Johnnie Bay

The bay curves round Anstruther like a gentle promise, and Johnnie Bay is where locals actually go when they're done with the postcard views. It's a proper working waterfront - fishing boats still haul their catch here, which means you're watching something real rather than something staged for tourists.

What draws most people is the walk itself. You can head along the coastal path from Anstruther proper, and Johnnie Bay sits there at the end like a reward for not taking the car. The water's grey-green most days, the light catches it differently depending on season, and there's something about watching the fishermen work that makes time disappear. Bring binoculars if you're keen on birdlife - the rocks and shallows pull in guillemots and the occasional seal.

Families with younger kids might find it a bit sparse after twenty minutes or so. There's no cafe, no attractions beyond the bay itself. But walkers and photographers will spend hours here, especially if the light's good. Autumn's particularly strong - that low sun makes everything look properly golden.

If you're staying at Off the Track or Sauchope Links, both just a few miles inland, Johnnie Bay works as a half-day excursion. Park in Anstruther itself and walk the coastal path - takes roughly forty minutes depending on your pace. Free, naturally. Go when the tide's out if you want to explore the rocks properly, though the bay's worth visiting whatever the water's doing.