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Explore the St Andrews Town and Gown Walk

The St Andrews Town and Gown Walk is a scenic walking route around St Andrews town centre and its famous university. This coastal town in Fife has been home to the University of St Andrews since 1413, making it the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. The route explores the town’s historic architecture, as well as picturesque coastal views. It’s a great walk to enjoy during your stay with us at Elderburn Lodges, based only three miles away from the town centre.

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The town and gown route

The walk is circular, so you can start at any point on the route. However, the Petheram Bridge car park in the town centre is a good place to park. From here. you can follow this route map in a clockwise direction. Key stops along the way include the ancient ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle, striking university buildings St Salvator’s Chapel and St Mary’s Quadrangle, and the iconic Old Course, where the game of golf was born. While at the harbour, be sure to walk out on to the pier for the full town and gown experience. This is an old tradition for students, who have completed the Sunday pier walk in their red gowns for centuries. Download the full walking directions here.

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The Sunday pier walk

If you happen to be at the harbour on a Sunday during term time, you might catch the traditional pier walk. This is a local custom in St Andrews, which goes back centuries. When chapel service ends at midday, university students wearing their red gowns walk along the pier in procession. Students wear their gowns differently, depending on which year they are in. First-years wear theirs fully on their shoulders, second-years wear them just back off the shoulders, third-years off one shoulder and fourth-years down and off both shoulders. The biggest procession is usually at the start of the new academic year in September. It is quite a spectacle!

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Coastal walk with amazing architecture

Combining natural beauty with rich history, the Town and Gown Walk provides insight into how the university and town coexist. It’s a great way to experience the charm and culture of St Andrews, from its beautiful location to its impressive architecture. The route is suitable for all levels as it follows well-defined paths in the town centre. It takes around 2 hours to complete the circuit, or longer with regular stops.

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St Andrews self-catering breaks

If you’re planning a holiday in Scotland, we provide the perfect luxury self-catering accommodation close to St Andrews. From here you can access an array of Fife walks and other fantastic things to do. Explore our accommodation here or call us on 07840 801114.

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Testimonials

Just returned from a fantastic relaxing break at lodge 1 at Elderburn Lodges.
The lodge really is a home from home and the setup of the lodge is great for 2 couples having the lovely spacious shared central areas but the bedrooms are spaced well apart.
The lodge was spotless and well equipped and some of the little extras within the lodge were excellent.
The location is ideal for visiting St Andrews and the lovely Fife coast.
The visitors book within the lodge was full of reviews from returning customers and we would highly recommend these lodges and look forward to our next visit.

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