Exploring St Monans and Pittenweem

We are staying at St Monans campsite on the east coast of Scotland for a few days. We met up with Sandy and Mo (Mike's sister) and we head off along the coastal path. On the way we get some great drone footage of Newark Castle and the old St Monans Salt Pans and windmill. In Pitenweem we visit Saint Fillan's cave.

[@seanjamescameron]

Here after the recommendation from Cruising The Cut.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Sean, thanks for coming over, it was great of David to give us a plug, hope you enjoy watching us and all the best for 2022.

[@monicalifornia_]

Same. 😊

[@MrDonmarks]

I’m so glad Cruising the Cut recommended your channel. Now I’m not Scottish but I do have a “wee bit” of catching up to do! Thanks for great content!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Don, thanks for coming over for a look. We are big fans of CTC and it was so nice of David to include us in his video, and great to have you with us👍

[@michellesinkhorn5633]

Greetings from Southern Indiana, USA. We have enjoyed watching all your videos from the beginning to now. We are sad that we are all caught up. We delight in the adventures of Mike, Trish, Kiera, Maggie, and Midge. Can’t wait to see more videos. We have tried other “van vlogers” but got spoiled by yours. :)) Many blessings & safe travels!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Michelle, that is so kind of you to say so and thanks for watching all of our videos. It's great to have you watching all the way from Indiana 👍

[@TEdwards3161]

Hello from Canada, Dave from Cruising the Cut said to drop by. I'm very glad that he did 😊

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Fantastic, so glad to have you with us👍

[@marilynkirby-roach187]

Hello from Georgia in the states. Came here on the recommendation of Cruising the Cut, and I’m not disappointed. Love the content and you’re adventures.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Marilyn for joining from accross the pond, we hope that you enjoy watching us, best wishes, Mike & Tricia, and Keira 🐾

[@marilynkirby-roach187]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot I’m currently watching your trip to Skye. I love it. I visited Skye on my trip to Scotland in 2019x I hope to get to visit again soon!!

[@sandihandi7831]

Just heard about you folks from David (Cruising The Cut) and he was oh, so right. Your video was fantastic. Looking forward to new ones and will definitely be going over your previous ones. Suggestion: my hubby and I camped for years and we always folded up an "indoor/outdoor" piece of carpet to put right by the steps so we could wipe our feet and/or take off our shoes in order not to track in mud/stones, etc. Hey folks, I am from OH, USA, my name is Sandy and you folks travel safe out there.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Sandy, thanks for coming over to watch us and thanks also for the tip. It's great to have you watching all the way from OH in good old 🇺🇸.

[@OldDunollieman]

Hello folks, just subscribed after watching Cruising the Cut. Keep up the good work.. Scotty (Oban expat.)

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Cheers Scotty, thanks for the sub and hope you like our content, all the best for 2022.

[@Renovator26]

Passing by after David "Cruising the Cut" recommended you. He was right - your story-telling talents are matched with superb camera work, editing and general presentation. The Scottish accents threw me for a while, but the CC does a credible job on the rare occasions when you elude me. Good on yer - I love the lilt and pacing of your voices. Count me in for future vlogs and I'll trace you back a few episodes too. Thanks for this. John, Ontario, Canada.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks John, glad to have you with us. Ontario is similar latitude to Scotland so you will relate to the weather we get here, summera just fine but winters can be real cold. If you watch a few our Scottish accents should become more familiar. Happy New Year to you all in Canada 🇨🇦.

[@cinccave5459]

Aloha I'm a new subscriber thanks to Cruising the Cut. This is actually the 3rd video I'm watching this morning, and I'll probably binge watch your entire back catalog of videos over the next few months. You've got me hooked and I can't wait to see your next video.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Fantastic, and thanks for the sub. It may be a few months until the next one but it will give you time to catch up on the back cat 🐈 🤣👍

[@ktmcc4360]

Thank David! He did you a good one. Glad he did!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

He sure did, we owe him big time, thanks so much for coming over👍

[@michaelpilling9659]

Greetings from Poland. I've been recommended to watch your channel by Cruising The Cut. I'm not disappointed at all. I've subscibed and propose to watch all your vlogs starting from the beginning. This video was wonderful. Your camera and drone skills are very impressive. The commentary brings everything we see, back to life. I don't know this part of Scotland. Your vlog gave me historical facts that made the film even more interesting. Wonderful - thank you . See you again soon.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Michael, thanks for taking the time to send us your comments all the way from Poland, we hope to visit your beautiful country one day, and I hope you enjoy seeing ours in our videos👍

[@sandihandi7831]

I just picked up their channel referenced by David on Cruising the Cut" also and I sure like these videos. The drone shots are so fantastic in particular, but the local history lesson is so unique. I'm trying to get through all their previous videos and sure am enjoying them too.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

