An Epic Cycling Adventure - Round the Inner Forth

Discover Scotland’s rich history and industrial heritage on two wheels. We’ve got everything from iconic landmarks to stunning natural landscapes and wildlife all wrapped up in this magical 2-day cycling itinerary round the inner Forth Estuary which is easily accessible from Edinburgh.

Forth Bridge

© Sustrans/Tony Marsh

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Overview of the route

Inner Forth Cycle route - Culross

© Inner Forth Futures/This Way Up Media

Day 1: Inverkeithing - Stirling

Length: 31 miles, 50 km

Time: 4-6 hours

Highlights:

  • Inverkeithing
  • North Queensferry and The Forth Bridge
  • Charlestown and Limekilns
  • Culross historic village and Palace
  • Clackmannan Tower
  • National Wallace Monument
  • City of Stirling

The Round the Inner Forth has lots to offer cyclists. The first day of your cycle will be predominantly flat with some short sections on busier roads. Throughout your trip, you’ll see evidence of the area’s importance as a trading and industrial hub which you can see in coastal settlements including Charlestown and Limekilns. Whilst the former Royal Burgh of Culross and the ancient Tower houses of Alloa and Clackmannanshire and Sauchie stand as a testament to the significance of Stirling as Scotland’s historic ‘Seat of Power’.

Download the route for day one (To download the route, please click on More > Export as file > GPX track)

Inner Forth Cycle route - The Kelpies at Helix Park in Falkirk

© Inner Forth Futures/This Way Up Media

Day 2: Stirling - Inverkeithing

Length: 39.3 miles, 63.3 km

Time: 5-7 hours

Highlights:

  • City of Stirling 
  • Helix Park & the Kelpies
  • Kinneil House
  • Bo'ness and Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway
  • Blackness
  • Hopetoun House
  • The Forth Bridges and Inverkeithing

Today we’re exploring the south shore of the Inner Forth Estuary. This route has a much more industrial feel to it with sites en route including former coal mines, Grangemouth Oil Refinery, and the harbour and railway of Bo’ness. Pedal your way through history and discover attractions including Dunmore Pineapple at Airth, Blackness Castle and Hopetoun House. It is also an area of regeneration with its magnificent feats of engineering including the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel. If you're looking to explore further, make sure to head to Linlithgow which is just a short cycle off the route.

You’ll even come across a few hidden gems along the way such as Fallin Bing, a natural habitat for lots of wildlife species. Did you know? The 'bings' are a by-product of coal mining in the area that have now been reclaimed by nature.

Download the route for day two (To download the route, please click on More > Export as file > GPX track)

 

Inner Forth Bike Bus

Inner Forth Bike Bus

© Inner Forth Futures/This Way Up Media

Explore the wonderful landscape of the Inner Forth area by bus. The seasonal transport will be piloted for over two years and will run every Sunday between 21 April until the end of October in 2024 and 2025. It's also free of charge, what's not to love?

Find out more about the Inner Forth Bike Bus

6 Day Trips to Extend Your Trip

Choose from a fantastic selection of cycling destinations and pedal to your heart’s content. These day trips are great options if you're looking for a half or full day exploring.

 

Gartmorn Dam

© Discover Clackmannanshire / Damian Shields

1. Historic Alloa to the Ochil Fault

Level: Introductory

Length: 14.4 miles, 23 km or 19.6 miles, 31.6 km

Time: 2-3 hours

Combine your love of history and nature on this circular ride, perfect for beginners or those who want to enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural landscape.

Starting off at Alloa Station, follow the old railway line north (NCN 767) and take a short detour to the ruins of Sauchie Tower before continuing to Tillycoultry. Head west along NCN 768, following the line of the Ochils Fault, passing the small town of Alva en route to Menstrie.

Along the way, soak in the panoramic views of the Ochils. Continue south along another disused railway line, passing the large distillery and cooperage at Cambus Hub, before arriving back in Alloa again. Discover the town’s rich industrial history and stop off to visit Alloa Harbour Viewpoint and Alloa Tower before riding back to your original starting point.

