Castle Sands, St Andrews

About Castle Sands, St Andrews

Castle Sands is a small cove under the ruins of St Andrews Castle, reached by a steep flight of steps from The Scores. It is a different beach from the long West Sands, and it is the one St Andrews sea glass hunters actually use. The glass comes from the town's old breweries, distilleries and potteries, and the cove is covered at high water.

Sea glass at Castle Sands, St Andrews

A huge amount of green and white glass, though rare colours are unlikely; some people find bottle fragments embossed with 'St Andrews' or 'Cupar'. Walk the waterline at mid tide; low tide is reportedly not worth it here.

Visiting Castle Sands, St Andrews

Getting there

Down a steep flight of steps from The Scores, below St Andrews Castle.

Safety

Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and only take sea glass and other man-made rubbish: pebbles, sand and shells should stay on the beach.