Fife Off The Beaten Path

Callum in Pittencrief Park

by clivedinburgh

Previous Next

Callum in Pittencrief Park
by clivedinburgh
Lower Largo Harbour
by Flying.Scotsman
Lower Largo Beach
by Flying.Scotsman
University of St Anrews (Scotland, U.K.)
by Redang
University of St Anrews (Scotland, U.K.)
by Redang

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Lower Largo - home of "Robinson Crusoe"

by Flying.Scotsman

The most westerly village in the East Neuk of Fife is Lower Largo along with its neighbouring villages, Lundin Links and Upper Largo. Lower Largo is one of those gems that is easy to miss as it lies off the main road. It is, however, one of the most picturesque villages in this area. The harbour is a very unusual one with a railway viaduct towering over it. There is a statue of Alexander Selkirk who was born here in 1676. The novel, Robinson Crusoe, was based on Selkirk. The village also features 18th and 19th century cottages, a sandy beach, a hotel and a pub.

Pittenweem, lovely village and an Arts Festival

by Flying.Scotsman

As all of Fife is off the beaten path, then so is Pittenweem. Early in August, though, this changes as it hosts the Pittenweem Arts Festival (August 7th to 15th in 2010). Last year there were some 90 featured artists mainly painters, including invited artists from around the world. What I like most is the variety of art and artists, from art club amateurs to famous professionals. The artists display their work in venues that vary from established galleries to living rooms to garages and even a converted telephone exchange.During the rest of the year Pittenweem is much quieter although it still has several galleries, tearooms and gift shops. But the best thing about Pittenweem is how beautiful it is; and the best way to describe that is with photographs. There are more photos of Pittenwem on my Fife introduction page.

Culross - amazing little step back in time.

by Flying.Scotsman

Possibly the best preserved Fife village with a complete early 17th century market square, a 16th century "palace" with a traditional vegetable garden, dozens of tiny cottages crowded into narrow cobbled streets, and an excellent tearoom (see restaurants). Situated between the Forth and Kincardine Bridges, it is easy to get to from Edinburgh (23miles) or Glasgow (32 miles), it is also easy to miss, so check your map carefully! The area around Culross is not as picturesque as the "East Neuk" but is worth a visit for the historic architecture. And if you plan it right, it is on route between Stirling and Edinburgh.

Crail - another beautiful harbour

by Flying.Scotsman

Crail was the first East Neuk villages we discovered in 1972. I was impressed by the beautiful harbour, the small cottages with crow stepped gables, and the masses of lupins growing up the steep hillsides. Not as busy as Pittenweem or Anstruther, this quiet village with its cosy harbour is only 10 miles from St Andrews. On the logic of the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words", here are 4000 words telling you why to visit Crail.

Scots keep this area a secret

by Flying.Scotsman

The Kingdom of Fife is not really a secret. People from Central Scotland have been coming here to boarding houses, hotels, and caravan parks for years. English and foreign visitors often miss this area and it is one of the most beautiful parts of Britain. A coastline that can be very rugged with rocky cliffs, but also with lovely beaches, many small fishing villages with harbours, fish and crab stalls, and castles. The best way to describe it is with some pictures. These are all of Pittenweem, alively little place with some good restaurants and coffee shops, an annual art festival, and one of the lovliest, and liveliest harbours in Fife.