You have got to go here…Fife Coastal Path – Scotland
I love love love when I set out on one adventure and discover a totally different one along the way. On a picturesque misty Scottish morning I set out to St. Andrews on the Fife Coastal Path to see some sites that were significant to my family’s history (my relative was burned at the stake you know!)
OK, lets start with my first (and planned) adventure. I know you have all probably heard of the Old Course, but St. Andrews is so much more. What a beautiful city it is – full of historic ruins at both St. Andrews Cathedral and St. Andrews Castle, home to St. Andrews University (where I hear a famous royal couple met), has a plethora of fantastic shopping and streets lined with welcoming B&B’s as far as the eye can see.
In addition to all of the awesome things I just mentioned, I discovered the best gelato ever!!! OK I actually stalked it. While planning my trip I came across a post (always keep lists about places you want to visit as you never know when you may get to experience them in person) about Jannettas and I knew that when I made it to St. Andrews it would be my first stop – and it was! I was in heaven…so creamy and tasty. I could have stayed there all day tasting every flavor.
After spending several hours exploring this quaint town, I switched gears and went in search of a little fishing village named Anstruther. We had taken a tour of the highlands in Scotland a day earlier with rabbies and our guide gave us a tip to where the best fish and chips in all of Scotland were. How can you pass up trying them?
The drive to get there was an unexpected surprise. I passed fields of lush green grass, set eyes on amazing views of the North Sea and came upon towns that looked like they were straight out of the fairytale. I wish that I could have visited more places along this coastal path, but I only had time for fish and chips!
Alas, the Anstruther turnoff was upon me and I was excited. Things to know: there was plenty of parking and it is seriously a block long – but this town has way more quality than quantity! OK, side tracked, back to Scotland’s best fish and chips…you can’t miss Anstruther Fish Bar.
What a cute fun place! First you have two options – take out or dine in…you chose. We ate inside, but would have also enjoyed eating on a bench facing the sea.
Now another decision…what to eat! While there is much to choose from – you have to at least try the world famous fish and chips. AND let me just tell you how great they were…my husband who hates fish loved them. They were super crispy, but moist inside and so tasty! OH and another tip – try the mushy peas!
Don’t just eat and run either! Anstruther is also full of shops and lots of places to explore. I forgot to mention one more important thing…the people are so so friendly!
The purpose of this blog is to encourage you to stray from your plans as you never know what treats are to be had. I had my mind set on on St. Andrews – tunnel vision almost, but I am glad I took the advice to go get fish and chips or I would have never discovered Anstruther (which turned out to be one of my favorite places in Scotland.)
If you are looking to scape the crowds and tourists in Edinburgh, do yourself a favor and escape to the coast for some peace and serenity.
I can’t wait to return to the Fife Coastal Path and find more hidden gems.
Happy Fish and Chipping,
Crystal
You have got to go here... 