St Andrews, Fife

Bookings are Closed

Sites of Religious Significance
Walk Leader
Robin Millar
Capacity
10
St Andrews CathedralTWT SITEES OF RELIGIOUS INTEREST ST ANDREWS, FIFE The town of St Andrews has an important place in the history of Christianity within Scotland stretching back to the late Middle Ages when local churches obtained what were believed to be relics of the Apostle Andrew. It came to be regarded as the religious capital of Scotland and the Cathedral, on which work began in around 1160 was the largest building in mediaeval Scotland. This walk will take in several sites of note 1. Blackfr

The town of St Andrews has an important place in the history of Christianity within Scotland stretching back to the late Middle Ages when local churches obtained what were believed to be relics of the Apostle Andrew. It came to be regarded as the religious capital of Scotland and the Cathedral, on which work began in around 1160 was the largest building in mediaeval Scotland.

This walk will take in several sites of note

  1. Blackfriars Church – South Chapel. [walk meeting point] The remains of the short lived 16th century church of the Dominican order stand on South Street which was destroyed in 1559 at the start of the Reformation. This doesn’t offer huge photographic opportunities due to its location but is worth visiting in passing.
  2. Holy Trinity Church – also standing in South Street this is now the Parish Church of St Andrews and can perhaps lay claim to being the birthplace of the Reformation in Scotland after John Knox preached here in 1559. Unfortunately, the church is not open to visitors but there are some options for photographing the exterior.
  3. St Andrews Cathedral – Technically the Church of St Rule. Work began on the Cathedral in around 1160 however the building was only dedicated in 1318 in the presence of Robert the Bruce. The Cathedral was superseded as the centre of worship in the town following the Reformation and eventually fell into its current ruined state. More information can be found at here.
  4. St Salvators Chapel – Dating from the 15th century this church is now the University of St Andrews Chapel was, as with Blackfriars, a victim of the Reformation with much damage being done to many of the carvings. Access to the interior is only possible if the Chapel is not otherwise in use but is usually possible midweek]

Entry to all venues is free. Note that some areas of the Cathedral grounds are fenced off for safety reasons

While the walk is largely on paved streets, some areas around the cathedral are grassy and may be muddy so appropriate walking shoes or boots are strongly recommended. The total distance is approximately and there is no significant gain in altitude

Tripods can be used in some of the locations, but participants should always take care not to cause an inconvenience to other visitors or damage to the structures.

FACILITIES

There are public toilets at various locations throughout the town, some require a small payment.

There are several cafes, restaurants and pubs in the town for lunch

Walk Location

St Andrews, Fife

Walk Directions

Meeting Point

We will meet at the Blackfriars Church on South Street as the starting point of the walk. This is at the western end of South Street opposite the junction with Bell Street. It can be searched in Apple and Google maps

St Andrews is approximately 50 miles from Edinburgh and 14 miles from Dundee.

From Edinburgh & Glasgow join the A91 near Kinross and follow it east until you reach the town. From Dundee or Aberdeen cross the Tay Road Bridge [be aware that there may be delays due to roadworks on the bridge] and follow the signs until you reach the A91.

Directions can be found on both Apple and Google Maps

Car Parks -  there are a number of off street car parks in the town as well as on street parking. The car parks are often busy, particularly those near the beaches especially in good weather. Details can be found on the Fife Council website and this map.

Please note that parking charges apply and can be paid without cash using the RingGo app (downloadable on Apple and Google) or at some location s with contactless card.

What 3 Words ///napped.executive.custodial

Public Transport

There is no train station in St Andrews, the closes one being at Leuchars which is served by trains from Dundee and a few miles away. There is a regular bus service from there to the town. Buses are also available from several major cities.

Accessibility

All sites are accessible, although the cathedral grounds are partly grassed so that access for wheelchair users might be more limited. Please note that some of the surrounding streets are cobbled so may be more difficult for those with restricted mobility.

Feedback Meeting Type
Decide At Walk
Feedback Talk Date and Time