Download the Historic Alloa to the Ochil Fault PDF route | PDF 4.1MB 

Download the Historic Alloa to the Ochil Fault GPX file

Viewpoints and attractions:

Friendly stops:

Dunfermline Abbey

2. Dunfermline to Culross loop

Level: Intermediate

Length: 21.3 miles, 34.3 km

Time: 3-4 hours

We’ve got another route for all the history buffs out there to enjoy. If you’re looking for a more challenging cycle, this predominantly traffic-free route allows you to step back in time to Fife’s historic past.

Explore Dunfermline Palace and Abbey and cycle through Pittencrieff Park past the statue of the famous philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. Head north to join the West Fife Way cycle path (NCN 764) where you’ll head west for six miles until a signpost directs you off the cycle path to the picturesque coastal village of Culross. Make sure to stop off at Culross Palace and Hanging Gardens Viewpoint which includes impressive views overlooking the Firth of Forth.

Continue around the historic salt flats of Preston Island and follow the NCN 76 briefly east to the entrance of Valleyfield Park. Finish off your cycling adventure and follow the West Fife Woodlands Way north to rejoin the West Fife Way cycle path back to Dunfermline.

Download the Dunfermline to Culross PDF route | PDF 1.8MB

Download the Dunfermline to Culross GPX file

Viewpoints and attractions:

Friendly stops:

Inner Forth cycle route - Forth Bridges

© Inner Forth Futures/This Way Up Media

3. Beneath the three bridges

Level: Intermediate

Length: 17.4 miles, 28 km

Time: 2-3 hours

Scotland’s historic castles and houses await you. Starting and finishing at Dalmeny Station, the route consists of suburban roads that give way to rural lanes as you cycle up from the Firth of Forth and enter the grounds of Dundas Castle. Continue west before passing under the M9, where a track on the right leads you to the Union Canal.

Next up, follow the towpath west for 4.5 miles to Philpstoun, where you’ll head north to Blackness and discover the dramatic Blackness Castle, the perfect pit stop for a history lesson. Tick another attraction off your bucket list and head east following the NCN 76 through the grounds of Hopetoun House, and along the estuary foreshore. The best part? You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Forth Bridges.

Download the three bridges PDF route | PDF 2MB

Download the three bridges GPX file

Viewpoints and attractions:

Friendly stops:

Linlithgow Palace

4. Linlithgow, Bo’ness & Blackness loop

Level: Intermediate

Length: 15 miles, 24 km

Time: 2-3 hours

Kickstart your cycling adventure from Linlithgow Palace, following the loch side trail and the ‘Linlithgow Link’ path which joins the John Muir Way. You’ll be faced with a short but challenging gravel climb followed by a sweeping descent to Kinneil House.

Bo’ness definitely provides the goods when it comes to all things history and food. After stepping back in time and refuelling your energy levels, continue along the traffic-free cycle path close to the foreshore. For families, go full steam ahead by visiting Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway or enjoy panoramic vistas across the Forth Estuary and of Blackness Castle, dramatically silhouetted against a backdrop of the Forth Bridges. Turn inland to join the Union Canal Towpath, for a pleasant ride back to Linlithgow.

Download the Linlithgow, Bo'ness and Blackness PDF route | PDF 1.6MB

Download the Linlithgow, Bo'ness and Blackness GPX file

Viewpoints and attractions:

Friendly stops:

Dunmore Pineapple

© Inner Forth Futures/This Way Up Media

5. History & heritage of the Upper Forth Estuary

Level: Challenging

Length: 38.4 miles, 61.7 km

Time: 4½ - 5 hours

This is one of our most challenging routes on the list and is ideal for anyone thinking of getting into longer rides. Starting in the historic City of Stirling, enjoy a whistle-stop tour of Scottish history with Clackmannan and Alloa Tower, the National Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and Stirling Castle all en route. You’ll also learn about the importance of heavy industry, coal mining, ship building, woollen mills and much more as you cycle around the Forth Estuary.

End your day of cycling by crossing Kincardine Bridge to visit sites such as Fallin Bing and Black Devon Wetlands, which provide a sanctuary for an array of wildlife species.

