Explore a sheltered sandy beach with rock pools teeming with marine life and stunning views across the Firth of Forth.

Ruby Bay is a picturesque sheltered beach located to the east of Elie, featuring golden sand backed by scenic dunes and offering panoramic views across the Firth of Forth. This award-winning beach (Keep Scotland Beautiful Seaside Award 2014 and Scotland's Beach Award Winner 2024) provides an ideal setting for families seeking coastal adventures. The beach is particularly renowned for its rich marine ecosystem, making it perfect for young explorers interested in wildlife. At low tide, visitors can discover vibrant rock pools filled with limpets, barnacles, periwinkles, dog whelks, red sea anemones, shore crabs, and hermit crabs. Small fish such as blennies dart between the rocks, offering exciting discoveries for children. The bay attracts numerous seabirds including redshank, curlew, gulls, and sea duck such as eider, providing excellent birdwatching opportunities. Beyond the beach, Ruby Bay features an adjacent area of rough grassland that showcases a magnificent display of cowslips during spring and early summer, while skylarks nest in the area from March to July. The location forms part of the coastal footpath, offering access to beautiful walks through the surrounding countryside and the charming East Neuk of Fife region. Dogs are welcome, making it a fantastic destination for families with pets. The beach is easily accessible by car or bus via the A917 East Neuk of Fife coastal route.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

H

heath aston

a month ago

Great spot for walking and close parking. Dogs allowed and have plenty to entertain them. People do seem to camp here too

T

Taf Williams

2 months ago

Lovely bay. Dog had a ball. Literally... She carries it everywhere. Loves the sea and gets very excited.

J

Jim

2 months ago

Even on a bit of a dull grey day, it's a stunning, serene place to sit, walk, listen, and just forget about your troubles. Or just enjoy your day 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🫶

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Lee Robertson

4 months ago

We went here to see elie ness light house but found this near by and really liked it better... Plus while we were there somebody was getting married!

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Lucy Jo Clumpas

5 months ago

We wild camped just beneath the lighthouse which is sheltered. Really beautiful spot. Contrary to other reviews the disabled toilet was NOT open throughout the night. This seems to be a change from previous years. A local mentioned the council aren’t opening them up until the warmer months which seems absurd considering how many people were in the area throughout the day and camping in their camper vans overnight. Despite this- this a great spot.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026