Why St Monans is a coastal path gem
Starting in a lived-in fishing village, you can step straight onto the Coastal Path. To the west, Elie’s broad bay and lighthouse. To the east, Pittenweem, Anstruther and the rock-ribbed shore to Crail. The official path spans roughly 117 miles across Fife, but the St Monans sections feel friendly and varied, which is why first-time visitors use them for an easy win. The windmill and grassed-over salt pans sit beside the trail and tell the story of eighteenth-century salt making powered by wind and local coal.
If you’re arriving by car, use The Common car park off Hope Place. It’s a small, free council car park in the village centre and keeps you close to the start of every route.
St Monans to Anstruther Coastal Walk
This is the classic village-to-village amble and suits most walkers in any season. Leave St Monans harbour, thread past the Auld Kirk on the headland, then follow the signed path through to Anstruther.
Distance and difficulty levels
Plan on about 5.75 km (3.5 miles) one way and 1.5-2 hours at an easy pace. The terrain is a straightforward coastal footpath with a few muddy patches after rain. Start from the car park behind the Old Kirk and pick up the waymarkers.
Historical landmarks along the route
You get a run of East Neuk history in a short stretch: the fourteenth-century St Monans Auld Kirk perched above the waves, the windmill and salt pans on the low cliffs. If you carry on towards Crail on another day, you can see the caves and sandstone stacks beyond Cellardyke.
Parking and public transport tips
Park at The Common if you’re driving, start from the harbour, and ride the 95 bus back after lunch. The 95 links the East Neuk villages all day.
St Monans to Elie Coastal Path
West towards wide sands and a lighthouse. You pass the headland kirk, Newark Castle’s ruins on the bluff, and reach Elie Bay with its easy beach walking. In calm weather you can walk on to Elie Ness Lighthouse for sea-wide views.
Distance and difficulty levels
Expect around 4-5 km one way, depending on your exact line and detours, with most walkers taking 1.5-2 hours.
Historical landmarks along the route
Newark Castle’s shell sits above the shore. The path then drops to the kirk and harbour before the final sweep into Elie. The East Pier Smokehouse is a well-placed lunch stop when you’re passing through St Monans.
Parking and public transport tips
Set up a one-way day and take the 95 bus back, or reverse if the wind favours an east-to-west walk. Timetables cover weekend and evening services as well as daytime runs.
St Monans to Pittenweem Walk
A short, family-friendly hop east with big views and plenty of benches. Leave past St Monans windmill, then ease along the shore towards the colourful houses of Pittenweem.
Distance and difficulty levels
Allow about 1.9 km one way and 50 minutes at a relaxed pace. Surfaces mix pavements with firm shore path and suit prams and casual walkers. If you carry on through the harbour and loop the West Braes, you can turn it into a neat two-hour out-and-back walk.
Historical landmarks along the route
Look back to the windmill and over the grassed ridges that mark the old salt pans. In Pittenweem, the working harbour adds a different energy and makes an easy photo stop before you wander the wynds for coffee.
Parking and public transport tips
If you want to keep it simple, bus one way and walk the other. The 95 runs between both harbours all day and saves a car shuffle.
Circular & heritage trails in St Monans
Not every day needs a point-to-point. You can make an hour-plus heritage loop from the harbour by linking the Auld Kirk, the windmill and salt pans, then circling back through village streets. Handy local route cards and community sites map longer circuits that add farmland views inland before dropping back to the sea. If you want to stretch your legs, pick one of the Pittenweem-St Monans-Abercrombie circuits. They run 10-11 km with a gentle ascent and give a good mix of coast and countryside without leaving the area.
Multi-day Coastal Path adventures via St Monans
Base in St Monans and cover two or three stages over a long weekend. One day to Elie, another to Anstruther, and a third on to Crail if energy and weather line up. St Monans is at the heart of a four-village 12 km route that many walkers complete in about four hours, with options to shorten at Pittenweem or Anstruther and bus back. It’s a neat way to sample the East Neuk with minimal logistics.
FAQs
How long is the walk from St Monans to Anstruther?
Roughly 5.75 km (3.5 miles) one way. Most people take 1.5-2 hours. It’s a straightforward coastal footpath with clear signs and a start point at the car park behind the Old Kirk.
Can you walk from St Monans to Elie in under two hours?
Yes, if you keep a steady pace. Allow 1.5-2 hours for about 4-5 km depending on detours to Newark Castle and Elie Ness Lighthouse.
Is the coastal path from St Monans to Pittenweem easy?
Very. It’s about 1.9 km one way on pavements and firm shore path, usually around 50 minutes with photo stops.
Are there heritage walks in St Monans?
Yes. Link the Auld Kirk, windmill and salt pans in an easy loop from the harbour. Longer circuits add inland lanes towards Abercrombie before returning to the coast.
How do I get back to my start point without a car shuffle?
Use the Stagecoach 95. It links St Andrews, Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans and Elie, with current timetables published online.
Plan your Trip
Pair a morning on the St Monans-Pittenweem stretch with lunch in the harbour, or set a calm day for the Elie leg and sunset at the Auld Kirk. When you’re ready for more ideas nearby, see our page Things to Do in St Monans and search our accommodation in St Monans so your walks, meals and base all sit within easy reach.
