Forth Bridges Trail

Discover Scotland’s famous three bridges spanning three centuries.

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

Cross the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by train – a bucket list experience!

The beautifully restored North Queensferry Victorian Station and Heritage Centre.

The world's smallest working light tower, built by Robert Stevenson.

Deep Sea World, Scotland’s national aquarium with Europe’s longest underwater moving walkway.

The Briggers Memorials - 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 - take in the incredible views of the Forth Bridge and Queensferry Crossing.

Spotting seals, dolphins and puffins in the Firth of Forth on a boat trip to Inchcolm Island.

The Forth Bridges Trail is a circular walk that takes in the iconic Forth Bridges and the distinctive historic communities of North and South Queensferry.

The trail is approximately 5 miles. You can start it at any point with plenty of stops on the way. Good places to start and finish are at North Queensferry and Dalmeny stations, or the bus stops at either end of the Forth Road Bridge, but the choice is yours!

The area is rich in history, heritage, wildlife, nature and beauty. And you’ll get some impressive views of the bridges.

The trail will take you across the bridges by foot, cycle or train to explore both sides of the Firth of Forth. You can also take a boat trip under the bridges.

Take in the story of the bridges and some of the history, quirks and characteristics that make this area so special.

Follow the trail interpretation and fingerpost signs to enjoy the three bridges spanning three centuries.

Queensferry Crossing @edinburghphotowalks

"The Forth Bridge stands as a timeless reminder that bold ideas can shape the landscape for generations."

Explore North Queensferry

North Queensferry Railway Station, built shortly after the iconic Forth Bridge, offers regular trains to Edinburgh, Fife, and beyond. Admire the restored Victorian design and visit the Forth Bridge Heritage Centre inside the station.

Walk down The Brae into the village, pausing at the War Memorial. Turn left for Deep Sea World or follow the scenic Fife Coastal Path. Continue past Rankin’s Café, The Wee Restaurant, and the Albert Hotel (currently closed).

Head along Battery Road to the Briggers Memorial and the picnic area beneath the Forth Bridge. Retrace your steps to the Town Pier to see the world’s smallest working lighthouse and museum, then follow Main Street to the Forth Road Bridge, with a detour to the Railway Pier and harbour.

Continue the trail with a walk across the bridge via steps or the cycle path. Refreshments are available at the DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh – Queensferry Crossing. Toilets are at the station and Battery Road car park (small fee).

Walk across the Forth Road Bridge

The walk across the Forth Road Bridge is around 1.5 miles and there are information panels beside the north and south towers on each walkway. As you cross, look out for the colourful love locks at the towers, added in 2015 to raise funds for the RNLI.

To the east, you’ll enjoy impressive views of the iconic Forth Bridge, where its immense scale and engineering detail are easy to appreciate. Standing 110 metres above the water, it was built using 53,000 tonnes of steel and 6.5 million hand-driven rivets.

To the west you can also see the Queensferry Crossing, the newest of the three bridges. Construction began in 2011 and finished in 2017. Its name was chosen through a public vote, reflecting the shared heritage of North Queensferry and South Queensferry, communities named after Queen (Saint) Margaret, who established a ferry route for pilgrims travelling to St Andrews and Dunfermline.

Explore South Queensferry

At the south end of the Forth Road Bridge, head left to the Viewpoint for panoramic views of the three bridges and nearby memorials.

Follow signs under the bridge and down Hopetoun Road. At the bottom, turn left to Port Edgar Marina, once a naval base and now home to shops, cafés, and a great selfie spot.

Retrace your steps and turn down Rose Lane just before Priory Church (over 600 years old). From “the Binks”—the site of the original Queen’s Ferry, follow the path to the harbour for stunning views.

Continue up Harbour Lane and turn left onto the High Street, lined with cafés, restaurants, and independent shops. Look out for the Jubilee Clock Tower, rebuilt in 1887–88 to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

Before reaching the museum, pass Black Castle (1626), the town’s oldest building. Continue towards the Forth Bridge, stopping at Seal’s Craig and Hawes Pier to see the Guardian of the Bridges, a Nessie-like mosaic celebrating the Forth Road Bridge’s 50th anniversary. You can also take a Three Bridges Cruise from Hawes Pier or occasionally Port Edgar Marina, with optional visits to Inchcolm Abbey.

The final stop is Dalmeny Station, where trains cross the Forth Bridge to North Queensferry or continue south to Edinburgh.

Toilets: Forth Bridges Viewpoint, Port Edgar Marina, High Street, and Hawes car park.

The iconic Forth Bridges

DAY 1

AM

Start your adventure in North Queensferry under the shadow of the iconic Forth Bridge. a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Why not explore the coastline along the Fife Coastal Path or light the lamp at North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower, the world's smallest working lighthouse. Families would love a vist to Deep Sea World, Scotland's national aquarium.

PM

Explore the Forth Bridges Trail. If you fancy a boat trip, why not take the boat from South Queensferry to Inchcolm Island to visit the historic Abbey, spot wildlife and while the afternoon away on this magical island.

For food, you can enjoy a relaxed lunch at Rankin's Cafe, fine dining with a view at The Wee Restaurant or dinner at The Shore Grill & Fish House at the Doubletree Hilton Queensferry Crossing.

STAY

Doubletree Hilton Queensferry Crossing. North Queensferry

Keavil House Hotel, Dunfermline

Garvock House Hotel, Dunfermline

DAY 2

AM

For an Outlander adventure, don't miss the historic time capsule village of Culross nearby where you can visit the ochre coloured Culross Palace and explore the gorgeous cobbled streets.

PM

In the afternoon, head to Dunfermline, Scotland's newest city. If you fancy a boat trip, why not take the boat from South Queensferry to Inchcolm Island to visit the historic Abbey, spot wildlife and while the afternoon away on this magical island.

STAY

Doubletree Hilton Queensferry Crossing. North Queensferry

Keavil House Hotel, Dunfermline

Garvock House Hotel, Dunfermline

For more information visit the Forth Bridges Trail website.

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