@@sandihandi7831 thanks Sandy, you are way too kind 👍

[@sandihandi7831]

Be sure to watch "all" of their videos. Fantastic scenery, dialogue, etc. You won't be disappointed. Sandy from US

[@rojoontour]

Thank you for sharing, we like your filming and editing as wel, your choice of music and this beautiful drone shots !! wel done, too bad, all the rain, but it is still English weather

[@debbieoconnor7054]

Gday we subscribed to your channel after the recommendation from David cruising the cut. We have gone back to the beginning and watched the first lot of videos from your trip to France. Really enjoyable . Happy new year to you both and Keira. Debbie & Patrick in New Zealand Looking forward to watching the rest over the next few weeks.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Debbie, great to have you watching all the way from NZ. We had a great time in France but with the pandemic we have just stayed in the UK since then but lots to see here. Thanks again and wishing you all a great new year👍

[@ralphsharp4913]

Thank you both of you and Another good video👍 it’s good to get someone perspective of places to go north of the border that actually live there. I know there is plenty of us English people that do ones when on tour but I honestly think yours are brilliant and you know some hidden gems.m thanks very much. By the way we love your beautiful dog Keira 👍

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Ralph, its quite local to my sis and she knew it was good so we were happy to go along, and so glad that we did. Quite often you don't do the places on your own doorstep and there are some gems locally. 👍

[@stuartpeters1080]

Hello Mo, awesome to see you again. Hope you are keeping well.

[@lifeisouroyster]

Hi Mike,Trish snd Keira. Loved all your videos. Watched them all from the beginning. Especially the ones when you first picked up your van. Was very exciting. Hoping to buy one in the next year or so. Can’t wait! All the best for 2022. Looking forward to more adventures with you. James.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi James, you watched them all? 👏 😮 Wow thanks very much, we are so glad that you found us. We watched a ton of KZbin videos before we bought a van so its a great way to see what options are out there and places to visit. All the best for 22 and thanks again, Mike, Trish & Keira 🐾

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Enjoyed the tour around St Monans and Pittenweem, especially the salt pans and that cave. Wouldn’t wanted to have lived there! Lovely to meet your sister and brother-in-law too. Ken guessed a crab 🦀 🙄

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, after we stopped recording I guessed a horned toad.🤣

[@LifeistooshortCK]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot 🤣

[@000caro555]

Another great video, loving wee Geordie. X 😊

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, he is 13 and doing well for his age👍

[@charleendunn5446]

Happy New Year from the state of Michigan in the USA. I was sent to your channel by David on "Cruising the Cut ". Looking forward to watching your videos!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Charleen, great to have you watching from accross the pond all the way from Michigan so you must be near the great lakes.

[@charleendunn5446]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot I live in Grand Rapids about 45 minutes east of Lake Michigan. My daughter lives in Holland Michigan and she is within a mile of the lake.

[@ellydavis2066]

Here because of recommendation from Cruising the Cut. New Year, new channels to explore.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Elly, thanks for coming over, great to have you on board, well, on van 🤣

[@asaandthemarchharepart267]

Wonderful vlog both. Interesting places to explore. Take care and keep up the great adventures

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Asa, we loved it there, lots to do and see for such a small place.

[@Ian-gw2vx]

Found your wonderful channel via Cruising The Cut. Looks a lovely place. Would love a camper of our own but well out of our price range but maybe get a micro camper one day. Btw, the spider is a Harvestman. They appear late summer and keep the pests down in the garden. I even spotted one with a small slug in its jaws.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Ian, glad you found us. We wouldn't have known that was called a Harvesting, but if they keep bugs in the garden at bay then they are our friends, especially small slugs, because they have a habit of turning into big slugs.

[@grahamlaurie]

New sub from Cruising The Cut. Superb channel. Lovely filming, narration and soundtrack. Like a combination of Sigur Ros with Ivor Cutler. I'm already hooked.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Graham, glad you found us, and thanks for the feedback, we hope you enjoy following us👍

[@sesaye]

Looks like you had a grand day out.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

We did Sesaye it was bra 👍🤣

[@Project_Servotopia]

Greetings from across the pond in Alabama! I'm one of those who followed David's/Cruising the Cut's recommendation, only to get well and truly hooked right from the get-go... and I'm totally fine with that! :) Love the video and am looking forward to binge watching the whole playlist. Hope the new year is treating y'all well so far!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, so far so good this year, i owe David Big time for his video, it's great to have you and many others join us because of his video. Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@sandihandi7831]

It's such a shame we have nothing like those beautiful canals, buildings so full of history, the scenery is awesome. I like when they take time to share the history. Love it. Sandy from OHIO

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

@@sandihandi7831 thanks, we always try to add a bit of a story if there is history in the places we visit, it just helps to spice it up a bit.

