Chainwalk Safety Information​ 

TIDE TIMES- When to attempt the Chainwalk. 
ALWAYS TAKE A MEANS OF CALLING FOR HELP.
DON'T ASSUME YOU WILL HAVE A MOBILE PHONE SIGNAL TO CALL 999 (COASTGUARD)!
This information should be used for information and guidance , and are predictions only. 
Inform someone you are attempting this, and tell them when you have safely completed it!

Chain Walk further information

The Chainwalk (which is more of a scramble!), also known as the Elie Chainwalk is located some 1000 metres to the west of Earlsferry on the south Fife coast at national grid co-ordinates 346600, 699700 (NT 466, 997). Access from the east is from the village of Elie. Access from the west is via Shell Bay Caravan Park.
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The Chainwalk is a popular activity and consists of 8 vertical and horizontal chains across a challenging course approximately 0.5 km along.

Please note that this activity is not suitable for young children, wheelchair users or dogs and should only be attempted at low tides (allowing 1-3 hours to complete) and wearing sturdy footwear.  Please plan ahead of your Chainwalk visit, use the Tide Times to assist you and only attempt this scramble at low tide.


The Chainwalk is not part of the Fife Coastal route, which is a safer route that follows the cliffs above.


A significant number of Anstruther Lifeboat shouts are to assist people in difficulty on the Chainwalk


Please follow safety advice, but if you do come into difficulty
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DIAL 999 and ask for the Coastguard

COASTAL WALKING SAFETY ADVICE

The coasts of the UK and Ireland are beautiful and wild – and there to be explored. Coastal walking is a very safe activity most of the time, but slips and falls from walking and running are the biggest cause of death on our coastlines.
​So, before your next visit, check out our safety tips.
Picture
Figures taken from: - Database (WAID UK) 2011-2015. - RNLI lifeboat return of service data UK and Ireland 2020.
How to stay safe
  • Be wary of all edges around the sea and waterside. Slips and falls happen in all locations; it is not just high cliff edges that are a risk.
  • Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
  • Take care when walking in dark and slippery conditions.
  • Always take a means of calling for help.
  • Always check the weather and tides (above). Getting cut off by the tide is a common cause of lifeboat launches. Look here for further info.​