Crail is the most picturesque of the string of small fishing villages and harbours nestling along the East Neuk of Fife. Not just attracting holidaymakers, Crail has a lively, local year-round community and as well as several local pubs, which also serve meals, has a number of local shops including two convenience stores, well-stocked greengrocers, traditional butcher, baker, newsagent, Post Office, pharmacy, gift shops and hairdresser. There are several studio galleries and of course the famous Crail pottery.
The village of Crail offers excellent local amenities and the area is renowned for its coastal walks, quiet beaches and numerous golf-courses - as well as the Crail Golfing Society's courses, Kingsbarns is only three miles away and St Andrews is only 20 minutes drive. Edinburgh airport is around an hour's drive.
A survey by Country Life Magazine of the 'best places in Britain to live' has placed the fishing village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife in fifth place - and the only place in Scotland to make the top ten. Certainly, Crail is a pretty village, its houses with traditional crow-stepped gables and pantile roofs crowding down to its harbour. King David I built a castle here in the 12th century and King Robert the Bruce conferred royal burgh status in 1310. At one time, the local market was one of the largest in medieval Europe.
The Fife Coastal Path is a real walk on the wild side. The first walk of its kind in Scotland, when complete will extend 78 miles starting at the world famous Forth Bridges and finishing beyond the Tay Bridge. Currently the Path stretches from North Queensferry in the west, past Crail to Kingsbarns in the east. Work is ongoing on the sections between Kingsbarns through St Andrews to the Tay Bridge.
Because Crail is so well established, there are no modern buildings in the heart of the village (where the property is located), these are confined to the periphery. The local fishing industry declined many years ago, now being restricted to a few local crab and lobster boats, so the village lacks hustle and bustle, which is appreciated by those seeking a restful break.
Crail is still a working harbour, with local crab and lobster catches being landed fresh from the creels each day. Dressed crab and crab sandwiches can often be purchased at the harbourside, so you can have a picnic whilst enjoying watching the comings and goings. There is also a sandy beach right by the harbour, so you can take off your socks & shoes and have a refreshing paddle.
When you visit Crail and its surrounds, you will find it difficult not to take loads of photographs. The light is wonderful and different times of day give a completely different feel to the scenery.
Golf:
GOLF: there are over 30 golf courses in the Kingdom of Fife, some of the most notable being within a few miles of Crail, including St Andrews, Kingsbarns, Ladybank, Elie, Leven, Scoonie, Charlestown and of course Crail Golfing Society's two excellent links courses.
Other Activities:
nature, birdwatching, photography, painting
