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!
Garrick and Andrea,
ReplyDeleteHow are you two!? Haven't seen you in forever! Just wanted to say I am enjoying reading through your blog and your pictures are amazing! I can't beleive that you two are still in Scotland. It seems like so long ago that you two moved. It is beautiful, at least that is what I’m gathering from your pictures :-) I’m in awe that you two were able to pick up and move to another country. My husband and I would like to do that too someday , but we’ll see. Any who, love the blog and hope you two are well :-)
-Mia
Mia, what a sweet message! We are doing well. :) Moving to Scotland has been the best decision we've made. It's broadened our perspectives and bonded us. I say go for it! Where would the two of you like to move? I am also enjoying keeping up with your house renovation! Looks amazing! xo
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