With some of the most spectacular East Neuk wilderness (quite literally) on your doorstep, long leisurely days relaxing in one of our beautiful cabins is a wonderful way to spend your time. But for guests who are eager to venture out into the great outdoors, we have pulled a list of suggested activities for you to choose from.
From walking to the idyllic Kingsbarns beach, visiting the famous Cheese Toasty Shack, or venturing into St Andrews to see the famous Old Course golf club, there is always so much to see and do here at Off Grid. And our team is always happy to help you arrange other things to do in the area where possible.
We leave a little book of things to do in the East Neuk of Fife in each of our cabins. However here are some of our own ideas to get under the skin of our little part of Scotland.
THINGS TO DO WITHOUT A CAR
SIMPLY TAKE TIME OUT
YOUR CABIN
Consciously take the time to sit and relax – not on a phone or tablet, but just sitting on the deck, or by the firepit. Listen to nature, look up into the trees, let your mind wander and just give yourself a few moments of time out of the hustle and bustle of the day to day.
SUGGESTIONS TO HELP
- Light the firepit even in daytime. Find your own kindling in the twigs lying close by. Even exploring around your cabin is deeply relaxing. Then toast marshmallows – even if it’s not even lunchtime!
- If it’s colder or raining light your wood burning stove. Consider cooking on it. Warm things up or boil things on the hot plate in the Bothy, or roast small items in the top oven in the HideAway.
- Play jenga or cards (available in each cabin) or simply get comfy and read a book
EXPLORE
CAMBO ESTATE
There is a myriad of gentle walking paths linking all parts of the Estate. Walk down to the beach following the signs, walk up to the Distillery on the footpath, read up about the Fife Coastal Path and join it down at the beach. Wander around Cambo Walled Gardens and visitor centre – here you will also find the shop and gorgeous veggie cafe.
SUGGESTIONS TO HELP
- Start by walking down to the beach (watch a few golfers as you go!)
- Walk north on the beach to Kingsbarns Beach car park and pick up a hot drink from the food shack (there are nice public toilets there too!).
- Consider a swim and a sauna in the wood fired sauna (pre booking required https://wildscottishsauna.com/)
- Walk back to Cambo on a different path (there are plenty of signs) and pause for a bit of gorgeous home baking in the Stables Café.
- Pick up the path to the Distillery and walk the 1.5kms to reach Kingsbarns Distillery and visitor centre. See how whisky and gin are made in beautifully renovated old buildings on the Estate. Browse in the shop and café before you walk back to Cambo.
- End your day with a walk in the Cambo Walled Gardens (info at the Stables Visitor Centre). These are maintained by a team of gardeners and volunteers and they’re always happy to answer any questions.
WILD SWIMMING
KINGSBARNS BEACH
Join in a Tuesday morning “Bluetits” swim session! Free to join in and leaves on foot from the visitor centre. Or join in one of the other Cambo Gardens wellness and seasonal events. There are often late night suppers in the café, flower workshops, volunteering opportunities, intimate musical events, craft fairs and kids activities like cycle club and seasonal crafts.
VOLUNTEERING
CAMBO GARDENS
If you fancy giving a bit of your own time while you are staying, there are lots of opportunities. Cambo Gardens is a registered charity and regularly looks for help.
If this is not quite your thing but you would still like to contribute some time meaningfully then please get in touch before you arrive and Fiona will be happy to help.
THINGS TO DO WITH A CAR
MEET HIGHLAND COWS
5.5 MILES AWAY
Always wanted to get up close and meet a Highland Cow? Our friends at Kinkell Byre, just along the road, have a herd of Highland cows that live there as part of their rewilding and biodiversity work. You can enjoy time meeting the cows and learning about their important role on this magical piece of land by the sea.
GOLF
KINGSBARNS/CRAIL/ST ANDREWS
Golf – it wouldn’t be the East Neuk of Fife if we didn’t mention the opportunities to play golf. But did you know you can walk to the first tee of Kingsbarns Golf Links from our cabins?! Kingsbarns Golf Links is part of Cambo Estate and is just a short walk away.
SHOP AT A FARM SHOP
EAST NEUK
Do you enjoy discovering a fabulous farm shop and exploring small local villages? Head on a drive down the coast starting in the charming historical of Crail. Independent shops, a charming museum and a quaint harbour. Head onwards on the coast road through Anstruther (complete with its Fisheries Museum and world class fish and chips!), then onto Pittenweem, St Monan’s and finally Elie. Admire all the ancient harbours and historic buildings and end up visiting The Ardross Farm Shop.
DISCOVER THE AREA
For other ideas to investigate before you arrive we recommend doing an internet search of our area – Scotland’s Secret Bunker will show up, along with Falconry and Archery only 2 miles away, horse riding and the glorious town of St Andrews. Or send us a message on the contact page for personalised ideas!
EATING & DRINKING
The area around Kingsbarns and Cambo Estate is treat for foodies! Apart from the cafes within walking distance (mentioned above), the team at Cambo have also put forward their favourite suggestions:
–CRAIL–
–ANSTRUTHER–
–ST MONAN’S–
–ST ANDREWS–
OUR CABINS
The HideAway
An ideal space for romantic getaways or celebrating a special occasion. It’s a cabin that provides a cosy retreat in winter and a fabulous escape in summer.
The Bothy
A space for families, couples or a group of friends. Ideal for those who want to come together in the outdoors yet have all the creature comforts.