Pittenweem and St. Monans

These neighboring harbors are places to wander among lobster creels, fishing nets, and rocks, discovering quirky local artworks and architectural features. Many examples of East Neuk architecture serve as the backdrop for the working harbor at Pittenweem. Look for the crowstep gables, white harling (the rough mortar finish on walls), and red pantiles (roof tiles with an S-shape profile). The weem part of the town's name comes from the Gaelic uaime, meaning cave. Nearby St. Monans has an attractive working fishing harbor, small pebbly beach, and a trio of free sights: pop in first to the wonderful, voulnteer-run heritage center by the harbor and curious Wellington boot garden; nearby to the west is the parish church dating from 1265; nearly a mile east along the coastal path is St. Monans Windmill (collect keys from the post office), where Fife salt production is explained.