Elie Chain Walk
A thrilling scramble along the foot of the Kincraig cliffs near Elie, with eight fixed chains and steps cut in the volcanic rock, passable only near low tide.
The Elie Chain Walk is a short walk.
It follows the foot of the Kincraig cliffs west of Elie, between Earlsferry and Shell Bay, where the shore is so rocky and steep that local people fixed chains to the rock in 1929 to make a way round the point.
Today there are eight chains, replaced in 2010, along with steps cut into the volcanic rock. The route climbs over gullies and along ledges above the water, past great columns of basalt standing like the pipes of a stone organ, with rock pools all around. The whole route is only about a third of a mile, but it takes time, and it feels like an adventure.
The walk is only passable for about two hours either side of low tide, and a rising tide can cut you off, so check the tide times carefully, wear good boots and go with care.
The Daily
Arrives at 5am every day.
A free morning email to see what’s on this week, catch up on what’s happening in Scotland and find somewhere new to go.
Passable only for about two hours either side of low tide.
Check the tide times before you set out; a rising tide can cut you off.
- Where
- Kincraig Point, near Elie.
- Chains
- Eight.
- Go
- Near low tide only.
Been here? Tell others what you know, and the best go on this page with your name.
Add your reviewAlong the foot of the Kincraig cliffs between Earlsferry, by Elie, and Shell Bay, KY9 1HB.
The Mirador CaféA cafe and takeaway at Elie Holiday Park on Shell Bay, on the Fife Coastal Path, for barista coffee, breakfasts, home baking and ice cream.Under a mile 5 min by road
The Kinneuchar Inn2 miles 7 min by road
The Pavilion, ElieA family-run cafe beside the golf course and tennis courts at Earlsferry, near Elie beach, open all year and into the evening in summer.3 miles 9 min by road
Elie Ness LighthouseThe lighthouse on the point.3 miles 10 min by road
Ardross Farm ShopA farm shop nearby.4 miles 10 min by road
St MonansThe fishing village along the coast.5 miles 13 min by road
Places to stay near the walk, and when each is next free.
The Old Stable- Sleeps 2
- In Pittenweem
- 6 miles from the Elie Chain Walk
The Crow’s Nest- Sleeps 4
- In Pittenweem
- 6 miles from the Elie Chain Walk
Fifies- Sleeps 2
- In Pittenweem
- 6 miles from the Elie Chain Walk
Maybell Cottage- Sleeps 2
- In Pittenweem
- 6 miles from the Elie Chain Walk
Scotland, in print.
We want to show you the best that Scotland has to offer. The makers and the creatives, the enduring experiences, the evocative tales, the concealed corners. The roads less travelled that take you to places that matter. The adventures that gather you up and sweep you away. The blend of the wild and the artistic that makes Scotland what it is. We’d love for you to join us.
What we have written about it, the collections it is in and more in Fife.
For further reading, before you go. The details on this page were checked on .