The Rock and Spindle, from St Andrews

An undulating section of coast passes interesting cliffs and rock stacks before reaching the large formation known as the Rock and Spindle. There are good views back to St Andrews and along the coast. The return is by the same route and the time given includes there and back.

Terrain

Clear path, sometimes muddy, lots of steps.

Public Transport

Regular bus service to St Andrews

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Start

St Andrews. Map and directions.

grade grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km/2.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours (return)
Ascent: 85m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NO518159

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 371 - St Andrews
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Start from the leisure centre car park just off the A917 on the south side of St Andrews adjacent to the East Sands. To reach here on foot from the centre of town, walk down to the pier from the Cathedral and cross the opening bridge and walk along the walkway behind the East Sands, where surfers can often be seen in the water. Just past the leisure centre the path climbs up to pass in front of the caravan park, keeping between two fence lines.

Stage 2

Follow the path along the side of the caravan park and then up steps that can be muddy in winter. The path now follows the top of the cliffs with good views down to the rocks below and back along the coast to St Andrews and the dunes and forest of Tentsmuir in the distance.

Stage 3

Keep straight on when a faint path forks to the left, and follow the Fife Coastal Path markers. This walk runs along part of this long distance footpath which stretches for 150km from the Forth Bridge at South Queensbury to the Tay Bridge in the north. After running along next to a fence the path heads down steps to reach the shore. Soon the Rock and Spindle rock formation comes into view.

Stage 4

The remains of much eroded volcanic plug, a similar formation to the rock on which Edinburgh castle is built, the Rock and Spindle has a spinning wheel like structure at the bottom. This made from twisted basalt columns, together with the tall stack, gives the rock its name.

Stage 5

The rock is best viewed from the far side so continue along the path to the other side of the small bay, crossing a small stream on a flagstone. Although the coastal path continues to Kingsbarns, eventually rounding Fife Ness to reach the pretty village of Crail, this route returns from here. Retrace your steps along the coast path with improving views of the impressive St Andrews skyline.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.