Walk of the week: Cramond Brig to South Queensferry

THE ferry across the River Almond at Cramond hasn’t run for a number of years (although there are still those fighting to see it return) but a walk from Cramond Brig to South Queensferry is still a great coastal stroll, and amazingly quiet despite the closeness of Edinburgh.

Cramond Brig to South Queensferry. Picture: Nick Drainey

If the views out to the Firth of Forth are not enough, there is lovely mixed woodland to enjoy – currently displaying a riot of autumn colour. Added to that are a couple of big piles to admire and wonder what it would be like to live in.

DISTANCE 6 miles.

HEIGHT CLIMBED 265ft.

TIME 2∫ to 3∫ hours.

MAP OS Landranger 65.

PARK This is a linear walk so unless you have two cars at your disposal it is necessary to catch the bus back to the start. Park on a minor road behind The Brig pub by the A90 at Cramond Brig on the edge of Edinburgh. The No 43 stops there and runs regularly from the finish point of the walk.

IN SUMMARY Before starting the walk proper go down the minor road behind The Brig pub to reach the old bridge and a view of the River Almond. Go back up the road and turn right before it reaches the A90, following a blue sign for Queensferry. A farm road is then reached and a metal gate, which you go through. Follow the road with woodland to the right and fields on the left then go past a couple of cottages and a larger house to reach a junction. Go straight ahead here and further on ignore a turning to the left. After about a third of a mile, where a blue cyclists’ sign points left, go straight on to drop down a track to woodland.

Go left at a junction in the trees to reach the shoreline and a view of Cramond Island. Go left here to follow a track along the line of the shore. A detour down to Eagle Rock can be made after a couple of hundred yards – a carving of an eagle is reputed to have been made by a Roman Garrison when they were at Cramond.

The main route then becomes a path as it reaches Snab Point and turns left. Cross a minor road immediately after passing behind a couple of cottages and follow a path on the other side, through woodland. After crossing a small footbridge go right to skirt the edge of a golf course then go right again at a wire fence to reach the shoreline at a sandy beach. Go left to continue along the shore and more of the golf course edge, with a view, to the left, of Dalmeny House.

Go left at the end of the golf course to reach an estate road, where you go right to walk past the entrance to Barnbougle Castle. Go straight on at a junction and continue up to Hound Point. The main route eventually reaches Long Craig Gate and a classic view of the Forth Bridge. Beyond this a minor road leads to South Queensferry.

Once at the main road cross over and turn left. A short way up the hill go right at a sign for Dalmeny Station. Go up a long flight of steps starting to the left of a driveway entrance to the Hawes Inn. At the top turn right and then follow a fence round to the left to reach a cycle path. Go left then almost immediately take steps up to the right. Instead of going up a second set of steps, over a bridge, go straight on (ignoring another path to right) and follow a green metal fence all the way to a bus stop from where you can catch the 43 to Cramond Brig.

REFRESH The Brig is the obvious place although there is a wide choice in South Queensferry.

WHILE YOU ARE IN THE AREA Edinburgh is right next to the start of the walk. You could also pop down to the pretty harbour of Cramond. n

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