St Andrews and the East Neuk

The ports of the East Neuk of Fife were described by King James I as the Fringe of Gold to his beggars mantle of a country. The best known is the medieval town of St Andrews - not just the Home of Golf, but also the location of Scotland's most ancient university, and one of its best known beaches. North of St Andrews, the little-frequented easterly extension of the Ochils stretches across the area to almost reach the Firth of Tay, whilst the coast has the massive Tentsmuir Forest - a breeding place for grey seals.

The southern coastline - the East Neuk of Fife - is blessed with a whole string of truly picturesque fishing villages and towns. Crail, Anstruther, St Monans and Pittenweem - their harbours all linked by the Fife Coastal footpath - are a major draw for visitors today. Inland villages such as Ceres are equally attractive, packed with historic buildings, as are country towns such as Cupar.