Fife is home to a host of exceptional wild swimming spots.
There is a certain rawness and tranquillity to swimming in open water which can’t be beat, and Fife boasts a variety of pools, beaches and amenities.
Before you embark on a wild swim, there are a few things to be aware of:
- Make sure you always check the tides and avoid particularly windy days.
- Be it winter or summer, make sure you are wearing the correct protective gear – neoprene gloves, wetsuit boots and woolly hats go a long way!
- Wade in slowly to avoid cold shock, and don’t stay in the water too long. Start with just a minute or two and work your way up to reduce risk of hypothermia.
As long as you follow the guidelines, a wild swim is a thrilling experience.
Here are six of our favourite spots in Fife – with a twist.
1. Cellardyke tidal pool
Very popular for Fifers is the Cellardyke tidal pool.
Known to locals as “The Bathie”, the tidal pool is just a short walk from Anstruther, or accessible by bus (X60 between Edinburgh and St Andrews) and car.
After bathing in the calm waters, swimmers can warm themselves in the nearby mobile sauna.
It is ideal for families with young children, as there is a large main pool and a smaller, enclosed and relatively shallow pool.
Some 24 parking spots are available until dark, as well as an outdoor sports facilities and a play area for children.
Swimmers should be aware that the occasional jellyfish can be washed into the pool by tidal waves.
Villagers have been working hard since June 2021 to bring the pool back to life, which has greatly improved accessibility.
Cellardyke play park, E End, Anstruther KY10 3AW.
2. Kingsbarns beach
This beach offering is sure to entice even the most fearful among us to try out wild swimming.
With a wood-fired sauna to warm up in after your dook, what’s not to love?
Set up by wild swimming enthusiasts Jamie Craig-Gentles and Jayne McGhie, the sauna boasts beautiful seaside views.
The sauna is a just short, sandy walk to the water’s edge. Tinted glass gives a sense of privacy as you enjoy your steam.
Just a short drive from St Andrews, the beach offers some of the cleanest water in Fife.
You should also pay a visit to Harbour Burger, Bea and Chris Mischka’s food truck serving haggis burgers, currywurst hot dogs and more.
There is parking available just a short walk from the beach front.
Kingsbarns Beach Car Park, Unnamed Road, St Andrews KY16 8SX.
3. Wormit Bay
At Wormit Bay, wild swimmers will be able to get an eyeful not only of the local wildlife, but of the trains going by on the bridge.
The bay is the perfect place for folk who enjoy long, peaceful swims. The calm water and gentle waves allow you to work on stamina or simply switch off and enjoy a dip.
Offering a vantage point looking across the Tay, the bay boasts views for miles – of Dundee and beyond – and is a great viewpoint for train spotters.
Wormit Bay car park, 8LX, Bay Rd, Wormit, Newport-on-Tay.
4. St Monans Tidal Pool
Another favourite for wild swimming is the tidal pool at St Monans.
The pool is enclosed by walls, making it a great place for children and people who enjoy a more peaceful swim.
The views are unbeatable, with a lovely view of the windmill on the skyline and the scenic fishing village.
Swimmers should check the tide times on Swimfo before going, to make sure there is enough water in the pool.
It can be easily accessed along the Fife Coastal Path or by going through the village.
St Monans Tidal Pool, Fife Coastal Path, St Monans, Anstruther KY10 2DN.
5. East Sands
East Sands beach in St Andrews is another must-visit for wild swimmers.
It’s the favourite haunt of Holly Wilde, who says she is “addicted” to wild swimming at the St Andrews beach.
There’s an excellent view of the cathedral and pier from the water, but on top of that, you can get some super tasty nosh to warm you up when you get out.
The Cheesy Toast Shack, just up from the shore, offers the cheesiest toasties absolutely stuffed with mac and cheese.
Surely the perfect remedy for cold fingers.
And if you’re checking out the Fife Coastal Path there are plenty of other spots for scran along the way.
East Sands, St Andrews, KY16 8LA.
6. Elie beaches
Known for its soft sand and clear water, Elie and Earlsferry is an East Neuk gem favoured by wild swimmers looking for security and adventure.
In fact, it’s one of our 10 favourite beaches in Tayside and Fife.
With lifeguards on duty at Elie Harbour Beach during the summer, this is a great spot for swimmers who are still getting used to the water.
And with two saunas – Elie Seaside Sauna and Wild Scottish Sauna – to pick from, hot-and-cold dookers are spoiled for choice.
Boasting adorable beach huts and watersports facilities, this is a great spot for people who want to dook while their pals paddleboard.
Further east, a sheltered cove at Ruby Bay is a truly stunning, scenic swim spot with plenty of rockpools on the beach to peek into as you pass.
Both of the above have parking and toilet facilities, but be warned – they get very busy during sunny summer holidays.
You can get to these beaches by car or by bus – the Stagecoach X60 stops at Elie High Street.
Elie, KY9 1DTÂ
Conversation