[@peterdavis5993]

I feel the same as a good few others in saying im glad Cruising the Cut recommended use guys and ive not stopped watching so keep them coming guys happy new year

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Peter, that's very kind of you to say so, it was so good of David to feature us on his channel. Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@terrymoreland3814]

Scotland is so beautiful even in the rain, really nice to meet your family Mike.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Terry, thanks, we love those little seaside villages along the coast, you are right, so beautiful.

[@theflippintoothfairyjackie5702]

Love traveling with you ❣️ You two are so cute together ❣️ Great humor, adventures and beautiful places you visit.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Jackie, great to have you watching us, hope alls well over the pond.

[@slidingdownthehill]

Many thanks for the flashback . I used to live in St Monans… then moved to Enster… then to Elie ;) yes i know i was lucky… And the order was perfect … Still love to visit when i can.. last visited when there were Banks in villages…

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Banks in villages, now that must have been a while ago. Enster chippie was bra. We didn't make it to Elie unfortunately.

[@dianabelcher39]

Thanks for sharing another great video full of interesting facts, lovely scenery and fantastic drone footage....Lol

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Diana, good job I took the drone, there was so much to film on such a short stretch of the coast.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on you trip keep up the good vids thanks lee

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Cheers Lee👍

[@whiskeycook3323]

That is a delightful boot/welly garden. Great drone footage over the castle area. Reminded me a bit of Slains in that it too looked like it was eroding into the sea when I visited 4 years ago

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

We loved the wellie garden, it was a bit of fun and its always good to see something like that in these small communities. Don't know how much longer that castle will be there, it was fenced off as too dangerous to go in

[@JohnSmith-xx5ou]

I have been watching carol and kens blogs for ages now, but yours are very enjoyable also . I will be watching both of ye from now on, thanks this was a very nice blog . ..

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks John that's very kind of you to say so, we are also fans of Life Is Too Short and never miss an episode.

[@caravanningmacs8009]

Hi Mike and Trish. Another really enjoyable and interesting vlog. Only thing is - Scottish vlogs make us homesick. We've travelled a lot in the west and north of Scotland, but must confess to having so far neglected the east, particularly the coastal areas, and your vlog shows us again what we've missed. St. Monans, St. Fillans and Pittenweem look full of interest, and we loved the drone shots of Newark Castle, Pittenweem and especially the Salt Pans at St. Monans, where showing them from the air demonstrates so clearly how they worked. Can't imagine how you managed to shoot the "gull dance" but just goes to show what you can catch if you keep your eyes open ! Smashing video - thanks again for sharing. George and Trish - CaravanningMacs

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks both, I sat for ages trying to get the gull dance, every time I got the camera out it stopped but finally persistence paid off 🤣

[@getawaygeese]

Nice video guys I think we may have been to St Monans pre Harry days so memory is blurred. I was trying workout out ducote - but remembered you speak a different language from me lol ….

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Yes different language and different spelling, Doocot 😉. Glad we are not there at the moment with red weather warnings.

[@getawaygeese]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot yes we were out in Harry today and sleet was horizontal-- I was way off with that spelling lol

[@janwaller3585]

Lovely vlog and views ❤️

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Jan, it was a great walk that one🙂

[@jamessmith6402]

Lovely video I love that stretch of coastline up to St Andrews 👍 thanks Wee Broon Van

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, we love that stretch too, would love to do the full coastal path one day.

[@Wheres_wanda_wandering]

I thought it was a type of frog🤣 Skimming skills 1% drone skills 100%. Thank you. Take care Gill

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Gill, I thought a horny toad 🤣. I must get some swimming practice in. 🤣

[@JP-gl2xp]

Hi guys enjoyed your video nice to see you all having a great time. Cant beat a good game of cards 👍😃

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Jane, thanks and glad you enjoyed watching. We were playing happy families and old maid so really grown up card games. 🤣

[@nigeldavey1043]

Well I thought it might be some kind of stick insect or something but I never would have guessed it to be an Arachnid. That's a bit of the Kingdom of Fife I've not seen before now. Looks like somewhere I'd definitely like to visit. Nice to see you two getting a bit of family time in as well. Not impossible but I wouldn't think it would have been easy for you all to sit round and play cards in the " wee broon van ". 😬

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

It would have been a tight squeeze in Maggie so better in the caravan. If there had been 8 eyes then I may have guessed correctly.

