Linlithgow to South Queensferry

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Overview

Distance:

14 miles, 22.4 km

Average time to complete:

6 hours' walking, 3 hours' cycling

Description

Leaving the historic town of Linlithgow, the route takes you through some wonderfully rural countryside.

The Fisherrow walk (or Fishers' Brae) gives you superb views and was used by wives of fishermen travelling between Bo'ness and Linlithgow to sell their catches. If you fancy a relaxed pedal on the route, try hiring an electric bike in Linlithgow or Bo'ness (from the East Pier St car park). The route takes you through the heart of Kinneil Estate with its grand house, museum, ruined James Watt cottage and part of the Antonine Wall. Bo'ness itself is a delightful town with an architectural mix that ranges from 16th-century housing to the Hippodrome Cinema from the 1920s. Look out for the steam railway and bird-watching opportunities by the shore. Further on you will pass the imposing Blackness Castle before journeying through the large, beautifully managed Hopetoun Estate before reaching the southern end of the Forth's road and rail bridges at South Queensferry. The town also boasts a harbour and numerous fine restaurants.

Terrain

From Linlithgow Bridge to Kinneil Estate there is the off-road climb up Fishers' Brae, which some cyclists may find challenging. However from there the route descends gradually through Kinneil Woods towards Bo'ness. Flat and mainly tarmac walking/cycling track then takes you along the coast to Blackness. The rest of the route follows quiet roads and good farm and estate tracks, with a little elevation through Hopetoun Estate and on the approach to South Queensferry.

Accessibility

Most of this section is fully accessible apart from a single barrier between Carriden and Blackness and the eastern entry gate near Hopetoun House, both of which are impassable with a horse or wheelchair. In Blackness, a short, fully accessible option is clearly signed as the cycle route, avoiding the kissing gate and steps at Blackness Castle.

For detailed information about potential access restrictions along this section, see the Accessibility Storymap.

Getting There

By rail: Linlithgow sits on the Edinburgh-Glasgow line. South Queensferry has Dalmeny train station, with regular services to and from Edinburgh.

By bus: the X38 bus service links Linlithgow and Edinburgh and there is a First bus service no. 2 between Falkirk and Bo'ness. For travel between Bo'ness, Blackness and Edinburgh, see the Bo'ness Community Bus.

By car: parking is limited at Linlithgow but free spaces are available beside the loch. In South Queensferry parking is available along the front towards the Forth (Rail) Bridge and there is also plentiful parking in Bo'ness. Please note, visitors to Blackness are advised not to go by car as space is very limited in the village. Abercorn has similar pressures, with no public parking available, so it's best to walk or cycle there.

Points of interest

Queensferry Museum

Queensferry museum helps visitors to explore the past and traditions of historic Queensferry and neighbouring Dalmeny.

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Kinneil Museum

Kinneil Museum is located in the 17th-century stable block of Kinneil House, and acts as an interpretive centre for Kinneil Estate. The exhibition '2,000 Years of History' tells the story of the park from Roman times to the present day.

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Kinneil Local Nature Reserve

Great mixed woodland walks with an opportunity to visit Kinneil House, a 15th-century tower house.

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House of the Binns

Set in beautifully landscaped parkland overlooking the River Forth, this fascinating laird’s house has been the home of the Dalyells for over 400 years. The estate is open all year but please note the house itself is closed.

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Forth Bridges

Three impressive bridges spanning three centuries cross the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry, including the original rail Forth Bridge, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Bo'ness Town Centre

This quiet coastal town has an incredible range of historic buildings dating back to the 16th century, alongside a steam railway and Scotland's oldest cinema.

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Blackness Castle

This imposing 15th century castle has hosted garrisons, prisoners and more recently many a film crew. Climb the towers for fantastic views of the Forth. Please note parking in the castle car park and external grounds is limited to paying customers only.
Open 10am-4pm daily

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Kinneil House

Historic Home of the Dukes of Hamilton, the house dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. It's open on selected days throughout the year and guides from The Friends of Kinneil take people through the House and tell its fascinating story. Check with Kinneil Museum for information on the next open days.

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Hopetoun House

This magnificent house dates from the 17th century and sits in majestic grounds with nature trails and scenic walks. The Stables Tea-room serves lunches & refreshments.

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Bridgeness Slab

A replica of the ancient Roman distance slab found here at the eastern end of the Antonine Wall.

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Bo'ness Hippodrome

The Hippodrome is Scotland's oldest purpose-built cinema. Screening everything from blockbusters, to foreign cinema, indie gems, and classics, it also hosts the annual Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema in March each year.

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