Walk 1562 - printer friendly version

Elie to Pittenweem - Fife Coastal Path Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 6.0 miles / 9.8 km

Ascent - 400 feet / 121 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference NO491000
Lat 56.189887 + Long -2.8217263
Postcode KY9 1DB (approx. location only)

This linear walk follows the Fife Coastal Footpath from Elie to Pittenweem. If you don't have the benefit of two cars then there is a regular bus service connecting the start and end of the walk.

From the main road through Elie, walk down one of the side streets to the harbour. Turn left and start to follow the Fife Coastal Path although your start might be delayed exploring the harbour and breakwater. Continue around the coast with Elie Lighthouse the first landmark on the route from where the view back to Elie is worth the slight diversion off the Fife Coastal Path.

Continue north-east along the coast passing Lady's Tower. The foreshore is rocky soon you reach the site of the remains of Ardross Castle which is clearly marked on maps. A short way head you pass the remains of another castle - Newark Castle - before you reach the village of St Monans with its tiny harbour surrounded by houses.

The Fife Coastal Path skirts the harbour and continues out of the village towards St Monans Windmill perched on the seashore no doubt making the best of the frequent strong easterly winds off the North Sea. The path continues to follow the foreshore north to reach the harbour at Pittenweem.

If you are returning by bus to Elie then walk to the end of harbour and take Abbey Wall Road up to the A917, which is used by bus services along the coast. This walk can also be combined with Walk 1563 if you wish to continue along the coast path to Crail.

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