When the weather outlook seems set to sun, a trip to Elie and a picnic on the beach is a great way to spend a day of your holiday at Sandcastle Cottage. The beach at Elie is only a twenty minute drive down the coast from Crail or you can get there by 95 bus which is an hourly service. The long sandy beach is very sheltered and great for a picnic and for young children paddling and building sandcastles. You don’t even need to pack your own picnic, as the lovely folks at the Elie Deli in the High Street will happily make up some crusty rolls or sandwiches for you. You can also buy coffees to take out and delicious tray-bakes for afters.
There are colourful beach huts for hire so no problem regarding changing. There are also ample toilet facilities. There are lifeguards on both Ruby Bay and Elie & Earlsferry beaches during the summer months. One of the highlights at the weekend during the summer is the beach cricket.
Elie – Activities for Adults and Teenagers
For the older kids and adults head to Elie Watersports where you can rent kayaks, canoes,windsurfers, pedalos small sailing boats or go for the thrills and spills in the inflatable rings or on the banana boat. You can also rent bikes and take advantage of the various off road cycle tracks in the area. For some suggestions see our blog post “Cycle Routes near Crail”
Staff are very helpful and always on hand to provide you with wetsuits and life jackets too. Watersports classes are available during the summer months. Booking is advisable.
Elie Beach Sauna is located next to Elie Watersports and the harbour car park for more details and how to book click this link
Parking at the harbour is available for a small fee, but parking in the main street is free. And if the weather should turn a bit cool during the day, you can always head up to the Pavilion Cafe at Elie Sports Club and warm up with a game of tennis or bowls and a reviving hot chocolate.
Other attractions to look out for are The Lady’s Tower. The tower was built and used by Lady Anstruther for her private bathing. Rumour has it that a bell would sound in the village to warn villagers that her ladyship was about to begin her swim and they should stay away.
Elie Church
Elie Church just off the High Street was built and ordained by William Scott of Ardross and opened for worship on the 17 April 1639. The steeple was added later by John Anstruther in 1726. The church is an example of a T Plan building erected in Scotland in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Elie – A Walk up Kincraig Hill
One of the highlights for me was a walk up Kincraig Hill. Kincraig is the headland west of the golf course. Follow the signs for the coastal path. For the more adventurous there is a Chain Walk on the lower parts of Kincraig. However this is not recommended unless you go with an organised party and experienced instructors are present.
As you reach the top of Kincraig you are treated to what is for me the best view of the East Neuk. The East Neuk towns are in front of you. The views across the Firth of Forth towards the Isle of May or Berwick Law are simply spectacular.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sandcastle Cottage
If you would like any information about staying at Sandcastle Cottage then click this link. If you would like to book a week or 2 week break with us then click on the Book Now button which will take you directly to our booking page. Availability is always up to date.
Blog updated January 2024
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