I am planning my third trip to Scotland and will be touring the Inner Hebrides with a group and spending some individual time in the East Neuk area during the month of May. I am a member of Historic Scotland and find Abbeys enchanting, even in ruin.

I will be staying in Crail for four nights and three weeks later will be in Anstruther for two nights. While in Crail and Anstruther, I am planning a trip out to the Isle of May and St. Adrian's Chapel. I also want to visit the Pittenweem Fish Auction, St. Fillan's Cave, Kellie Castle, Crail Pottery, and the hamlet of Cellardyke.

How far should a person dependent on public transportation roam? Are Dunfermline Abbey and Culross reasonable destinations? As a Historic site, how does Culross compare to other historic sites in Scotland? How long would you need to view it? What sites are recommended as worthy of a visit in St Andrews?

All advice and or suggestions as to "must see" sites are appreciated. Thanks.

I'm not sure how much of a walker you are, but the coastal trail between Crail and Anstruther is well worth your while. It is absolutely gorgeous. I think it's three miles. You can walk one way and take the bus back to your starting point.

When I was in that area, I spent a pleasant afternoon in St. Andrew's. There are ruins of an old cathedral there, and there's a little beach. It's a nice town to visit even if you're not into golf. My pictures from the weekend I spent in that region are here if you want to take a look: http://sunny16.smugmug.com/gallery/197660

here is a website for Fife Stagecoach bus schedules http://www.stagecoachbus.com/

I have been to all the places you mention - but I've always had a car so haven't had to deal w/ how many are practical by public transport.

All of the sites you mention are great - The boat trip out to the Isle of May will be a real highlight if the weather is at all decent.

I've been to Culross a few times and it is well worth the effort to get there - again I don't know how much effort that would be by bus/on foot.

In St Andrews, the Abbey and the Cstle are essentially across the street from each other so it is a very easy "two-fer". And even if you aren't very interested in golf - the Old Course and the beach that runs along it are well worth a visit.

I would tru to squeeze in a visit to Falkland Palace - the palace is very interesting much historic significance. And it's grounds/gardens are every bit as lovely as those at Kellie Castle. And if you are into walking - the Lomond hills that loom over the village just to the west are a fairly easy climb to wonderful views over much of Fife.

Another place you might try to squeeze in is Loch Leven/Castle.

In Anstruther right at the harbor where you take the boat out to the Isle of May - you will find the Scottish Fisheries museum. This as a really interesting place w/ lots of old photos, boats, fishing equipment/nets/artefacts, model ships, re-created fishermen's cottage, etc.

Where are you staying in Crail? I've stayed there 4 or 5 times over the years. Also - is there any way you would consider renting a car while in Fife? The driving is not hard at all and you would have a lot better chance to see all you want w/o depending on bus service.

Of course I mis-spoke (A bit of brain fade) - St Andrews CATHEDRAL, not Abbey . . . . . .

Hello Sunny and Janis ~
Thanks for the informative and swift responses! Hiking parts of the Fife Coastal trail will be a definite item on my itinerary as I enjoy walking beaches, listening to the pounding surf, and looking for coastal birds.

After viewing your photos, Sunny, I will certainly make the trip to St. Andrews to see the ruins of the Cathedral. I will definitely want to climb the tower for the spectacular views.

Janis, Falkland Palace sounds like an intriquing "architectural" site to add to my itinerary as I am very interested in Gothic architecture. I am staying at the Hazleton B&B in Crail ~ a room with a sealoch view.

Looking forward to my coastal experience. Thanks again.

Janis
re: Transportation
Renting a car is not an option as I do not drive ... so I will definitely be relying on the "stagecoach" bus.

Ok - that's settled. Using the buses will be just fine. But one thing you might want to consider - for days you want to cover a bit more territory or to get to a group of sites that are relatively close together but inconvenient by bus -- you can hire a driver. Relatively inexpensive and you can set the itinerary. The Tourist offices (TIC) in Crail, Anstruther and/or St Andrews can recommend drivers.

