TOP PHOTO SPOTS IN THE EAST NEUK

1. Elie

Lighthouse:

First lit in 1908 and manned by the HM Coastguard, The lighthouse was built to aid mariners of all nationalities sailing down the firth of fourth. It was said that in poor conditions there was little to no visibility of the warning lights from the May island or inchkieth, making this channel a dangerous passage for ships.

This is now a popular photo spot at Ruby Bay where passers by often take a snap of this landmark with a beautiful backdrop of the sea behind.

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Ladies Tower:

Famously built as a changing room in 1760 for Lady Janet Anstruther who would have a daily swim in the sea at Ruby bay. It was said she would skinny dip in the water and a bell would be rang in the town to warn locals not to venture out that way to see her.

The base of the tower still stands today which could be used as a shelter from the wind for passers by on the coastal path.

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2. St Monans

Zig Zag:

Found in the once upon a time ship building capital of the East Neuk, The Famous 'Zig Zag' pier is an iconic spot for photographers. The Pier was build to protect the robert Stevenson designed harbour walls.

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Castle:

Newark castle or castle of St moans is unfortunately crumbling away along with the cliff it sits on to this day. The castle was originally build back in 1200’s by a Sir alan Durward. The next few hundred years saw the castle being owned by several different local lairds until it was abandoned.

The remains are still worth a visit and is a highlight along the coastal path in Fife.

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Windmill:

This site was constructed in 1771 when Sir John Anstruther invested in the local salt pans and coal mining network in Newark. His business was booming as Salt was valuable and coal was being transported around the country in bulk. In 1823 his business declined after a change in tax laws. He used his money to help invest in local harbours, in particular Pittenweem.

The windmill is a valued local landmark which is an educational site which teaches passers by about the local heritage.

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3 . Pittenweem

Harbour - The famous 'postcard' photo taken from West breas in Pittenweem displays the true authentic beauty of this fishing village. The complex layout of houses & cottages in the town helps to feel the seaside character which remains in Pittenweem

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4 . Anstruther

Anstruther is Known as the main fishing village in the East Neuk. It was at one point the fishing hub of the East Neuk as it was the largest port for local fishermen. In the 1800’s The town came to life with herring fishing as a result of substantial encouragement from the government to catch and trade internationally. Unfortunately after the decline of the number of Herring in the waters of the firth of forth, the industry also dwindled.

Today, Anstruther is a busy spot for visitors to come and enjoy the relaxing strolls along the long harbours and usually have fish and chips at the local famous chippy.

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5 . Cellardyke

The war memorial is found at the top of the hill up from the outdoor bathing pool. The Memorial stands with a list of local family names of the men who left the town to fight in the first and second world war. The strategically placed benches are a great spot to sit and look out over the firth of forth towards leith and the May island.

6 . Crail

Once home to the largest marketplace in Europe, Crail was a key trading town in historical times. The quaint coastal town is a must see when traveling through fife. The popular photo spots of Crail tend to focus on the harbour from various angles. One can be seen from the coastal path as you head into the town from Anstruther. The second most popular spot is situated higher up giving you a birds eye view of the harbour.

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7 . Kingsbarns

The smallest inhabited of all fifes coastal villages is still well and truly on the map! The name of the town comes from the time where the barns in the town were used to store grain before being transported to the palace at falkland.

The photo spots at Kingsbarns are found closer to the water, Head down towards the beach where the views of the coastline opens up.

When you park at the car park at the Kingsbarns beach, you can head either direction along the coastal path or you could continue straight towards the beach. This is one of the favourite beaches in the east neuk for families to come for a relaxing day. The Kingsbarns golf course is a favourite for many visitors to play while on holiday. The golf course has a fascinating history and is now even a must play for celebrities visiting the area.

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