Mermaids Cradle

Island in Fife

Scotland

Mermaids Cradle

Crail harbour Looking north east from the corner of West Braes Crescent. The flowers are poppies. — Crail harbour Credit: Richard Dorrell

Mermaids Cradle is a small island located off the coast of Fife, Scotland. The island is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history.

Covering an area of approximately 5 acres, Mermaids Cradle is characterized by its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush greenery. The island is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various seabird species and seals that can often be spotted basking on the rocks.

The name "Mermaids Cradle" is said to originate from local folklore, which tells the tale of a mermaid who was believed to have given birth to her child in a hidden cave on the island. This legend has added to the island's allure and captures the imagination of visitors who come to explore its mystical charm.

Access to Mermaids Cradle is mainly by boat or kayak, as there are no bridges connecting it to the mainland. The island offers a peaceful and secluded retreat, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking along the coastal trails, picnicking on the beaches, and exploring the caves and rock formations that dot the island. The panoramic views from the island's highest point provide breathtaking vistas of the surrounding coastline and the North Sea.

Although there are no permanent residents on Mermaids Cradle, the island's rich history can be seen in the ruins of an old lighthouse and the remains of a small settlement that was once inhabited by fishermen.

Overall, Mermaids Cradle offers a unique and captivating experience for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a touch of Scottish folklore.

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Mermaids Cradle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.258954/-2.6212048 or Grid Reference NO6107. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Crail harbour

Looking north east from the corner of West Braes Crescent. The flowers are poppies.

Richard Dorrell

Home from home

This small caravan has an extension that doubles its size, and provides satellite TV.

Rob Burke

North-east of Crail Harbour

A path along the coast gives a view of the harbour and the headland beyond. From this point the path turns inland.

Rob Burke

The harbour at Crail in Fife

James Denham

Crail harbour

Euan Nelson

Crumbling Composer in Crail

This amazing sand sculpture built in the High Street, Crail was beginning to crumble in the heat.

Ian Murfitt

Fishing boats in Crail Harbour

The harbour dries out at low water and some of these boats are aground.

Bob Jones

Crail Harbour

Crail is still a working harbour, home to Fife's crab and lobster fleet, and though there are fewer boats than there used to be, visitors can still buy fresh lobster and shellfish from the harbourside.

Bob Jones

Street in Crail

This cobbled street leads uphill from the harbour.

Bob Jones

Sauchope Links Caravan Park

Looking roughly SSE.

Andrew Reid

Shop occupying an ancient building in Crail

On Marketgate.

James Denham

The Tolbooth and clock tower in Crail

On Marketgate.

James Denham

Milestone, Chance Inn

The milestone stands beside the A917. Milestones are the original roadside heritage features with many dating back hundreds of years and these historic items are under threat from highway developments.

Maigheach-gheal

Milestone, Chance Inn

The milestone stands beside the A917 and in front of a crop of oilseed rape. Milestones did not come into general use until the Turnpike Act of 1766 made them compulsory on turnpike roads, these roads were built by private enterprise under licence from the Government and maintained by tolls on those who used them. Before this Act milestones were put up occasionally, often as charitable acts and commemorations. Many Turnpike Act stones still exist. They are usually 2-3 ft high, with the initial letter or abbreviation of the nearest market town shown on two faces, and the distance from it. Oilseed rape is the third important crop in the UK after wheat and barley. It can be either winter or spring sown. Winter sown oilseed rape is primarily grown for its oil, which is used in cooking and food processing.

Maigheach-gheal

Milestone and bench mark, Chance Inn

The Ordnance Survey bench mark clearly shows on the side of the milestone. For a wider view of the stone NO6008 : Milestone, Chance Inn and for further information on the cut mark and others in the area Link

Maigheach-gheal

Kissing gate, Crail

The kissing gate allows people entry to the small park beside St Andrews Road. The kissing gate is a traditional gate hung in a U or V shape that allows one person to pass at a time. In order for one person to pass fully through the gate they have to close it on the next person. Legend has it that at this point, when the two are on either side of the gate, the person in front ‘refuses’ entry to the second person until presented with a kiss.

Maigheach-gheal