Coastal walk from Elie to Anstruther

It is a very rare occurrence to note that there was virtually no height gained on a BDHC outing, but this was the case on the part of the Fife Coastal path that was walked on the day.

The weather forecast had not been good but in the event the group only experienced on heavy shower and that was soon after setting off from Elie as the walkers made their way to St. Monans, the first of three village harbours to be visited during the afternoon.

Curlews were much in evidence along the route as were gulls and the odd shag or cormorant along the sea edge. A little egret was also spied at one point. Fortunately, the group saw no evidence of the awful toll that avian flu has taken along the east coast this year.

This part of the coast is rich in historical buildings and evidence of man’s end eavours such as the famous windmill and salt pans just outside St. Monans. The group passed close to Lady Anstruther’s Tower, built in 1770 as what can best be described as a stone bathing hut. This allowed her to maintain her modesty and bathe in the sea in total privacy accessing it via a private path down to a  small beach.

Approaching Pittenweem a slightly more modern bathing facility in the form of the tidal swimming pool was being enjoyed by some hardy swimmers.

The walkers had hoped to see sightings of dolphins but if they were around they certainly didn’t make themselves known on the day.

A total of 25 members completed the walk to Anstruther, just ahead of another heavy shower. This outing was both a fine walk and also asocial event, the conservatory (restaurant) had been pre-booked at the Bank(hotel). With grand views over the harbour and across the Firth of Forth,everyone enjoyed a really good meal together to round off another enjoyable, if slightly unusual, outing.

Special thanks to the club’s secretary, Evelyn Menzies and Walk Organiser, Bruce Henderson, for their behind the scenes work that made it such a success.

The next club walk is to Mount Keen, our most easterly Munro, on the 13th August. For details of this walk and to learn more about the club, visit the website at www.bdhc.org.uk