Due to essential maintenance the WEST Footpath/Cycleway is CLOSED except during weekends, please use the EAST Footpath/Cycleway.
Open to all permitted vehicles.
Access Restrictions
A Full Day
At the Forth BridgesBoth Sides of the Bridges
A full day gives you plenty of time to explore both sides of the bridges - the delightful communities of North and South Queensferry.
Begin your visit at South Queensferry High Street and follow the signs to discover the Forth Bridges Trail - a 5 mile circular walk.
Highlights of the trail include:
- The independent shops and cafes in the historic South Queensferry High St. There's even a wee beach where you can listen to the waves and dip your toes!
- Port Edgar Marina - perfect for a spot of luxury shopping or watching the boats go by.
- Spotting seals, dolphins and puffins in the Firth of Forth.
- The Briggers Memorial - a sobering tribute erected to commemorate the men and boys who died during the construction of the Forth Bridge.
- A walk across the Forth Road Bridge - it feels very high and in the wind, you feel it gently swaying. The best thing though are the incredible views of the Forth Bridge.
- An epic train ride across the Forth Bridge - quite the bucket list experience!
- The beautifully restored North Queensferry Victorian Station and Heritage Centre.
- The world's smallest working light tower, built by Robert Stevenson.
Refuel en route at:
- Brewhouse or Manna House Bakery on South Queensferry High Street for great coffee.
- Scotts or Outboard at Port Edgar Marina for lunch.
- Rankins in North Queensferry for tea and cakes.
Once you've completed the trail, be sure to enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the historic Hawes Inn. It was here that Robert Louis Stevenson is said to have been staying when he came up with the idea of ‘Kidnapped’ and started writing the novel. Indeed the inn features in the story as the place where the kidnapping of the hero, David Balfour, was arranged.
For spectacular views of the bridges, head to Orocco Pier or Rogue Bros at The Boathouse for dinner to relax and reflect on your day exploring.
Epic Train Ride
Experience an epic journey across the bridge. You'll get a close up view of the intricacies of the bridge plus spectacular vistas across the Firth of Forth.
Trains run approximately every half hour from Dalmeny Station in South Queensferry and the crossing takes around 5 minutes. Alight at North Queensferry to enjoy the beautifully restored Victorian Railway Station and Heritage Centre. Stand at the end of the platform to get great photos of trains coming off the bridge.
To return, simply catch the train back over the bridge or take the opportunity to walk across the Forth Road Bridge (1.5 miles) for spectacular views over the Firth of Forth and the surrounding countryside.
This experience can be completed within half a day or incorporated into the Forth Bridges Trail for a full day visit.
Boat Trips
Forth Boat Tours and The Maid of the Forth operate from Hawes Pier or Port Edgar and offer a variety of cruises to suit all tastes.
Trips include sightseeing cruises, wildlife watching, and evening cruises with music. Both operators also offer trips to the beautiful Inchcolm Island with its well preserved monastic buildings.
