For the second stage of our tour in Scotland , we leave Edinburgh heading towards the East Neuk region to end the day in St Andrews.
Itinerary of our 2rd day in East Neuk
- Edinburgh
- Forth Road Bridge
- St Monans
- Anstruther
- Saint Andrews
15 days tour in Scotland - Saint Monans
And so we set off in the driver's seat, excited to discover the landscapes we had all dreamed of… The sky is grey but still quite bright and promises us a very Scottish day! Our first stop is St Monans , a small village in the east of Neuk in Fife.
Located just over 20 km south of St Andrews, St Monans is a pretty little fishing port with charming 17th and 18th century timber-framed houses.
We decide to take a walk along the wild coast, populated by colonies of seabirds. It's a real breath of fresh air and a real pleasure for the eyes: small 14th century church, windmill, remains of Newark Castle and wild coast in ocher and gold colors.
15 days tour in Scotland - Anstruther
Anstruther is not just a fishing village, its main economy is now linked to tourism (Scottish Fisheries Museum, pleasure boats, cruises to the Isle of May…). This large village is famous for its fish restaurants.
We stopped there to eat at the Dreel Tavern , which is located on the roadside before arriving in the center of the town: 16 High Street West, Anstruther.
It is a very typical old pub where we tasted simple and substantial dishes. We really liked the warm, no-frills atmosphere but above all the low prices (rare in Scotland).
15 days tour in Scotland - St Andrews
Here we are in a world apart. Indeed, we have the impression of being in another country because the people, the buildings, the cars, the streets… everything is different from what we have seen elsewhere.
Luxury and elegance reign here in a breathtaking setting. I am stuck in front of this peaceful environment, its superb views of the North Sea from the cliffs and these too nickels and bright green golf courses!
A must-see is St Andrews Cathedral , which is in ruins but well worth the detour.
The tower of St Rule which is on the same site is older than the cathedral. From the top of the tower, you will have access to a magnificent panorama over the town of Saint Andrews, the harbor, the sea and the surrounding countryside.
The ruins of St Andrews Castle stand on a rocky promontory that overlooks the sea.
Finally, we headed to the very old and beautiful University of St Andrews.
Cheap hotel in Saint Andrews
I had been warned: it's impossible to find affordable accommodation in the centre of St Andrews in the middle of August…
But nothing is impossible! Here's the great deal I found: book a night in the dormitories at the University of St Andrews . These dormitories have been converted into rooms with bathrooms, and it's a real hotel service offered for 80 Euros (breakfast included).
Just a 5-minute walk from the center of St Andrews , the setting is splendid. This old building has incredible charm and a view of the beach. Furthermore, the breakfasts are very good and plentiful.
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