Somehow all eight of us arrived at the Lower Largo car park to start the walk. Bladders were emptied, sticks deployed and by 10:30am, finally, we were off…
We walked a good 30 yards and then called photo time. A lady was reading the information board and she became the official photographer for a moment.
The official coastal path is located behind the beach but with the tide fully out we took the alternative beach route. We walked like geese migrating; constantly changing our order and our formation.
The weather was glorious; sunshine and no wind. The various jumpers and jackets were slowly removed until most were walking in T-shirts. A few of us had started in shorts and were soon the envy of the rest.
We continued along the beach until we reached a stream. The official path led to a footbridge.
We, however, knew better and opted to negotiate the crossing by paddling in the shallowest section we could find.
Thankfully everyone got across without mishap.
There was a short section through a caravan park, then scrubland, until we reached the beach again.
And so our journey continued, soon reaching rocks and a headland.
We ascended some steps to take us to the top of the cliffs
This section contains the famous Elie Chain Walk. As we approached it some school kids were clambering out of the sea towards us. Yes, really. We had a brief chat with their leader, then continued until we reached the start of The Chain Walk.
Mushroom had done it before and wished to relive a childhood memory, Radar never ducks a challenge and Jeth wasn’t prepared to forego bragging rights, so they three formed “The Chain Gang”.
The rest of us, cognisant of our abilities or lack thereof, continued on the main path whilst peering over the edge of the cliffs to see the Gang’s progress. Sadly, other than a brief sighting at the start it was almost impossible to see them as they clambered down and along the chains.
Those of us not taking part stopped for a snack, a drink, and a rest.
Our path wasn’t without difficulty as it climbed, then descended steeply back to the beach on the far side of the headland.
We rejoined the beach adjacent to Elie Golf Course and met up again with The Chain Gang – revelling in their accomplishment. Mushroom looked knackered.