St Andrews West Sands

St Andrews West Sands
Famous for the opening scenes of the film Chariots of Fire West Sands extends for almost two miles of uninterrupted sand backed with dunes and the world renowned golf course. The beach is about 15 minutes' walk from the town centre. There is plenty of car parking, lots of information available and zoning of the beach to keep sand yachts and families apart. It is very popular for walking and running on as well as for swimming. Shops and restaurants are close by and there are plenty of wet weather alternatives, including the Golf museum and nearby Castle and Cathedral.
To maintain the natural beauty of West Sands a dune stabilisation programme is in place and all visitors are asked to use the footpaths in place to access the beach. The Dunes found at West Sands are internationally important and mustn't be interfered with. They are part of the Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary Special Area for Conservation and they are home to many important plants and animals.
St Andrews West Sands has regularly won the much coveted Blue Flag Award and Fife's Seaside Award.