ABOUT THE LOCAL AREA
Maeyar is situated on a picturesque modern estate in Cellardyke which is set in the midst of the historic fishing ports and sandy beaches of the craggy coastline of Fife’s East Neuk (Eastern Corner).
Cellardyke is one of a number of idyllic whitewashed coastal villages which include Crail, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Elie and Lower Largo. The architecture and style of the area features medieval Dutch-style cottages, tollbooth towers, churches, cobbled lanes and stone harbours lined with art galleries, seafood restaurants, ice-cream parlours and cosy pubs.
This page includes information about the immediate local area with some ideas of what there is to see and do.
CELLARDYKE
Less than 5 minutes walk from Maeyar Cellardyke harbour is a beautifully picturesque spot. Turning towards the East you will find a playpark, the old bathing pool and East Neuk outdoors centre with a small climbing wall, bouncy castle, canoes, archery and bikes for hire.
Continuing on to the east you can follow the Fife Coastal Path all the way to St Andrews and way beyond if you're feeling up to it!
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ANSTRUTHER
The largest of the coastal villages and a short walk from the apartment, Anstruther is a busy yet picturesque small town. With numerous pubs, bars and restaurants. Boasting several pubs, three fish and chip shops (sit in and takeaway) as well as an Indian restaurant/takeaway (Eastern Touch) and Dervish (pizza/calzone etc) to mention a few you wont go hungry - or thirsty come to that.
The Scottish Fisheries Museum has a café as well as exhibits, and there are often children’s craft activities available. If you’re after a really memorable meal, The Cellar with its Michelin star is worth a look.
The Lifeboat station on the pier has a gift shop and offers seasonal tours. A trip to the Isle of May can be enjoyed aboard the May Princess, which leaves from the harbour (booking advised) from April- September.
A local community group have recently upgraded the playpark, Bankie Park, with some fantastic new play equipment - you'll find it next to the tennis courts. The nine hole golf course is open to non-members. Local artists often hold ‘Open Studio’ events throughout the year.
You will find a Barnetts bakery in Anstruther (and one in Elie, Pittenweem and Cellardyke) who sell some fantastic artisan breads- try the ancient grain! There’s also a Co-op supermarket in Anstruther, as well as two cash machines.
KILRENNY
A little further away, about half a mile from the Apartment along the Crail Road is the hamlet of Kilrenny where you will find the ‘common’, a small playpark and perfect picnic area. Take a walk through the woods and you might find the rope swing if you’re brave enough for a shot! The gates in and out of the woodland walk aren’t good for prams/buggies unfortunately.
PITTENWEEM
Less than a mile from Anstruther, Pittenweem is the only one of the villages which still has a fish market where you can watch the catch of the day being unloaded and sold. August sees the very busy and popular Arts Festival turning the village into a bustling hive of activity for ten days.
While the village hosts a number of established galleries, during the festival artists from across the region use the local houses as pop up galleries. If you’re here for the preview night most artists will offer a little refreshment as you browse!
St Fillan’s cave (key available from the Cocoa Tree) is a historic cave built into the cliff face accessible via the lane nearest the church at the end of High Street.
There’s a skate park and playpark on the West Braes on a beautiful hilltop location overlooking the sea, and another park and playing fields behind the school. A local community group has worked hard to reopen the crazy golf here - fun for all the family; check out the ‘Pittenweem Properties’ sponsored part of the course.
The fish and chip shop at the end of the High Street is very popular with locals! The Dory Bistro on the shore is a new addition and proving quite popular. The traditional sweetie shop on the shore is a real treat, or head up to the High St where there are three cafes including the amazing Cocoa Tree Café; crepes, waffles and hot chocolates galore! The National Trust property, Kellie Castle is located near Pittenweem and has lovely grounds and gardens to explore.
ST MONANS
Continuing westwards from Pittenweem is St Monans where you will find the ‘Auld Kirk’ (Old Church) perching on the water’s edge. As the setting for a number of movies, including the harrowing Second World War epic The Railway Man (the story of Scottish prisoner of war Eric Lomax and starring Nicole Kidman), you may feel you have been here before!
Other buildings worth visiting include the windmill which is further along the coastal path towards Pittenweem; the key can be collected at the Spar shop on West Street for a small refundable deposit. Again, the local community hold annual events including a Sea Queen festival, Arts festival and the welly boot garden on West Shore.
