Summary
This easy-going section of the Fife Coastal path links three of the celebrated East Neuk fishing villages: St Monans, Pittenweem and Anstruther. There is plenty to see along the way and the return to the start can be made by bus.
Terrain
Straightforward walking on the coastal footpath.
Getting there
Start
St Monans - car park behind Old Kirk.
Public Transport
Regular bus service links the villages along the route.
Start Grid Ref
NO522014
Stage 1
If travelling by car, there is a good car park behind the Old Kirk at the western end of St Monans. This fine fourteenth century building is well worth a visit - said to be the closest church to the sea in the UK, the site has been used for Christian worship for well over a thousand years. Begin the walk by following the lane down towards the sea and turning left at the 'Fife Coastal Path' signpost as indicated, heading up a lane and then a flight of steps. Turn right along the tarmac road and then fork right down West Lane lane back down to the sea. Follow this round to St Monans harbour with its fishing boats.
Stage 2
At the far side of the harbour follow the main road that forks slightly left and then turn right onto Rose Street (signed 'Windmill'). Continue to the far end of Rose Street, passing alongside the outdoor swimming pool. Beyond this the windmill is reached, rising above a curious area of grassy mounds. This was once an industrial site as these are the remains of salt pans; they filled with sea water which was then pumped up pipes (powered by the windmill) before being distributed to pan-houses. These housed furnaces which boiled the water to leave the salt.
Stage 3
The path now continues beside the shore, with Pittenweem visible ahead. When it forks around a grassy lawn take the higher left branch to reach a shelter building with a view down to another tidal swimming pool. Head to the right of the shelter which is painted with sealife murals and follow the path as it descends to the shore houses of Pittenweem. This is one of the most picturesque of the East Neuk villages. Continue along the sea front past the cottages and then the harbour. Look out for a signed lane on the left; a short distance up this is St Fillan's Cave - one of the most important early Christian sites in Scotland. There is a charge for admission (you have to borrow the key as directed on the sign).
Stage 4
Return to the harbour and keep following the road which climbs slightly from the far end of the harbour. Lookout for a gap in the wall on the right and take this path across grass and then between gardens and the sea and onto a section of coastal cliff. At a marker post fork right passing a bench and then reaching the golf course right by the shore. Keep to the path right by the sea on the very edge of the course - giving way to any golfers. The path eventually becomes tarred and passes round the back of a sandy bay before continuing straight ahead up a street - the start of Anstruther.
Stage 5
At the t-junction at the end of the street turn left and then turn right onto the main road - High Street. Follow this as it turns left past the sturdy church tower and noting the shells stuck onto the walls of some houses. Cross the river and then fork right near the convenience store. Turn right at the Royal Hotel to arrive at Anstruther Harbour. Anstruther is the largest of the East Neuk fishing villages; it made its fortune in herring but now relies on tourism as do its neighbours. It is famous for its fish and chips - the Anstruther Fish Bar has won many awards whilst more recently the Waterfront and Wee Chippy have challenged their well-known neighbour. You can now either catch a bus back to St Monans, or continue the coastal walk on to the next village, Crail.
Route Profile
