Monday 16 June 2014

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 House
It 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 Field
We 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 Harbour
South 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 Bridge
It 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

15 comments:

Teresa Ashby said...

It sounds absolutely lovely, Rosemary. The poppy field looks stunning in the photo and I bet it was even more so to the eye. The photos are all gorgeous - I think the Pittenweem Harbour one is my favourite x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thank you, Teresa. It was most enjoyable and I also like the harbour as it was so atmospheric!

Frances Garrood said...

This morning we rode alongside a field of poppies. I love them.

Glad you had a good time, Rosemary (you may get this twice, in which case, apologies. Technical problems...).

Frances Garrood said...

This morning we rode alongside a field of poppies. I love them.

Glad you had a good time, Rosemary (you may get this twice, in which case, apologies. Technical problems...).

Rosemary Gemmell said...

I love them too, Frances - must be great to ride alongside them!

Wendy's Writing said...

Fabulous pictures, RosRy. How lovely to be near such wonderful scenery.

Patsy said...

Lovely pictures, Rosemary. We're coming to Scotland in September (hubby is half Scots yet I've never been) I'm really looking forward to it.

Patsy said...

Lovely pictures, Rosemary. We're coming to Scotland in September (hubby is half Scots yet I've never been) I'm really looking forward to it.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Wendy - there's always something interesting to see!

Thanks, Patsy - oh, exciting! Which parts are you visiting? I'm in the west coast.

Joanna said...

What gorgeous pictures, Rosemary. I'm glad you had a lovely break - what a perfect way to celebrate your anniversary too.
I love Dunfermline Abbey. I's time I revisited it, as I was only ten when I saw it. It left such an impression, even at that age.

We've booked a week away in France, our first holiday for three years and I'me beginning to realise how necessary it is to have these breaks from time to time! xx

Patsy said...

We're going to Cambletown and then up to Skye, Rosemary.

Patsy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Patsy said...

Don't know why all my replies appear twice!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Joanna - so glad you're getting away on a break and France is wonderful. Have a great inspiring time!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

That's a shame it's a long way from here, Patsy, but you'll have a great time!