Elie: Beach, watersports and Lady’s Tower

Elie combines coastal paths, beach activities and watersports with golf and a historic building. When planning your trip, explore the different things to do at the beach, on the water and on land.

Coast, beach and walks

Elie Ruby Bay is part of the coastal path and offers walks through the surrounding countryside. At Ruby Bay beach, you can picnic, paddle, swim in open water, kayak or sail. The rough grassland beside Elie Ruby Bay puts on a spectacular display of primroses in spring and early summer.

At low tide, the beach at Elie Harbour connects with Earlsferry, forming an uninterrupted stretch of golden sand almost a mile long. If this continuous stretch of sand is important to you, plan your visit for low tide. The beach connection depends on the water level, while the primrose bloom depends on the time of year. These two experiences therefore require different timing when planning your visit.

Watersports and local paths

The sheltered bay at Elie Harbour is well suited to beginners wanting to try windsurfing, canoeing and waterskiing. Elie Watersports offers courses in dinghy sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. As well as trying different watersports, you can choose from courses in these three specific disciplines.

The Fife Coastal Path also offers options for different walking plans, with sections that are very flat and easy as well as more challenging routes. You can walk the path in short sections or as a long-distance trail.

Cultural history and golf

Elie Ness Lady’s Tower dates from the late 18th century. The tower is the circular Gothic rubble-stone shell of a former summer house, built as a changing room for Lady Anstruther when she went swimming. Its design, building materials and former purpose are among Elie’s distinctive historical details.

Golf has been played on the grounds of Elie Links for more than 600 years. Elie Links, Golf House Club, is open to visitors all year round. Check the tee-time arrangements before you travel if you are planning a visit.

Sauna and practical information about the harbour

Elie Seaside Sauna is located at Elie Harbour, overlooking Elie Beach, and offers hot-and-cold therapy. It has two saunas with different booking arrangements: Shore can be booked by the seat, while Dune is available exclusively for private use. Check the booking arrangements before you travel.

The harbour has toilets, step-free access and parking; lifeguards and first aid are available seasonally. Take this seasonal limitation into account if you rely on these services when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Pitlessie, Leven, New Gilston, Freuchie, Ceres, Blairhall, Leuchars, Markinch.

Back to the main travel overview: Fife.