Wild Swimming
Elie Harbour & Chain Walk Pools
Elie is the jewel of the East Neuk of Fife — a pretty village with a crescent of sand, rock pools, and the famous Chain Walk coastal scramble to the east. Rock pools at the harbour steps provide sheltered sea swimming in calm conditions; the Chain Walk pools (only accessible at low tide via the chained traverse) offer more dramatic and private options. Ruby Bay immediately west of the harbour has a cleaner sandy entry. This is East Scotland's best combination of village character and sea swimming.
Quick facts
- Type
- Sea Pool
- Region
- Fife
- Grid ref
- NT 494 998
- Entry
- Rock slab
- Depth
- Medium (chest-deep)
- Summer water temp
- 9–16°C
- Midges
- Low
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- exposed rocky coastline — slippery when wet
- tidal change on Chain Walk route
- cold North Sea water
Getting there
On-street parking near Elie harbour (KY9 1BW). Chain Walk starts at Earlsferry and requires checking tide times — it becomes impassable at high water. SOAC rights apply on the coastal route.
Parking postcode: KY9 1BW
Safety
Chain Walk requires chains fixed to cliff faces — only in dry conditions and appropriate footwear. Not suitable in wet or windy weather. Sea swimming at the harbour is safe in calm conditions; avoid strong offshore winds.
Best for
- East Neuk of Fife tour
- sea scramble + swim
- village experience
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:10
- Sunset
- 21:06
- Civil dawn
- 04:22
- Civil dusk
- 21:54
NOAA Solar Calculator · 9 May 2026
Common questions
- What is the Chain Walk?
- A coastal scramble route from Earlsferry to Elie using chains fixed to rock faces to traverse cliffs above the sea. Best at low tide in dry weather. Grade: easy scramble, accessible to most active adults.
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