Download the history & heritage of the Upper Forth Estuary PDF route | PDF 2.2MB

Download the history & heritage of the Upper Forth Estuary GPX file

Viewpoints and attractions:

Friendly stops:

The Falkirk Wheel

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

6. The Falkirk Wheel from the Kelpies

Level: Introductory

Length: 10 miles, 16 km

Time: 2 – 2½ hours

Looking for a cycling route for the whole family to enjoy? Make sure to add this one onto your list!

Andy Scott’s iconic Kelpies marks the start of the journey where you’ll be transported to Falkirk’s industrial past. Follow the ‘The Heart of Falkirk Trail’ signs through Abbotshaugh Community Woodland where you’ll see lots of cool sculptures en route. Take a detour to the Grahamstown Ironworks Gate and continue through open parkland to join the Forth & Clyde Canal.

Follow the towpath west to the Falkirk Basin and marvel at the Falkirk Wheel – the world’s only rotating boat lift. Finish by following the Forth & Clyde Canal towpath east, back to the start.

Download the Falkirk Wheel from the Kelpies PDF route | PDF 1.9MB

Download the Falkirk Wheel from the Kelpies GPX file

Viewpoints and attractions:

Friendly stops:

5 Great Stops to See Along the Way

The Round the Inner Forth route has lots to offer during your cycling adventure. Take the time to recharge those batteries with these wonderful pit stops.

National Wallace Monument

© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

1. Clackmannan Tower

Located at the summit of King’s Seat Hill, the 14th century Clackmannan Tower is full of historic tales to tell. Inhabited by King David II of Scotland before selling to his cousin Robert the Bruce, take time to relax and unwind while you enjoy the panoramic views over the Black Devon Wetlands Nature Reserve and the estuary beyond.

Make sure to stop by Tolbooth Cross where you’ll find the Stone of Mannan. It is believed that the name of the county appears to derive from this stone.

Enjoy a pit stop at Clackmannan Tower

2. National Wallace Monument

Completed in 1869, the National Wallace Monument commemorates the life of Sir William Wallace. During your visit, learn more about Scotland’s national hero and how he led the Scottish army to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The view here is definitely worth the climb. Journey up the 246-step spiral staircase where you’ll be treated to spectacular vistas across the Forth Valley to Stirling Castle, The Ochils and the Pentland Hills. If that’s not enough, head into the woods on the sculpture trail to the Abbey Craig viewpoint.

Uncover history at the National Wallace Monument

3. Kinneil House

The impressive Kinneil House was one of the seats of the wealthy Hamilton family. Book a guided tour in advance and discover more about the history of the estate. The Antonine Wall (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, runs practically underneath Kinneil House.

Did you know? The pioneering Scots engineer James Watt developed his first engine here.

Visit Kinneil House

Inner Forth Cycle route - Blackness Castle

© Inner Forth Futures/This Way Up Media

4. Blackness Castle

Built in the 15th century, the impressive stronghold of Blackness Castle stands guard on the south shore of the Forth Estuary, silhouetted against the backdrop of the Forth Bridges. Often referred to as ‘the ship that never sailed’ due to its stone ship-like appearance, Blackness Castle has had its fair share of different roles over the years from a royal castle and prison to an armament’s depot. Eagle-eyed viewers of the big and small screen may recognise Blackness Castle featuring in Outlander, Outlaw King and Mary Queen of Scots.

Plan a visit to Blackness Castle

5. The Forth Bridges

Of course, we had to include one of Scotland’s most recognised landmarks on this list. Completed in 1890, the Forth Bridge spans the Firth of Forth between North and South Queensferry. Not only that, it’s also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. How cool is that?! Taking nearly 7 years to build, this magnificent cantilever bridge is 2.5 km long and over 100 m high. If you’re looking to capture a few snapshots of this iconic bridge, the neighbouring Forth Road Bridge is an ideal location for photos and to marvel at this spectacular feat of engineering.

Enjoy amazing views over the Forth Bridges

More information

Find out more about temporary route diversions and closures on Sustrans website

Discover more cycling routes on Sustrans website

Find a whole range of walking and cycling routes in the Inner Forth area

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