Exploring the Coast of Fife

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, long coastal walks, proper fresh sea air and good food…then the little coastal towns dotted around Fife are the place for you to head, ASAP.

We kicked off our Fife adventure in Largo, an ancient fishing village and the birth place of Alexander Selkirk (the inspiration for Defoe’s ‘Robinson Crusoe’). Having left straight from work on the Friday night, we were famished so first on the agenda was FOOD. We had a lovely meal in The Old Manor Hotel. At first I was quite concerned as they only had one veggie meal listed on the menu which was mushroom based (and trust me when I say, I hate mushroom) but the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating and rustled up a delicious spicy parsnip soup and ragu linguine – delish! If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a drink after, head down to The Crusoe Hotel (where you can also try your hand at pool) and The Railway Inn (where you can try a game of darts – they clearly love their sports games in Fife). I really loved the local feel to these places which added a little something that you wouldn’t get back home in Glasgow so it was a lovely touch to the trip.

A stroll along the beautiful Largo Bay beachfront helped get rid of the cobwebs from the wine the night before and what a stunning view we were treated to!

We also stopped by to look at the rumoured home of Alexander Selkirk, admiring the statue placed in his honour.

Next up was the popular seaside village of Elie. If I’m being honest, I preferred the beach at Largo Bay but Elie had its distinct beauty also. The beautiful harbour, waterfront, and The Ship Inn (you must try the Hot Choc here and they have plenty of board games you can play) are must sees.

We had a very short stop-off at St Monans and Pittenweem to check out the local fishing communities and for me to learn what a creel is (a box used to catch lobsters would you know!). Two beautiful villages steeped in fishing heritage

Having worked up one hell of an appetite, we stopped off at Anstruther for a bite to eat for lunch.  Filled with plenty cafes and chippies you really are spoilt for choice here.  I could literally devote an entire post to the amazing food we had at Anstuther Fish Bar. HOLY. MOLY. A serious contender for not only one of the best Mac n Cheeses (yes it’s that Mac again) I’ve ever had, but one of the best meals! Overlooking the harbour, this sit-in/takeaway venue is popular amongst locals and for good reason. With an American diner/nautical feel to it, cheery staff that served us quickly and efficiently, a wide variety of choice on the menu (fresh local produce included), value for money at £8.15 for Main Course, Chips, Drink, Bread & Butter and as many sauces as you can handle…They haven’t won awards for nothing, that’s for sure! I will be back here swiftly for round two of that Mac. Think the picture below just about says everything else…

Anstruther is also home to the Fisheries Museum which is worth a look if you have time as well as a few boutiques dotted along the harbour (I highly recommed Gibbles which is filled with beautiful gift ideas).

Our final stop on the Fife tour was the Old Course at St Andrew’s. Mainly so the boyfriend could stand on the Swilken Bridge (it’s a golfer thing). A must for anyone interested in golf, or general history as the old course is one hell of a beaut of a course. As a non-golfer (it’s long, I’ve not got good aim with the ball, and I’m impatient), it just about had me intrigued at playing game. When my dad reads this (avid golfer that he is), he will probably fall off his chair at that.

So that was our Fife adventure! We continued onwards to Aberdeen and Stonehaven (more of which in an upcoming post) but Fife sure as hell got our weekend away off to a cracking start! Beautiful place to explore and really did take me by surprise.

Leanne x