Our Scottish friends picked us up from the Court Residence as we headed toward the Old Course of St. Andrews.
Balgove Larder Farm Store and Cafe
1 hour, 15-minute drive
Balgove Larder, Strathtyrum Farm, Strathtyrum, St Andrews KY16 9SF, UK
Just outside of St. Andrews main town is the Balgove Larder Farm Store & Cafe.
We browsed the general store, noting the substantial produce selection and knick-knack gifts, then sat down for tea, hot chocolate and scones.
On the property is also the Balgove Larder Steak Barn, and a cow pasture sporting the infamous highland cow. This made for a good photo opportunity.
Old Course of St. Andrews Links
5-minute drive
The Old Course Hotel Gold Resort & Spa, St Andrews KY16 9SP, UK
Mere minutes up the road is the Royal and Ancient Gold Club of St. Andrews, sporting it’s famous Old Course of St. Andrews Links, considered the oldest golf course in the world. We parked in the Old Course Hotel and paid a visit to its PRO shop for a few souvenirs before venturing on.
We exited at the rear of the facility, near the Jigger Inn, and being that it was Sunday, we were free to mill about the course known best for hosting the Open Championship. Our group of 4 entered the course next to the 18th hole.
We made our way around until reaching the ever-famous Swilcan Bridge for a picture-perfect opportunity.
St. Andrews
5-minute walk
St Andrews, KY16 0AA, UK
Walking into the town, most prominently known for the oldest University in Scotland, St. Andrews, we passed the Bandstand area, the Hamilton Grand private residence (formerly the Grand Hotel), and soon found ourselves on a walled path in-between residential areas headed towards the town proper.
Eventually we entered the town area via South Street, (or West Port), which has multiple towers influenced by the Netherbow Port of Edinburgh. The town was established about 1140 and named after Saint Andrew (the Apostle).
A bit hungry, we ventured into the Little Italy Italian Restaurant for lunch, but there was no availability for seating as they were extremely busy.
Pizza Express
1-hour lunch
111 South St, St Andrews KY16 9UH, UK
Nearby we found a Pizza Express where we sat down for a great lunch of wood-fired pizza and conversation.
After lunch we walked about the streets and came upon the remains of the Dominican Friary of St. Andrews/St. Mary, Black Friars Chapel. Then we ventured passed The Holy Trinity Parish Church, the oldest known church of St Andrews.
This church was originally built in 1144, and later moved from its beachside location to this location on South Street. Back through the maze of the walled gardens, the Old Course of St. Andrews links soon came into view.
Jigger Inn
5-minute walk
Jigger Inn, Old Station Rd, St Andrews KY16 9SP, UK
Headed on foot back through the town and onto the course, we took this opportunity for a few more snapshots before coming to rest at the Jigger Inn.
St. Andrews Cathedral
3-minute drive
St Andrews Cathedral, The Pends, St Andrews KY16 9QL, UK
At the other end of the town, also within walking distance stands the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral ruins circa 1158. St. Andrews Cathedral was once Scotland’s largest building and thought to be the first Cathedral erected in the town.
The Cathedral in all its imposing stateliness fell into ruin during the period of the 16th-century Scottish Reformation.
Anstruther
15-minute drive
Anstruther Fish Bar, 42 – 44 Shore St, Anstruther KY10 3AQ, UK
Back on the road we are headed to Anstruther passing by the famous Fairmount Hotel. Anstruther is famous for Fish and Chips served at a local eatery known as the Anstruther Fish Bar. Often there can be quite a line to consume the fish and chip delicacy served here.
For ourselves, the main reason for the visit, was to catch a glimpse the Scottish herring lugger, or Reaper from the Outlander (Series EP: 201). Sure enough, here it sits berthed in little majesty with all masts, Reaper is a historic two-masted fishing vessel seen moored at Dysart harbor in the series.
Balgonie Castle (Eldridge House)
40-minute drive
Balgonie Castle, Markinch, Glenrothes KY7 6HQ, UK
Making our way back to the Falkirk area, we stopped by Balgonie Castle. This castle is where Murtagh figures out how to save Jamie from Backjack Randall’s incarceration using the MacRannoch’s highland cattle as distraction (Series EP: 115).
Unfortunately, a sign was posted on the door stating, Balgonie Castle is a private home and is now closed to the public. Respecting the owner’s privacy, we did not knock and promptly vacated the premises. This was a shame, however, as the castle and grounds from the outside appeared to be quite fascinating.
Now back on the road, my phone began beckoning with check-in requests from United airlines. Thus, bringing an end to our wonderful Scottish vacation and visit with friends.
Cruise Port: South Queensferry, Scotland
Tour Name: An Afternoon Stroll in St. Andrews
Accommodations: Linlithgow Court Residence
Tour Guide: Self-Guided
Tour Operator: Our Scottish Friends
