windows looking out over the bright green grass. We're so thankful for Cornerstone. The community has really become family. After the final song, Garrick was itching to get on his bike, so we hurried home. While he was away, I grabbed my camera and set out onto North Street.

St Andrews has three main streets: North, Market, and South. I'd like to capture them before we leave. We only have one or two years left, depending on when Garrick submits; I can't believe it! So, here is North Street through my lens.

Saturday in Edinburgh

Sometimes we just need to get out. It's the best way to remember how much we love the small-town charm of St Andrews and to experience the options and beauty a city offers.

We caught the 8:40am train and enjoyed a few games of cribbage before getting off at Waverly. On a whim I asked Garrick (who hates heights) if he'd like to climb the Scott Monument. He obliged and we paid our 8 quid and began walking the 287 steps up to the top. There are several landings with little nooks to explore, including a museum halfway up. As we neared the top, our shoulders touched the side walls and we could barely fit through the door to the lookout. The views are said to be the best in Edinburgh, and we'd agree!



 

Back on the ground, we shopped at the Gap and then sat down at Starbucks (thanks, Dad!) for some tea and coffee. For lunch we ate at Oink on Grassmarket, then explored a few bookstores and met up with Will and Jackie, who we got to know last summer in Paris. They showed us Stockbridge, home to amazing charity shops, and then we stopped in at the Hanging Bat, a delicious beer café. 

They invited another couple to join us for traditional fish pie at their flat and we concluded the night with games. I actually fell asleep on their floor with a heated blanket wrapped around me. Heaven.

We caught the last train back to St Andrews, not realising that a Scotland vs. France Rugby match had just finished. Scotland lost. I got beer dumped on me. It was an experience.

We are thankful for this unique city that's so close to St Andrews, and also for fun friends to show us around. We'll go back soon!