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)

    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)

     

    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

    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 

    Download the Historic Alloa to the Ochil Fault GPX file

    Viewpoints and attractions:
  • Gartmorn Dam Country Park
  • Menstrie Castle
  • Alloa Dock Viewpoint
  • Alloa Tower
  • Friendly stops:
  • Dam Good Coffee
  • Polly’s Pantry & Aberdona Gallery
  • The Inn at Cambus
  • Alloa Cycle Repairs
  • 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

    Download the Dunfermline to Culross GPX file

    Viewpoints and attractions:
  • Dunfermline Abbey and Palace
  • Pittencrieff Park and Pittencrieff House Museum
  • Culross Palace and Hanging Gardens Viewpoint
  • Preston Island Salt Pans
  • Friendly stops:
  • Abbot House Café
  • Peacock Rooms Café
  • Biscuit Café
  • The Bike Shop Scotland
  • 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

    Download the three bridges GPX file

    Viewpoints and attractions:
  • House of the Binns
  • Blackness Castle
  • Hopetoun House
  • Forth Bridge Viewpoints
  • Friendly stops:
  • The Lobster Pot
  • The Stables Kitchen
  • Manna House Bakery & Patisserie
  • The Railbridge
  • 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

    Download the Linlithgow, Bo'ness and Blackness GPX file

    Viewpoints and attractions:
  • Linlithgow Palace
  • Kinneil House and Estate
  • Museum of Scottish Railways
  • Blackness Castle
  • Friendly stops:
  • The Corbie Inn
  • The Lobster Pot
  • The Park Bistro
  • 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

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

    Viewpoints and attractions:
  • Fallin Bing & Outdoor Mining Museum
  • The Dunmore Pineapple and Dunmore Village
  • Clackmannan Tower
  • RSPB Black Devon Wetlands
  • Friendly stops:
  • Unorthodox Roasters
  • Baynes the Family Bakers
  • Blairmains Farm Shop
  • Stirling Cycle Hub
  • 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

    Download the Falkirk Wheel from the Kelpies GPX file

    Viewpoints and attractions:
  • The Kelpies
  • Abbotshaugh Sentinel Sculpture
  • Grahamston Ironworks Gate
  • The Falkirk Wheel
  • Friendly stops:
  • Helix Visitor Centre
  • The Horsebox Café and Gift Shop
  • 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

    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

    Bike Parks 

    Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned rider, bike parks are a great way to hone your skills and there are a few located within the Round the Inner Forth route. Let your legs feel the burn and enjoy everything from downhill riding to ‘big air’ jumps. 

    Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness – enjoy dedicated mountain biking routes within Kinneil Woods with lots of introductory trails to choose from. 

    Zetland Park, Grangemouth – designed for beginner, intermediate and expert riders in mind, this small but intense pump track offers rolling bumps, table-top jumps and bermed corners. 

    Devilla Forest, Fife – this pine forest opens a whole world of cycling possibilities, with an extensive network of paths and forest roads. Keep your eyes peeled for prehistoric coffins, stone circles and Roman urns located in different parts of the forest.

    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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