Isle of May
Isle of May Group Walks | Join a Walk
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Classifications
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Elevation
51m
167 ft
Prominence
51m
Coordinates
56.1856, -2.5584
NT654993
OS Map
59
Explorer: 371S
At the Summit
The summit features a historic lighthouse built in 1816 and a small ruin of St. Adrian's chapel, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding natural beauty.
Terrain & Geology
The Isle of May is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically basalt, which gives the island its unique rugged landscape. The geology has shaped both the physical structure and the ecology of the island.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can see sweeping views of the Firth of Forth, the Fife coastline, and even across to Edinburgh on a clear day.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Isle of May' is believed to derive from Saint Adrian, who had links with seabirds and the island.
Historical Significance
The island has historically been a beacon for sailors, housing a lighthouse and serving as a refuge for various bird species during migratory periods.
Photo Gallery
View allPopular Routes
Visit from Anstruther
EasyThis is the main route taken by visitors, involving a scenic boat trip to the island.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Parking is available in Anstruther, approximately 10 minutes from the harbour where boats to the island depart.
Public Transport
Regular bus services run to Anstruther from nearby towns such as St Andrews and Crail.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities on the island itself, but visitors can find cafes and toilets in Anstruther before embarking on their trip.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Strong coastal winds and slippery rocks, particularly when near the cliff edges. Also, beware of wildlife when walking through their nesting areas.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Find Walking Companions
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Walks Near Isle of May
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Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Isle of May?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Isle of May through the maps
Are there other walkers around Isle of May?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Isle of May search or of course create your own walk for Isle of May
Can I organise a walk to Isle of May?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Isle of May.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Isle of May?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Isle of May here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
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Location
Grid Ref: NT654993
Nearby Hills
+ 5 more nearby hills
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