The Fife coast is truly breathtaking. After exploring Anstruther, I decided to continue my walk to Pittenweem.
After all, it was only one mile east.
So off I trotted. It was a beautiful walk until the path suddenly ended and it was not Pittenweem.
It was a golf course.
I had to walk across the golf course to continue the walk to the neighbouring village. It was not what I had expected but I was lucky. It was a beautiful day and once I crossed the course without incident, the rest of the walk was stress-free. After a short stroll on the major road, I made my way to the footpaths of Pittenweem village.
As I arrived at Pittenweem harbour I could not help but notice the difference to Anstruther. It was certainly smaller and it felt more like a commercial working harbour. It was also significantly calmer. Of course, I had to walk on the pier.
Standing on the pier gave a lovely view of the village with its predominantly white wash storefronts on the harbour perimeter.
Pittenweem Harbour
As I stood on the pier, I did not get the panoramic views of Anstruther, [at least not with my height] however, I did have a pleasing viewpoint of the harbour and village.
Pittenweem is a colourful village of winding, narrow streets. It has a wonderful residential waterfront. I walked the entire length of the village’s coastal path.
It was a short visit but certainly worth the walk and stop.
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.
View from Dreel Bridge
High Street West
Map of Anstruther Town centre
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.
Walking the Esplanade
Then I took the opportunity to walk the grounds of the community halls, Dreel 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.
Medieval Coffin
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.
View from the graveyard
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.
Shell Mural
Elizabeth Place to Dreel Bridge
The Bank Hotel, High Street
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.
Chalmers lighthouse
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.
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!
Granton Harbour
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.
Cramond Beach
Cramond Village
As always, after I completed the walk, I wondered what took me so long to return.
I have often puttered around Musselburgh Beach and Fisherrow Harbour but then stop. I don’t know why.
Fisherrow Harbour
Musselburgh Beach
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.
Crossing the Bridge
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.
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.
Lower Granton Road
Granton Harbour Breakwater
It has a seafront feel even without the water. The painted coloured residences gives that feel. The homes proudly line the harbour.
Granton Harbour
Seat with a View at Wardie Bay
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.
This narrow lane leads to white-painted cottages and a rainbow of coloured homes.
It is a little hamlet with an air of coastal living right in the Bonnie capital.
Yes, this is what makes me smile. A delightful path to the Wardie Bay waterfront.
After several stops en route (Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Castle Douglas), I made it to Kirkcudbright. An Artists Town. Delighted, I got off at the harbour where I stayed for a while. What a lovely introduction to the town.
Kirkcudbright Harbour
It was very much an active harbour. People were busy working, instructing, positioning and focused. You could not help but be drawn to the buzz of the larger boats and the hum related to the effort of loading the boats. They must be used to spectators as there was nearby seating which encouraged an audience.
A walk along the harbour provided views of the marina and a nearby art gallery, The Harbour Cottage Gallery.
I soon learned that white-painted homesteads, together with a sprinkling of candy-floss-coloured buildings, were a signature of the town. It all looked very pleasing.
I took the opportunity to visit Habour Cottage Gallery. As well as enjoying the art that was on display, the windows framed a delightful view of the harbour. A lovely prospect.
After enjoying the gallery, I strolled the nearby buildings and then sat at the seats strategically positioned to entice you to take in the scenes of the harbour. They certainly designed that right.
Again, the harbour was a delightful introduction. The next day was all about exploring the town.
