Hi!
I'm trying to plan the E. Neuk portion of my holiday and have some questions:

1) I'm coming from Edinburgh and want to get to The Marine, Guest House, in Crail or to the Tourist Information Centre. I noticed that there is Stagecoach Bus 95 that goes through E. Neuk.
Basically, how do I get from Edinburgh to the bus stop toCrail? I.e. I take the train from Waverley station to which station in Fife? St. Andrews/Leuchars? I'm quite confused. And then does the bus have a stop at the train station or do I need to take a taxi to the bus stop?
Does this bus stop near the TIC?

2) I'll be staying in Crail. I'm interested in the coastal path. Is there a recommended direction I should use along the path from Crail? Also, can I bike along the path or is it just walking?

Any good easy bike paths from Crail?

3) I'm interested in seeing the Fisheries museum in Anstruther and trying the Craws Nest for lunch, and checking out the famous fish and chips shop. Any other recommended restaurants for lunch/dinner?

4) Lastly, any other must-do's, esp off-the-beaten-path recommendations for the Anstruther/Crail/Pittenweem area?

Loads of thanks!
gtrekker2003

I haven't taken the bus (but have seen them plenty of times while driving in the area) - so not sure where the bus stop is. You would take the train to Leuchars. What stops does the 95 route list? If it says Leuchars you are set. But if it starts from St Andrews - then you first need to take a bus from Leuchars to St Andrews.

As for other things to see/do: Definitely take the small boat out from Anstruther to the Isle of May. The Isle is a protected bird sanctuary w/ lots of other interesting things too. Many species including Puffins (puffins up close are amazing). Plus 3 light houses covering 3 centuries, a deserted village, etc. A park warden gives you the basics of what to look for and the rules about staying in the paths etc. Then you are on your own for 3 hours or so to wander where you want.

Also try to get to Falkland - the palace is wonderfully interesting and the gardens are really beautiful. And there Lomond hills up behind the village are a great walk/viewpoint. Falkland is a bit out of the way from your base in Crail - but worth the effort if you have the time.

Thanks janisj!

Stagecoach bus 95 starts at St. Andrews bus station, and then goes to 3 stops in Crail (garden Ctr, Pinkerton Road, and High St).

Do you know which of these 3 stops is closest to the TIC or to the Marine hotel?

And is there a train/bus from Edinburgh that goes directly to St. Andrews bus station?

Thanks again for the other tips. I wish I had more days, there's so much to do.

gtrekker2003

There is no train station in St Andrews - that's why you need to take the train to Leichars, which is the nearest station. There are frequent buses to St Andrews from Leuchars or you could even take a taxi. it is about 6 or 7 miles. (I wouldn't take a bus from Edinburgh to St Andrews - a train to Leuchars then bus to St Andrews would be much quicker)

In Crail you will want the High Street stop. It is close to the TIC and walking distance to your hotel.

A friend of mine lived in St Andrews for many years, She never took the train from Edinburgh to Leuchars then the bus to St Andrews. She always took the bus from Edinburgh. So, take the bus. It'll be fine. The driver will most likely help you with where to get off.

Don't miss the Cellar restaurant in Anstruther. My friend (from the above para) and her husband bought it years ago. He still owns it and is the very celebrated chef.

The main difference: Train to Leuchars takes about an hour on most runs. The bus takes a bit over 2 hours. Even adding for the ride to St Andrews it is nearly an hour faster by train.

the bus will be cheaper - and if I lived there I'd probably take the bus too and save the money.

Thanks janisj and Barbara.

I think I'll try the train so I have an extra hour of fun.

I am hoping to try The Cellar in Anstruther.

Any other good restaurants to try in Crail or Anstruther? Apart from the fish place in Anstruther? My holidays really revolve around food.

Thanks again,

gtrekker2003

The Cellar is great. Another suggestion for Anstruther is the Haven. I haven't eaten there but have heard it's good.

If you're in Crail over the weekend try The Chart Room at the Croma Hotel.

For foodies - There is always the Peat Inn in - - - ta da -- Peat Inn (yes that is the name of the village)

It used to be one of the best restaurants in the entire country. The old owner/chef retired a year or so ago and I haven't been since the change over. I've heard good things - but only second hand so can't say for sure. It was/is a destination restaurant and was quite special.

But it is about 10 miles from Crail.