Time Out in Fife

We've just come back from a great few days away in Fife in the east coast of Scotland (we live in the west). It's been one of our favourite venues over the years and we love the particular hotel we stay at, Keavil House, which is like our own perfect retreat. The swimming pool is just a short walk across the path to its lovely leisure centre and it was wonderful to get back to swimming again after the full days exploring and walking.

Keavil HouseIt was also our anniversary at the weekend - a complete coincidence we chose that date! It's amazing how restful three days can seem away from the computer and all social media. The hotel had access to the Internet and a computer in the lounge for guests' free use but I only checked my email a couple of times and didn't reply to any while away. Instead, I had pen, paper and my camera and enjoyed taking time to notice everything around me. I even found a beautiful poppy field on our way to the coast, although it was beside a busy road and difficult to capture properly, or safely! But I also spotted many poppies growing at the side of another road.

                                                                                                                Poppy FieldWe were very near to Dunfermline with its ancient Abbey and the medieval Abbot House. I've been there so often that husband can't believe I never get tired of exploring them and taking new photos each time, but the sense of history always gets inside me and the Abbot House is the best place to have coffee and cake! 
Dunfermline Abbey Abbot House Garden Back of Abbot House

We usually take a drive to the little fishing villages long the East Neuk and this time stopped in Pittenweem, which is still very much involved in the traditional fishing trade.

Pittenweem HarbourSouth Queensferry, at one end of the magnificent Forth Road Bridge, is steeped in history and I discovered there's a boat trip out to a nearby island Abbey - a pleasure to keep in hand for our next visit. We even managed a trip up to St Andrews, famous for its golf, but it was a disappointingly muggy day and the sands weren't particularly appealing this time. But we did manage to have a nice lunch there!

Forth Rail BridgeIt has certainly recharged my batteries being away. Sometimes, we don't know how much we need a break from the usual routine until we're actually away and I'm now quite happy to get back to it all again!

Rosemary