Thanks Janis. I would not have thought to "hire a driver." What is your definition of "relatively inexpensive?" This might be a viable option for the Culross or Falkland excursions ... will have to check with the TIC when I arrive.

abbey: Sorry, I can't give you useful info about prices because the last time I checked for someone was nearly 10 years ago so no telling whet it would cost now. But as a frame of refernece back then a car and driver from a local company usually ran about the same amount as a 1-day car rental for a mid-sized car.

Many (probably most) town/village taxi companies can arrange a car and driver for 1/2 or full day hires. And if you only need a driver and not a "tour guide" you can even just hire a cab for the trip to - say Falkland - and then have a set time for him to pick you up. This would be cheaper than have a car/driver at your disposal for a full day.

Maybe someone who has hired a driver recently will see your thread. Or you could post a new thread w/ a title something like "Have you hired a driver for the day in the UK?"

I think you should roam as far as you are comfortable roaming The buses will be our constraint. Fife has a very good cycle netwok if that's any interest to you.

Dunfermline Abbey and Culross?

Personlly I find Dunfermilne Abbey a bit dull, Culross is wonderful, and well worth a visit. If you're going that far you might like to think abouta tiny extra expedition to Castle Campbell in Dollar.

If you go to St Andrews, you need to go to Janetta's, if you go no-where else. But you should see round the old part of the University as well as the sites mentioned before. Get yourself an old video of "Chariots of Fire" to remind you of the West Sands.

The only thing I would ad to janis's input is the church at Leuchars which is well worth a visit.

Sheila's suggestion about Castle Campbell is very good -- it is a bit of a hike up to the castle from Dollar (I've always cheated and driven up to the tiny car park at the top). But the Castle is very interesting and the views from up there are terrifiic. if I had limited time and had to choose between Dunfermline and Castle Campbell - it would be Campbell for me.

Another good thing about Leuchars - there is a train station there so you can go even farther afield if you wanted on a day trip.

Sheila - about Leuchars -- do you know if the castle (Earlshall) is still open? I had heard it was sold and closed. Too bad, if so.

Hello Janis & Sheila ~
Thanks for all the great information. I had read about the church in Leuchars in the Michelin Guide so that is definitely a consideration.
According to my travel guides, Dollar is located approximately 11 km east of Stirling ~ would that be make Campbell Castle more accessible as a day trip from Glasgow [I do have a few individual nights in central Glasgow]?

Everyone seems to be extremely positive about Culross as a Historic site to visit ~ again, would it be more practical as a day trip from Glasgow vs from the Fife area?

I neglected to mention ~ I am not really a "castle" person ~ I have probably seen one castle too many on a previous "coach tour," so if you were only choosing one to visit which would be your preference ... Falkland Palace, Kellie Castle, or Campbell Castle? I actually prefer to wander the grounds, admiring the gardens and the location of the site ... For example, at Dunrobin Castle, I was far more enthralled by the Falconry display than the castle itself or any of the contents [just personal preference].

P.S. What is Janetta's in St. Andrews?

Thanks!

No, I believe it's private and closed.The garden is usually open one day a year for the Scotland's Garden scheme

abbey: I don't think you could get "castled out" by going to Falkland, Castle Cambell AN Kellie. Each is VERY different from the others.

Falkland is a Royal Palace with a beautiful garden, amazing hebaceous border - nearly as pretty as the ones at Crathes - in a neat village. Kellie is a National Trust owned 16th century tower house w/ another lovely garden. Castle Campbell is an earlier bldg at the top of a forrested glen.

besides - doing them on your own w/o the pressure of getting back on the tour bus lets you spend as much or as little time as you want. Go to all three if you have the time.

As for whether to do Castle Campbell from Fife or from Glasgow -- Well if you were driving you could do it either way. In fact Culross and Dollar (and Dunfermline for that matter) would be a quicker drive from Glasgow because the route is motorway/dual carriageway most of the way.

If you were to stay a day or two in Stirling that would be a better base for all of them. But since you will be in East Fife a few days I'd try to do it from there. Especially if you go to Culross. Culross is only about 6 miles as the crow flies from Dollar, maybe 9 or 10 miles by road.

Thanks everyone. I now have enough information and feedback to finalize my itinerary.
only 35 days til departure, but who's counting ...