The Isle of May, set like a rugged jewel in the Firth of Forth, erupts into life each spring and summer with the return of seabirds, most famously the puffins. This 1.5-mile-long island is accessible by a ferry departing from the nearby fishing village of Anstruther, making it a practical day trip packed with both wildlife thrills and moderate hiking.

The journey begins in Anstruther, where the harbor hums with quiet anticipation. Once aboard the ferry, the sea challenges your patience—waves push and pull with relentless energy, daring you to hold steady. Upon arrival, your feet meet the island’s firm, uneven coastal paths, stretching roughly 4 miles if circumnavigating the loop trails. Expect variable terrain: grassy slopes roll toward towering cliffs, and loose shale paths reward alert footing as you navigate elevation changes of about 100 feet.

Look up and the sky thickens with black guillemots and razorbills, but the real prize waits among the cliffs—puffins, with their bright beaks and busy nesting burrows. Their comings and goings are a dance worth watching, their flapping wings cutting through the ocean breeze like clockwork. Terns skim the surface, cutting lines through the wind, and skuas patrol fiercely, reminding visitors this is still their domain.

Preparation here means respect for both terrain and weather. Footwear with solid grip is essential; the island terrain shifts quickly from packed soil to jagged rock. Water is a must—there are no facilities, so bring enough for your entire stay. The best months for puffin sightings are May through July. Arriving early in the day means quieter trails and better light for photography.

The hike demands attentiveness but rewards with panoramic views of Fife’s coast and the wide-reaching sea beyond. Occasional forested patches pepper the route, their shadows a brief cool contrast to exposed ridges. Be ready for wind that cuts through your layers—a brisk reminder that nature here is not to be tamed but met on equal terms.

In total, plan for a 3-4 hour visit to explore trails and soak in the wildlife. The Isle of May is fiercely itself: a living, breathing ecosystem that invites visitors to observe, move carefully, and appreciate the wild pulse that keeps this place alive every spring and summer.