Скачать или смотреть Elie Chainwalk - Fife - Scotland | 4K | DJI Mini2

Elie Chainwalk is an interesting alternative to traditional coastline walks like St. Abbs Head or Arbroath Cliffs. It is located just west to village of Elie and south to the big Elie Holiday Park. You can access it either from the village, along both Elie beaches (this one is closer to the east start of the walk), or from said Holiday Park (closer to the west start). This second approach is slightly trickier as there is few unmarked paths leading to the coast and it is hard to decide which one leads to the start of the walk.
The chainwalk itself is a trail along the coast of Shell Bay Peninsula. Part of the path is leading through the gravel beaches or rocky, flat (and slippery) patches just over the water. Between these rather easy stretches are several rocky outsets of cliffs which are going all the way to the water making these parts of terrain unpassable. This is where chains gets in. They are attached to rock faces, making it possible to overcome these obstacles. They are usually climbing few meters straight up or sideways, along the cliffs. There are two kinds of chains used there - smaller, thinner, which you can hold in your hands, or bigger, with massive chain links, which you can hold like a handle. I like the bigger ones better as they are less prone to movements while you climb. In any case it is very useful to take some gloves with you, as these chains can be quite wet or cold, especially in autumn. Chains are not everything - there are also small insets chiselled into the rocks where you can place your feet, because the walls of these cliffs are sometimes completely smooth and would not give you any leg support. This makes the trail quite safe, providing you are fit enough to climb the first chain and you are not afraid of height.
In ideal world you would want to walk the trail both ways. There is huge difference in ascending and descending the chain in given stretch, so going one way is a completely different experience than going other way. However it is important to stress that the trail is not passable during the high tide, so you need to plan your attempt ahead and check the tide schedule.
Along the trail you pass next to few small caves and cliffs with fascinating texture. The dramatic, jagged coast line makes the walk really unforgettable, adventurous experience.