[@yaminthegrey]

Hari OM Oh that took me back forty years and weekends away frae Auld Reekie... though it's looking a wee bit more trendified now! It's a grand wee place though - and a joy to meet up with family and dugs. Well done for braving out the dreich. YAM xx

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks YAM, its a great wee place to explore, like you say trendified but retained its character, glad it reminded you of your trips as a wee lass👍

[@yaminthegrey]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot ... although I never reached five feet, I was well over 21 on those visits! &*> Yxx

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

@@yaminthegrey ah you are giving the game away now YAM 😉

[@johhntorruella450]

Cruise the cut sent me. I’m in the USA. Nebraska.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Ah yes he is a man of good taste 🤣 but seriously thanks for watching all the way from Nebraska.

[@Bluenoser613]

CruisingTheCut sent me here!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Fantastic, we love watching CTC, and great to have you watching, big thanks to David for sending you over.

[@lostinlivi]

Nice one! We love visiting the East Neuk, usually just for day trips but we really should park up and stay a bit longer.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Donald, yes its great up there and good for day trips, and even better for a weestop over.

[@markmangan845]

Very enjoyable 😊👍

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Mark👍

[@Zalley]

Sorry if this is a frequent question: I am thinking of getting a Toyota ProAce like yours - is your van able to get under most height restricted places that you have come across. Your awning may make yours a bit higher than a standard van I realise. Thanks. I have enjoyed your videos!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi, we've never had any issues getting under barriers, the height is 1.94m and even with the awning we can get under 2m barriers. Most barriers are 2.1m. If in doubt, one of us gets out to check while the other one drives through but as I say we have had no issues. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Zalley]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot That’s great - thank you so much for the reply. Even more set on. Toyota ProAce now!😀

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

What a beautiful route, 3 out of 10 for your stone skipping skills though bud haha

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Cheers mate, I was going for broke with the skimmer and 👎

[@Yorkshirepoptopadventures]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot haha I'd do exactly the same... full power, zero accuracy 🤣🤣

[@janeconnors1807]

Really, really enjoyable video. So full of content about St. Monans and Pittenweem. It's the sort of place I'd like to visit so it's now on my list. Thanks. What variety is Geordie ? He's so sweet, Keira too of course 😀

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Jane, Geordie is a Yorkshire terrier, he is 13 but still full of fun and mischief. Would definitely recommend a visit there, we loved it and not far for us to travel.

[@janeconnors1807]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot thank you. We lost our Patterdale, Pip, 18 months ago aged 16 1/2. Miss him terribly and only now thinking of another dog. A Yorkshire terrier is about the right size and fun.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

@@janeconnors1807 it sometimes takes a while until you are ready for another dog, 16 is a grand age, I bet you have such fond memories.

[@janeconnors1807]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot oh I do. He was quite a rascal but my rascal and he loved his fell top walks and then returning home, after a clean up, he'd leap over the back of the sofa and squish himself in the cushions

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

@@janeconnors1807 aw bless, Keira does that too.

[@kerriirvin5206]

David from Cruising the Cut sent me 😉

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Ah he is a good lad is David 🤣 thanks for coming over👍

[@the-other-windsors]

At one or two points on the walk, we couldn't see Keira anywhere. It was at this point that Bernie said.. Wow that dog's well trained, she even knows how to use a camera!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

😆 LOL yeah she is a clever girl, I will be teaching her to do the voice over next 🤣

[@the-other-windsors]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot 😁😁😁

[@katerumens-vwt4blu295]

Hey guys..... were are you both. Hope your both well xxx

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Kate we are well thanks, hope you are having a great new year👍

[@katerumens-vwt4blu295]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot happy new year. Glad your all well. We have been missing you. And our ellie has been missing kiera. Stay safe see u soon xxx

[@Auxbeam]

Hi Do you need some great lighting for your car to help you better driving, off-road. We're the pro auto lighting manufacturer for nearly 20 year and we're looking for sponsorship!

[@elizabethdonald5742]

I’m a Pittenweemer, there was nothing in the cave years ago it was empty when I was a kid 40 years ago when I was about 8 years ols

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

I guess they moved some of the artefacts in there since you were a bairn, I wonder if they are original or modern to give a feel for how they think it would have looked. Thanks for watching 👍🐾💕

[@wildfishingscotland]

Not far from me I’m near st.Andrews

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Not far at all, we love St Andrews 👍

[@newbeginnings8566]

Only in the UK would they consider it necessary to place a sign saying sudden drop for a set of 'steepish' steps.. It is really pathetic that people can't work things out for themselves.... Note to the campsite: get the crappy chips sorted out for the guests.. Tarmac or pavers... Invest to attract people and keep them satisfied as they'll go elsewhere if not....

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Yep, the gravel was blooming awful to pitch on, it would put us off going there again.

[@maureenscotok]

Am I really so Scottish lol 😆

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

You are, funny hearing yourself back eh?

[@sesaye]

Aye hen ye are! Lol