I love discovering small hamlets and villages near the capital. Granted Pittenweem is still a fair distance but definitely doable in a day.
What a lovely village. I have since learned that the name is derived from Pictish and Scottish Gaelic. “Pit-” represents Pictish pett ‘place, portion of land’, and “-enweem” is Gaelic na h-Uaimh, ‘of the Caves’ in Gaelic, so “The Place of the Caves“!
I missed the caves but that gives me a reason to return in Spring. This fishing village has been in existence since the medieval period. As I made my way to the harbour, I passed the fish market where the daily catch is sold. It made me smile as it dawned on me that this scenario has most likely taken place for centuries. Amazing!
I loved meandering along with the multitude of alleyways that all seemed to meet at the harbour.
As I got closer to the harbour I was greeted by the local gulls. I was convinced that they smelt fresh food in the air 😆 They were singing for their lunch!
Even on that brisk, cold and windy day, it was a joy to be by the water in this village. As always I found the water therapeutic but on this occasion, the surroundings were also wonderfully picturesque.
There was hardly anyone around which was perfect for me but then again, I was out and about in frigid temperatures wandering the eastern coast! So not surprising that visitors were few.
At the end of the harbour, I found stacked rocks. While living in Canada I use to think of stacked rocks as a way of telling the next traveler “Hello” while pointing them to a safe course to continue their journey. I always found that comforting. Now as I roam Scotland, I have come to realise that these stacks are more commonplace than I had originally thought. Regardless, I still find them comforting. On this day, the stacked rocks marked a spot for my break! A great spot for my hot beverage and a bite to eat before making the journey home.
After my break, I slowly wandered back through the lanes and quaint stores for my return trip. I found the entire trip invigorating.
© The Scottish Pearl 2022