The shore is great for a bit of beach combing when the tide is out! The Diving Gannet is a great place to get a spot of lunch or ice cream (sit in and takeaway). The seafood restaurant, Craig Millar @16 West End looks out over the sea (booking advised) and the East Pier Smokehouse (East Shore) offers lunch and dinner options. There is a play park and grass football pitch near the school. If you are looking to try a local delicacy, visit the industrial estate at the top of the village and head into the left hand corner where you’ll find ‘Ru an Fhodar’ fish merchant and can buy portions or even full sides of hot smoked salmon, it really is worth trying! There’s also a Chinese takeaway at the top of the village, Wok and Spice.
ELIE
A little further on from St Monans, Elie has long been a holiday destination. Quiet during the winter season, Elie comes to life in the summer. With a watersports centre, golf course and tennis courts it’s a great place for those looking for an active day!
The Pavilion at the tennis courts offer food all day, there’s a great ice cream shop (Carol’s) and numerous gift shops as well as places to buy a fishing net and spade for fun at the beach.
The chain walk is a good way to explore the coast. Stretching from the golf course to Shell Bay, the walk runs along the shore line with chains attached to the rocks to aid you. It is suitable for older children but certainly not buggies! Make sure you are properly equipped (sensible shoes!) and have checked the tides before starting; the lifeboat has been known to be called into action in the past!
Between Elie and St Monans you will find the Ardross farm shop selling fresh homegrown veg, hand reared meat and a huge selection of local produce; it’s well worth a visit. Just beyond the Farm shop there is a row of cottages with a layby opposite. If you go down by the side of the cottages and follow the old railway line you will find a beautiful stretch of beach; good for sandcastles and with the bonus of rockpools to explore and stretches of coastal path to enjoy.
Just a little further towards St Monans is Bowhouse, a new addition to the area. A home for many local producers and suppliers it is now a popular market area with regular market weekends. Products range from fresh local food and drink, handmade crafts goods, live music and a wonderful array of food stalls from hog roast to sweet and savoury crepes. You can check out their website for upcoming market dates.
Finally the Millhouse at Bowhouse is a great new rustic café serving wood fired pizza; have a look at their Facebook page to see what's on offer.
CRAIL
Crail has a golf club, open to non-members. There are beautiful beaches and the local pottery is worth a visit too.
An annual Food Festival is held in June and attracts foodies from near and far for cookery demonstrations and harbourside markets where you can sample an array of local produce.
Penmans butchers is a good source of quality meat. The Nosebag café has just opened up here and the lobster hut at the harbour is worth a visit.
KINGBARNS AND BEYOND
Kingsbarns has a newly opened distillery open for whisky and gin tasting tours and there is a great beach as well as golf course in the area. Just beyond Kingsbarns is Cambo Estate which often hosts markets and events such as Snowdrops festival and Cambolicious (beer festival). The wonderful woodland play area is magical for little ones, and there is a café/pop up food stalls. The gardens and woodland walks are a great place to explore, and the estate piglets always draw a crowd!
West of Kingsbarns (heading towards St Andrews from Anstruther) there is a tiny hamlet, Dunino. If you turn right up towards the church and park in the car park, you will see a path leading between the graveyards. Follow the path and you’ll find the mystical ‘Holy Well’ and see the ancient stone steps which lead down to ‘Dunino Den’ with a history stretching back thousands of years with old carvings visible around the grove. Many people bring tokens of remembrance, for example ribbons tied to trees, coins within a tree stump etc. The feeling of mystery and contentment whilst enjoying the surroundings is certainly something to experience! The steps can be very slippy, so please go prepared with sensible shoes. You can find out more here: http://www.druidry.org/library/sacred-sites/dunino-den-our-history-nutshell
LOWER LARGO
Lower Largo has an enticing sandy beach, many historic buildings and an unusual river mouth harbour. These days the village is home to pleasure craft rather than fishing boats and you can spend a lovely afternoon admiring the vessels or even taking a trip.
Lower Largo is the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk (1676) who was the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe; and a statue to him can be found in the village. The Crusoe hotel offers a lovely spot to have something to eat or drink with great views. The Old Manor hotel is nearby in Upper Largo.