Caves of Caiplie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Caiplie Coves |
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Caiplie Coves
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| Location | Fife |
| Discovery | The site was first used for Christian worship in the ninth century. |
| Translation | The word 'Cove' as used here means 'Cave' (Scots) |
The Caves of Caiplie, also called Caplawchy or Caiplie Coves, are a cool cave system in Scotland. Locals often just call them The Coves. You can find them along the beautiful Fife Coastal Path, between the towns of Anstruther and Crail. These caves have a long history! They were first used for early Christian worship. Later, around 170 CE, farmers used them to keep their animals and even as a doocot (a place for pigeons). People think the caves were left empty after about 180 CE.
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Explore the Caiplie Coves!
The word 'cove' in Scots language simply means 'cave'. These caves were mostly formed by the sea. Over many years, strong waves slowly wore away the soft sandstone rock. Some of the bigger caves were also made larger by the different groups of people who lived or used them over time.
Chapel Cave: The Biggest Cove
Chapel Cave is the largest cave in the Caiplie system. A writer named David Hay Fleming described it as having a "lofty roof" (a very high ceiling). He also noted that it stretched "fully forty feet from its mouth to the pointed recess at the inner end." That's about 12 meters long! Even though the sea helped create this cave, people definitely made it even bigger.
Who Lived in the Caves?
The Caiplie Coves have been home to many different people throughout history.
- Early Christians: The caves were first used for worship by Christians in the ninth century. Inside Chapel Cave, you can still see several crosses carved into the rock. These carvings were added at different times over many years. There are also pairs of holes cut into the rock, which people believe were used to pass ropes through.
- The Hermit: One interesting story is about Harmit's Well, the easternmost cave. It got its name because, just before World War II, a hermit (someone who lives alone, often for religious reasons) lived there for several months. You can still see the spots where he fixed his door and window into the natural sandstone walls!
Amazing Views from the Caves
From the Caiplie Coves, you can enjoy some fantastic views!
- Look out towards May Island, which is a special nature reserve. You can even take a boat trip there from Anstruther.
- You can also spot the famous Bass Rock, a large island known for its many birds.
- To the west of the caves, you'll see the villages of Kilrenny and Cellardyke.
- To the east, you'll find Crail, a charming small fishing village.
