📌 Elie, Fife
★★★
This section of the Fife Coastal Path follows beaches and low clifftops from lovely Elie to even prettier Pittenweem, passing through the similarly delightful St Monans en route, with lunch options. There are five manmade landmarks to look out for -a lighthouse, a stone folly, two ruined castles and a windmill – plus lots to see in the villages themselves, including picturesque harbours, a picture-postcard windmill and a curious cave with religious connections. Other options to help turn this walk into a full day’s outing include a paddle at Pittenweem Tidal Pool, near the finish, or a round of crazy golf at West Braes.
📷 Chronological photo guide
🌍 Location
📌 Start at High Street (A917), Elie
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NO 493001
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.190502,-2.818992
🏁 Finish at Viewforth Place (A917), Pittenweem
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NO 547026
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.213951,-2.732727
🚌 Bus to Elie (walk start), & from Pittenweem (walk finish)
🚗 Street parking (walk start or finish) – with bus connection to other end of route
📝 Key info
▶ 9 km / 6 mi | ▲ 60 m | ⌚ 2.5-3 hr | ⚠️ Linear route
Features: 🏠 Elie; 🏖️ Elie-Earlsferry Beach ★★★; 🌊 Elie Ness, lighthouse & Lady’s Tower; 🏰 Ardross Castle; 🏰 Newark Castle (St Monans) ★★; 🏠 St Monans ★★★ & village sights; 🏠 Pittenweem ★★★ & village sights
⬤ Easy | Clear paths, some ascent / descent. Beach sections have a path alternative just inland. There are some eroded sections with warning signs erected, cautioning walkers to proceed at own risk. ⚠️ Final approach to St Monans is submerged at high tide, with an easy detour just inland.
Download file for GPS➡️ Eastbound linear walk: start, Elie & Elie-Earlsferry Beach – Elie Ness, lighthouse & Lady’s Tower – Ardross Castle – Newark Castle – St Monans – Pittenweem
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: Cows & calves in adjacent fields. Shags, curlew, seagulls, terns, mallard ducks, rooks, carrion crows, jackdaws, starlings. Coastal snails, butterflies. Wild raspberries.
Weather: Sunshine & hazy cloud sheets, temperature in mid teens.
July 2025 (some photos less recent)
