A Quick Summer Visit To Anstruther

It’s been just over a year since I visited Anstruther and so I thought a trip to that village was overdue. In fact, I want to do a few more trips to the East Neuk coast but that will be for another time and post.

With that thought, I made the trip to Anstruther in June. As I hopped off the bus at Dreel Bridge, I decided to explore a bit of the town before heading to the harbour.

What a beautifully kept and colourful town. As I explored the streets, I wondered why I hadn’t done it before. It seems as if I was welcomed by a rainbow of buildings. It was nice. I walked the High Street and the Esplanade.

Then I took the opportunity to walk the grounds of the community halls, Dreel Halls.

Dreel Halls are also known as Anstruther Wester Parish Church. In 1243, a church on this site was dedicated to St. Nicholas. The current structure consists of a sixteenth-century tower and steeple and a mid-nineteenth-century main room, which probably incorporates material from the original medieval church. Today, the church is used as a public hall as part of Dreel Halls.

Near the church are a protected medieval coffin and an early 17th-century grave slab. With the light bulbs framing it, I assumed that it is illuminated at night. I think that that would be a little spooky to see.

As I walked around south of the building, I entered the graveyard and a lookout point.

This was Anstruther Wester Churchyard which is also known as the Commonwealth War burial grounds.

The graveyard contained several 17th-century memorials. (Reference)

What a serene location. I sat there for a while, taking in the stream, beach and surrounding structures.

Upon leaving the yard I noticed the design on the side of a house on Elizabeth Place. It was a shell mural. I admired the creativity. It was well done.

I continued to walk along the High street as I made my way towards the harbour.

I finally made it to the water. What a vibrant harbour. Although I understood that there were a few commercial boats docked at the harbour, I sensed that it was more of a recreational harbour.

I was drawn to walk the piers. It offered lovely views of the village.

The day was picture-perfect.

I continued walking towards the lighthouse which offered amazing views of the boats.

Given the size of the village, I thought it was a large harbour. There was a whole social vibe here.

I stopped at one of the harbour bistros for a drink and to take in the scene that seemed to be unfolding before my eyes. I also did a quick search to see what Visit Scotland had to say about the village.

Anstruther is a charming fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife, popular with day-trippers and holidaymakers. Located south of St Andrews, Anstruther is the largest in a string of pretty, old-fashioned fishing villages along the stretch of Fife coast known as the East Neuk.
Visit Scotland

“Daytrippers and Holidaymakers”. Yes, that is what I had sensed. The social vibe was evident.

After gazing at both my drink and those passing by, I took one more final stroll along the pier. I looked out to the horizon beyond, east towards Pittenweem which would be my next stop.

Anstruther is a lovely village

Coastal Walk from Granton to Cramond

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It had been a while since I walked the Granton-Cramond trail. So it was time for a visit. I know I have said this before in a recent post but I have this need to say it again. Granton’s waterfront looks great!

This walk started at Granton Harbour and then west along the water’s edge towards Silverknowes.

Although the day started off overcast, as it progressed the sun came out and there were blue skies all around. Lucky! On this walk, I decided to change it up a little and follow part of the trail through the woods

There is something calming about being among trees and especially those that line a waterfront. Curiosity got the better of me as I climbed a steep set of stairs that seemed to beckon me.

To my delight, it led me to an elevated view of the coast.

I slowly retraced my footsteps back through the woods. This small detour gave a whole new perspective of the landscape.

It is truly a wonder that all this is part of Edinburgh. We are lucky to have such varied scenes that we can enjoy.

Breathtaking. A lovely walk. As I approached Cramond Beach, I could see clear across the water to Fife.

As always, after I completed the walk, I wondered what took me so long to return.

A Walk along Musselburgh’s Waterfront

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I have often puttered around Musselburgh Beach and Fisherrow Harbour but then stop. I don’t know why.

As I pondered the map, I noticed that there are lagoons behind Musselburgh’s race track.

We are such creatures of habit. I have no idea why I had not ventured further than Fisherrow Harbour especially since I consider myself an explorer! How did I miss that? So this walk had a mission to visit the lagoons.

As I ventured east, I smiled at the statues that recognised the fishermen of days gone by. The Fisherrow fishermen.

The views were amazing. I could see Arthur’s seat and the shores of Portobello in the distance.

To continue east, I had to walk along the River Esk. What a lovely walk! It was a great day for it.

While crossing the bridge I stopped to scan the lovers’ locks.

The wildflowers along the river bank were in full bloom and looked marvellous. It was evident that a lot of effort has gone into this path.

I loved that there were maps posted regularly and in my case specifically, the maps highlighted the location of the lagoons.

I continued the walk east until I reached the Nature reserve where the lagoons were located

I found them! My photos do not give the lagoons justice. What a tranquil beautiful site. A nature reserve with birds as its primary focus.

Well, that was definitely worth it. These short walks are definitely helping me get my “mojo” back 🙂

Dean Village Rooftops

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I took these pics early this year! What caught my eye were the rooftops while taking a walk in Dean Village.

I enjoyed walking through the small alleyways which seemed to provide a “peek-a-boo” view of the village rooftops.

I found the views enchanting.

Once started it was hard to stop. I found myself sneaking a peek at various rooftops and their associated gardens.

One, in particular, made me smile because of all the flags.

What is it about rooftops that are so captivating?

Summer Vibes at North Berwick

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My hometown is Edinburgh which I love. It offers so much. However, I do like to change it up and when I want to quickly treat myself to Summer vibes, North Berwick is a lovely option. My first stop is always getting a treat on the High Street followed by a walk around the town.

A walk by St Andrew’s church ruins reminds me of its historic past, as I make my way to the Lodge Grounds.

The Lodge has lovely gardens and public paths. As an amateur gardener, I always like to see the botanic offerings of others.

The Lodge paths always make for a delightful stroll with bonus views of North Berwick Law.

On this trip, I really enjoyed the elevated path just north of the Lodge. It has breathtaking views of the town and bay.

It is such a pretty town and on this occasion, I was fortunate to have great weather to enjoy it.

As much as I enjoyed my walk through the town, a visit to North Berwick is not complete without visiting the beach. So the next stop was the beach.

Stunning!

I cannot remember how long I stayed. Lots of people watching, wave watching, reading and just relaxing on a gorgeous day at this spot.

Summer vibes indeed

The Cottage Experience in Edinburgh North

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There is an unusual spot in Edinburgh that often puts a smile on my face because of its cottage feel within the city. It is in the Granton-Wardie Bay area. The Wardie Bay Area has definitely come into its own. It has become a frequent pastime for the locals. It is a lovely spot to just relax.

It has a seafront feel even without the water. The painted coloured residences gives that feel. The homes proudly line the harbour.

But with all that and as much as I enjoy this spot, this is not the spot. However, it is close by.

Just South of Wardie Bay is a path that leads into Wardie Steps. It is walking this path that gives me the cottage, seaside feel! I think it is because it is unexpected.