Why Elie is a must-visit for walkers
The coastline delivers variety in just a few miles: safe, flat sands at Elie Bay; low volcanic headlands around Kincraig; and a lighthouse-and-tower circuit with big views across the Firth of Forth. The Fife Coastal Path runs straight through the village, linking Elie with St Monans, Pittenweem and Anstruther to the east, and with Shell Bay and Kincraig to the west. The official route spans about 117 miles across Fife, so you can do bite-sized sections from your doorstep.
For history on the move, aim for Lady’s Tower on Ruby Bay. Built in 1770 for Lady Janet Anstruther as a bathing retreat, it sits on an outcrop with a sheltered cove below. Pair it with the short hop to Elie Ness Lighthouse, first lit in 1908 to guide ships between the Isle of May and Inchkeith.
The Elie Chain Walk
This is Elie’s headline adventure: a half-kilometre traverse where fixed steel chains help you scramble round sea-cliffs between Shell Bay and Earlsferry. It’s an optional detour off the Coastal Path, and it feels more like a short via ferrata than a walk. Only attempt it at the right tide and in settled weather.
Start points sit near Elie Holiday Park at Shell Bay (west) or at the Earlsferry end by Kincraig. The chain section itself is short, but allow 1-2 hours to explore coves and move safely between pitches. There are multiple chained pitches, some vertical, some traverses; expect simple scrambling, sea spray, and the odd move that needs a steady head. Dogs and young children aren’t suited to the route.
Difficulty levels and recommended gear
Treat it like a scramble on sea cliffs. Grippy footwear with a firm sole over slick trainers. Gloves help on a wet chain. Pack a small rucksack so hands stay free, and a lightweight layer – wind funnels around the points. If the rock is slimy or the waves are pushing, turn back and rejoin the upper path. The chain walk is exciting, not obligatory; the cliff-top alternative still gives huge views.
Tide times & safety tips for the Chain Walk
Plan around the tide. The chains submerge at high tide, and the local advice is clear: start at least two hours before high tide so you have time to complete every section without pressure. If in doubt, do it on a falling tide near low. The Anstruther RNLI page curates tide tables and coastal safety reminders – read it before you go.
Go light, go dry, and never solo if you’re unsure. If wind or swell is up, save it for another day. This is a scramble above the sea, not a family beach path, and conditions can change quickly on this exposed corner of Fife.
Elie to Anstruther coastal walk
Fancy a longer leg stretch with cafés at each end. Walk the Coastal Path east from Elie past the lighthouse, Ruby Bay and Lady’s Tower to St Monans, then on through Pittenweem to Anstruther. Expect harbours, a restored windmill and salt-pan ruins, sea arches and skerries, and wide views to the Isle of May. Distances vary by line, but plan on 10km (about 6 miles) and 2-3 hours one way at an easy pace. Buses return along the A917 if you’re doing it as a point-to-point.
Along the way, the St Monans windmill and salt pans tell the story of Fife’s old salt industry; the windmill pumped seawater to the pans that once lined this shore. The Auld Kirk of St Monans sits on the cliff edge and dates to the 14th century, one of Scotland’s most striking coastal churches. Both are right on the way and worth a pause.
Best time of year for this walk
It’s open year-round. Spring brings seabirds and wildflowers; summer gives you long evenings for a late bus back; autumn light is superb for photos; winter can be glorious on a crisp day if paths are dry. After heavy rain, expect very muddy patches between St Monans and Pittenweem.
Scenic village & beach walks in Elie
If you want gentle steps and big views, stay local. The Elie Ness & Lady’s Tower loop starts from the harbour or Ruby Bay and threads lighthouse, skerries and the tower in an hour or so. The Elie Bay and Earlsferry sands offer easy out-and-back beach walking, with wide hard sand at low tide and sheltered swimming in calm conditions. For geology buffs, the University of St Andrews leaflet maps volcanic plugs, lava flows and folded beds along the short Ruby Bay trail – great fun with kids who like rock pools.
Where to eat after your walk
Two dependable spots bookend the sands. The Ship Inn sits right on the beach with a dining room and beer garden; menus lean on Fife beef, East Neuk fish and classic pub plates. A few minutes inland, The 19th Hole overlooks the Elie Links and serves traditional favourites in a relaxed, dog-friendly setting.
Walking the Fife Coastal Path from Elie
Elie is a natural base for day sections west and east. Westwards you can skirt Shell Bay and Kincraig, with the Chain Walk as an optional loop in perfect conditions. Eastwards, villages string together every few miles, so you can tailor distance to the weather and your legs. The official path hub sets out every section with distances and timings – handy when you’re planning buses or meeting points.
Getting there and back
The coastal villages are linked by regular buses, so one-way walks are simple. From Anstruther back to Elie, stops sit near the harbour; timetables are posted on poles and online. If you prefer to drive, park in Elie, walk out, then bus back to your car. Route pages and mapping sites list the path clearly if you like to cross-check the distance and elevation.
FAQs
How long does the Elie Chain Walk take?
The chained section is about 0.5 km, but allow 1–2 hours in total for the scramble, access paths and time to move safely between pitches. Build your plan around the tide, not the clock.
Is the Elie Chain Walk safe for children?
It’s a scramble above the sea with exposed moves. Local guides advise no dogs and caution with children; strong, well-supervised teens may manage in perfect conditions, but many families choose the cliff-top alternative.
Do I need to check tide times before the Chain Walk?
Yes. The chains submerge at high tide. Set out at least two hours before high tide and only in settled, dry weather. Use the RNLI’s local tide information and safety advice.
How far is the coastal path from Elie to Anstruther?
Around 10km (6miles), typically 2–3 hours one way, with cafés and shelters in each village and easy bus links back.
Are there easy walks in Elie for beginners?
Yes. Try the lighthouse and Lady’s Tower loop from Ruby Bay, or a beach wander between Elie and Earlsferry on firm sand at low tide. Both give big views with minimal effort.
Plan your Trip
Plan the rest of your day. Pair a morning loop to the lighthouse with lunch at the Ship Inn, or set a fair-weather afternoon for the Chain Walk on a falling tide. If you want more ideas nearby, see our page Things to Do in Elie and find your perfect base on our Accommodation in Elie page so the walks, food and your base all sit within easy reach.
