A traditional cottage in the lovely fishing village of Pittenweem
Pittenweem lies in the heart of the East Neuk, in the middle of five ‘picture postcard’ coastal towns. Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St. Monans and Elie. They offer a multitude of historic sites as well as cultural and leisure pursuits to suit all tastes, with festivals and events throughout the year. The Fife Coastal Path passes by the beautiful Fisherman’s Memorial statue of a woman and child.
Pittenweem harbour was first recorded as a port in 1228. Today, Pittenweem is a shellfish port and is the main landing port and market in the East Neuk . The catch is mainly langoustine (prawn) crab and surf crabs, with some fish also landed, shellfish can be purchased in high summer near the fishmarket.
In the seventh century the early Christian missionary, St Fillan lived in a cave here, dug deep into the rock. Through the middle ages pilgrims came to visit the cave. This primitive dwelling gave the town its name; in the Pictish tongue, the word means ‘place of the cave’. You will pass this on ‘Cove Wynd’ heading down to the Harbour.
Fife’s existence can be traced back to the Pictish Kingdom of Fib in the centuries after the departure of the Romans. It is for this reason that Fife is still commonly referred to as ‘The Kingdom of Fife’.
Time your visit well to watch the sun rising to the south of Pittenweem Harbour or, at the end of the day, dipping below the horizon at the Harbour’s north end in a blaze of red and pink with the moored fishing boats having a well-earned rest.
Pitenweem Arts Festival is held in early August.
An Artisan bakery is a short walk away from the Cottage on the High Street and you will pass the Tower Café on the way there. Chocolate lovers can indulge their cravings with a visit to The Pittenweem Chocolate Company’s Cocoa Tree Café, which takes great pride in adding chocolate to as many dishes and drinks on the menu as possible.
The Fife Coastal Path goes right by the door of Pittenweem Ice Cream Shop, giving walkers a good excuse to stop for a sweet treat!
Pittenweem is only a short 15 minute drive from St. Andrews while the city of Dundee can be reached in 30mins and Perth and Edinburgh are just over one hours drive.
There are many good beaches nearby including :
Tentsmuir Sands and Kinshaldy Beach ; Elie (watersports) Earlsferry & Ruby Bay ; Kingsbarns Beach ; Roome Bay, Crail ; Billow Ness, Anstruther and West Sands at St. Andrews where they filmed the epic Chariots Of Fire slow motion running scene.
Nearby places to visit:
The Scottish Fisheries Museum. In a spectacular position opposite the Harbour in nearby Anstruther, telling the story of the Scottish Fishing Industry, it’s people, harbours and boats all housed in a group of linked traditional buildings.
Only three miles inland from Pittenweem, is Kellie Castle, one of the oldest and most magnificent of Scottish Castles with an Arts & Crafts Garden and now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.
Eating and drinking in the area:-
The Gantry Restaurant in the West End Bar, Pittenweem is renowned for Sunday lunch. Anchor Inn, Pittenweem has good quality food freshly prepared. The Larachmhor, Pittenweem does lunch and afternoon food only (the freshly baked scones are excellent). The Heron Bistro and Gallery mainly does lunch and opens until 8pm in the summer.
There are also the following restaurants nearby:- The Dory, a short walk away, The Ship Inn , Elie, ; Dreel Tavern, Anstruther ; Smugglers Inn, Anstruther ; Old Bank, Anstruther ; Waterfront Restaurant, Anstruther ; Haven Restaurant, Cellardyke.
There are many takeaways including Pittenweem Fish Bar, Mayview Hotel St Andrews ; Wok and Spice, St Monans ; Anstruther Fish Bar ; Flemings Fish Bar, Anstruther and the Golden Lion Chinese takeaway in Cellardyke.
Fine Dining establishments in the area include:- The Seafood Restaurant, St Monans ; The Cellar, Anstruther ; Sangsters in Elie.
There are many golf courses in the area:-
The Old Course, St. Andrews
To play here you need a handicap certificate, max 24 for men and 36 for women, costs approx. from £110 in summer (£50 in winter) and you have to enter the daily ballot.
New Course, St. Andrews
It’s new but only in comparison with the old one, it started in 1895. It is regarded as a tougher course, green fees are £55.
*Prices are a guide only, please check with courses before visiting.
Other courses include:-
Jubilee Course, Eden course, Strathtyrum course, The Castle , The Balgove (9) all at St. Andrews ; Torrance and Kittocks Courses at St. Andrews bay ; Kingsbarns Golf Links ; Crail Golfing Society ; Charleton Golf Club ; Anstruther Golf Club ; Elie Golf Club ; Lundin Golf Club Links
