The Rooke Family Blog: The Far East….

Tuesday, 22 August 2023

The Far East….

At the far east of Scotland lies the East Neuk of Fife. The East Neuk has some of Scotland’s most picturesque coastline with pretty little fishing villages and harbours interspersed with coastal cliffs, beaches and unusual rock formations jutting out to sea. The quality of light coupled with the landscape makes for some really stunning views, and it also claims to be the sunniest part of Scotland – except of course when we were there.

Rain peppered our week on and off, but we put on our brave coats and boots and made the most of our week away. Bigger trips were to St Andrews for the Aquarium and the Barbie movie, Kellie Castle, Hill of Tarvit and Cambo Estate, and of special note was also the powerful and spiritual Dunino Glen. The weather cancelled our boat trip to the Isle of May, but the East Neuk is also full of little villages to stop off like Crail for its harbour or Elie for the beach and chainwalk. We were based in Pittenweem and there were daily excursions seal watching, rock pooling, book finding, crazy golfing or swimming. But just wandering the streets and enjoying the cafes was also a lovely past time. It was our first long trip with Ly so was good to spend the time with her, and also lovely to get out and do some coastal running (alone) and walking (with T). And then finally the Pittenweem Arts Festival ended our week on a wonderful high. A really interesting experience if you’ve never been. So what started as a dull and rainy week, saw the sun emerge and my soul soar.

And then it was over the water to North Berwick – 9 miles as the crow flies but a two and a half hour drive for a trip to see the Gurneys and a taste of Fringe by the Sea and the Fringe in Edinburgh. More great vibes and sunshine. There was even a replacement boat trip to Bass Rock. The Far East was not so far and is definitely close to our hearts.

And then a spot of the World Cycling Championships road race back in Kirky, and a meal out to Non Viet (Vietnamese restaurant in Glasgow) and the summer holidays were ended with a final huzzah.

Bring on P4, P7 and now also S4!