Category Archives: Virtual tour of Fife

May 2, 2019 · 6:45 pm

Diana’s Virtual Tour of Fife ~ The story so far

For each book I’ve written so far, a sense of ‘place’ has been vital to my writing. On each occasion I have wished to capture the essence of these locations by writing posts in the form of virtual tours. So far my virtual travels have explored Alderney, Guernsey, Southampton and Bedfordshire, but more recently I have enjoyed sharing the journeys, memories, historical facts as well as fantasies whilst following The Fife Coastal Path reflecting my latest tome, The Healing Paths of Fife. 

Here are links to the journey so far:

DSCN3010North Queensferry ~ the village with three bridges spanning the Forth. Then on to Dunfermline  where Queen Margaret prayed in her cave, in fact, the place which inspired my story. Then along the coast to Aberdour ~ a lovely little coastal town with Silver Sands and Black Sands looking out towards Inchcolm Island and Abbey on the Firth of Forth.

Next is Burntisland ~ very popular as a holiday resort especially in Victorian Britain but now an up and coming place. (although the crowds this Easter suggest a revival) From Burntisland you can look over the couple of miles of sandy beach towards Pettycur with its wee harbour.

Snow at KinghornKinghorn is up the road, and the place which called us home. The site of the beach and the Kirk by the Sea never ceases to make me smile. Along the rugged coastal path takes you to meet the Selkies at Seafield Tower Kirkcaldy 

Then on to Kirkcaldy followed by a gentle walk to Dysart of Outlander fame.

The coastal path undulates from here in the most pleasant way as you pass on to West Wemyss and Wemyss Caves and then through to East Wemyss.

Heading further along the coast and another delightful walk is from Leven to Lower Largo of Robinson Crusoe fame, and next on to a popular area called East Neuk where fishing villages are in abundance, all worth a visit for different reasons. There’s:

St Monans

Pittenweem

AnstrutherDSCN4464

Crail

Cambo Gardens

Finally in my next post I will be taking you to my destination on this walk, to the famous city of St Andrews. A special walk leading to an extra special place.

 

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March 27, 2019 · 5:18 pm

Diana’s Virtual Tour of the Fife Coast ~ Kirkcaldy

 

Farmer’s Monthly Market, Kirkcaldy
The Merchants’ Quarter

I’m going to back track along the coast from East Neuk to Kirkcaldy, (pronounced without the ‘l’) which has a long promenade and sandy bay taking you over a mile. It stretches between Seafield Tower and the seals all the way to Ravanscraig Castle and the coastal walk beside the park to Dysart Harbour.

When we were first in Fife Kirkcaldy was a buzzing little town with M & S, Debenhams, Waterstones, WH Smiths and Boots at the centre and many wee shops in either direction. Tesco was the first to go, meaning that many young and elderly relying on public transport had no supermarket in the town to visit before catching the bus. More recently it has been the demise of M & S which has hit the headlines, the first ever in Scotland. So very sad.

Mind you, I’ve been into town on a few occasions since that fateful day and Kirkcaldy folks are resilient people. There are still several cafes and places to eat, a wide variety of shops and also TK Max, among others, in the Mercat.  Also, there’s an excellent jeweler’s shop or two and various clothes shops. Oh I’ve missed many but you get the idea. Waterstones is still thankfully at the very heart of the town.

Two ends of Kirkcaldy which have recently impressed me are the Olympia Arcade and The Merchant’s Quarter. I know the arcade has a long way to go but the energy and enthusiasm by those trying to get it going is lovely to see. Then, at the far end of the High Street, in what’s called The Merchant’s Quarter, among a few restaurants is a music shop, florist, Vinyl record shop, craft shop and The Merchant’s Cafe. Each time I go there, in fact, a new shop has popped up. I also discovered the Merchant’s Centre, including a tiny haven and garden.

Once a month there’s a Farmer’s Market by the Town Hall. Great fun! Even freshly smoked Smokies! That’s smoked haddock for the uninitiated ~ like the more famous Arbroath Smokies, but these are smoked right in front of you.

The Olympia Arcade also hope to revitalise their craft and gift fair on the same Saturday to help pay for the cost of restoration (first Saturday of every month)

Well Kirkcaldy ~ You still have a lot going for you ~ elegant buildings, The Adam Smith Theatre and Kirkcaldy Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery to name but a few. Do you think life breathed into the recently bought Postings and the opening of The Kings Theatre will be your salvation? Do you know, I believe that all is not lost and you’ll rise up again, even better than before.

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March 14, 2019 · 3:41 pm

Diana’s Virtual Tour of the Fife Coast ~ Crail ~ The Jewel of East Neuk

My first awareness of Crail was as a jigsaw puzzle, the harbour being so full of character with its wee fisherman’s cottages and boats bobbing in the water inside the protective harbour wall.

When you first stumble across Crail you usually park in the village, with ample off the road parking, a neat tree lined street of Georgian elegance.  Crail is best explored by foot and each time you do so you will probably find a different route down to the harbour, from narrow paths and castle walls, to steep cobbled roads. Don’t forget to pop into the museum and also enjoy an ice cream, fish and chips or a snack at one of the cafes. There are many sheltered spots for a picnic too. Just head for the castle walls.

It was such a surprise the first time we visited, peering down from the coastal path as it meets the main road, magical if the sun is shining: reminiscent of Cornwall’s Mousehole.

Who would not be inspired by Crail!

The Healing Paths of Fife, a memoir, tells the full story in prose, poetry and fantasy.

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