The Elie Chain Walk is a 500-metre route that takes 2-3 hours to complete. The technical sections use chains bolted to the sea cliffs. Eight chains of various lengths are used throughout the walk.
- 8 chains
- 500m distance (more like 1000m!)
- 2-3 hours (less for the more agile, but could also be longer for others)
The advertised 500 metres to complete the chain walk is a very conservative estimate; in reality, it's a lot further. The 2-3 hour estimate was about right, although it took closer to 3 hours. Maybe without a child, you could do it quicker, but my advice: slow down, be safe, enjoy the route and the scenery, it’s well worth it!
The route itself was easy to follow. There are two obvious white safety boards at the start and the finish. The chains are just about visible from one to the next. Overall, the route was safe and achievable. However, the chain walk could be dangerous if you have very young children or limited physical ability.
The Elie Chain Walk is at the base of some formidable sea cliffs. You can become trapped by the incoming tide if you don't observe tide times! “A significant number of Anstruther Lifeboat shouts are to assist people in difficulty on the Chainwalk”. Anstruther Lifeboat have produced a brilliant, colour-coded chart that tells you precisely when it’s safe to attempt the Elie Chain Walk! You can access it here.
Anstruther Lifeboat tide times for the Elie (Fife) Chain Walk
Safety on the Elie Chain Walk
- Be very aware of tide times!
- The route isn't suitable for dogs, small children or people who struggle physically. This is not a 'walk' but a scramble over rough, wet coastal rocks!
- A head for heights is good, although it isn't particularly high, it can be intimidating, especially in poor weather!
- Wear a helmet due to falling stones. The cliffs are quite crumbly! (We wore climbing helmets, but anything is better than nothing!)
- Take a small backpack with essentials, e.g layers, phone, whistle, food and water!
- I recommend gloves with a good grip. The chains can be slippery, and the rocks are sharp. I didn't take gloves, but I wish I had!
- Wear good shoes with a good sole. They don't have to be walking boots; trail runners work well, but make sure they have a good grip and are comfortable!
Getting to the Elie (Fife) Chain Walk
We parked on Chapple Green Road in Earlsferry. Parking here is free with no restrictions. However, this is a residential area, so please consider the residents if you park here, as we did.
There is a lovely, grassy picnic area at the end of the road, where we ate our lunch before heading onto the Chain Walk. The view from here, looking around the bay towards Elie Beach, is simply spectacular! There are a couple of information boards that Eve and I read together, leaving Sarah on the bench.
From Chappple Green Road, head over to the Golf Course, following the obvious footpath. Be aware of the flying golf balls and the very enthusiastic golf buggy!
Parking and start of the Elie (Fife Chain Walk)
Start of the Chain Walk
Walk along the beach, heading towards the cliffs on your right-hand side. Avoid the coast path that heads up the cliffs; keep below them, heading over the rocks on your left-hand side. You will then see a set of worn stone steps on your right. Head up these and around the cliffs. You will then see the white safety plaque marking the start of the Elie (Fife) Chain Walk.
Finishing the Chain Walk
After completing the chain walk marked by another white safety plaque, you can follow the Fife Coastal Path back towards Elie. This is quicker and easier than the chain walk, although if you have the time and energy, you can retrace your steps along the chain walk! The walk along the Fife Coastal Path is spectacular and beautiful, and it is the perfect end to an awesome adventure!
Our Elie Chain Walk Journal
We recently completed the Elie (Fife) Chain Walk, and it was an amazing experience! If you'd like to read all about it, see plenty of pictures, and hear about a funny (embarrassing) thing that happened to me on one of the chains, just click on the bookmark below.
Ian Alderman
Elie (Fife) Chain Walk Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can small children complete the chain walk?
No. It would not be safe for small children to attempt the chain walk. Some steps and gaps between sections are too large for small legs to reach. Using a child backpack like the Osprey Poco would also be very dangerous. The weight of the backpack would make you unstable and pull you backwards.
Is the chain walk safe for dogs?
NO! Please don’t attempt the chain walk with your dogs. They will not be able to overcome obstacles such as sheer climbs, sharp rocks, loose screes, and other hazards!
How hard is the chain walk?
The chain walk isn't that hard, but it is very unique! You need a slight head for heights and to be physically capable of scrambling, gripping, stepping up and across gaps, and using your legs to push up on vertical climbs. If you can do this, you should be fine! You should also check the tide times here and allow yourself plenty of time! It often takes people longer than they expect. It did for us! Just take care, be careful and take it slow!
Is the chain walk free?
Yes... the Elie Chain Walk is free and you can go at any time!
How long does the chain walk take?
It's recommended to allow 2-3 hours to complete the chain walk. We took nearer 3 hours to complete it, but we could have spent longer. My advice is to allow yourself a minimum of 3 hours. If you have older children or you are part of a large group, allow yourself more time!
Is the chain walk part of the Fife Coastal Path?
No, but it is an optional diversion. However, I wouldn’t recommend attempting the chain walk with large backpacks. If you want to see it before attempting it, you can see part of it, including some of the chains from the coastal path above it!
I hope you found this article helpful. If you did, please consider buying us a drink at Buy Me a Coffee. Your support is highly appreciated and means a lot to us both. Thank you. Ian & Eve 🙏
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