Under the bridge and back

Published on Thursday 6 April 2006 01:39

A walk from North Queensferry, under the bridge to a bay and then back with great views of the structure.

Distance/Time: Two miles; allow up to an hour and a half.

Where to park: After passing the Corus Hotel on the way into North Queensferry (well worth a visit for its informative display on the bridge), drop down to the Ferrybridge Hotel and turn right and then left at the Albert Hotel to reach a free car park directly under the bridge.

Refreshments: The Corus, Ferrybridge and Albert hotels are all close to the start of the walk. Queen's Gait cafe is also passed at the start and end.

Other things to do while in the area: Deep Sea World, an excellent aquarium, is under the bridge in North Queensferry. Dunfermline, once Scotland's capital with its abbey and palace, is just up the road as is the quaint village of Culross.

The walk: Walk back along the road towards the Albert Hotel and turn right to the Town Pier from where a ferry used to take passengers across the Forth before the road bridge was built. It is worth wandering the lanes to learn about North Queensferry's history from the information plaques dotted around the town. Return to the Albert Hotel and keep going, past the Queen's Gait cafe, to the Ferrybridge Hotel. Cross the road here and go right just at the start of the hill to follow a path running parallel to Old Kirk Road - it leads up, under the bridge, giving a good sense of its true size. At a coastal path sign, go straight on, ignoring a path to the right. Follow the track up past a derelict brick building, looking right for another good view of the bridge. The views extend across the Forth to the Dalmeny Estate and beyond to Arthur's Seat, Leith - and the islands of the Firth of Forth. Keep going along the path as it swings round to the left and drops down to the foreshore and then Port Laing Beach. From here, you can continue along the coast to Inverkeithing but a path at the start of the beach leads up to some houses, coming out at a cul-de-sac - Port Laing Wynd. Follow the road right, all the way to the top. Turn right and then left after another 20 yards. Follow the road down, under a railway bridge. A detour here to the station and along platform one gives a brilliant view of the tracks running along the Forth Bridge. Follow the steep hill all the way down to reach the Ferrybridge Hotel and the way back to the car park.

Map reference: OS Land-ranger 65, ref 132803