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Three Bridges, Three Ways
The Forth Bridges - Walk, Sail and Ride!
The Forth Bridges are a remarkable trio of engineering achievements that span the Firth of Forth in Scotland, linking Edinburgh and Fife.
Together, they tell the story of over 130 years of transport innovation. The Forth Bridge, an iconic red cantilever railway bridge completed in 1890, embodies Victorian ambition and resilience. The Forth Road Bridge, a suspension bridge opened in 1964, represents the 20th century’s leap forward in road connectivity. Lastly, the sleek Queensferry Crossing, a modern cable-stayed bridge, showcases 21st-century design and technology.
Visiting these bridges isn’t just about admiring their beauty; it’s about experiencing them. Walking, sailing, and riding provide unique perspectives of their grandeur and history, making this a must-do for locals and visitors alike.
Transport Through the Ages
The Forth Bridges are more than functional crossings—they’re a timeline of transport innovation. In the 19th century, the Forth Bridge revolutionised rail travel, connecting Scotland’s east coast with greater efficiency. The 20th century brought the Forth Road Bridge, ending the car and passenger ferry service. The Queensferry Crossing, completed in 2017, is a marvel of modernity, designed to handle increasing traffic while incorporating advanced weather resistance and environmental considerations.
These bridges not only connect regions but also generations. Each reflects the values and challenges of its time, from the industrial determination of the Victorian age to the modern emphasis on sustainability and technology.
Plan Your Visit
Three bridges, three centuries, and three unforgettable ways to experience them—walking, sailing, and riding. Each mode offers a distinct perspective, allowing you to connect with the history, artistry, and function of these world-renowned structures.
Whether you’re drawn to the romance of rail travel, the serenity of a waterside cruise, or the exhilaration of a panoramic walk, the Forth Bridges promise an experience like no other. Discover their stories, capture their beauty, and immerse yourself in their timeless appeal.
Walk: The Forth Road Bridge
Begin your adventure by walking (or cycling) across the Forth Road Bridge, a suspended marvel of mid-20th-century engineering.
Spanning 2.5 kilometers, it was one of the longest suspension bridges in the world when it opened. Today, it serves as a pedestrian and cyclist pathway, offering unparalleled views of its neighboring bridges.
It will take you about an hour to walk across the bridge. Look out for the Forth Bridges Trail information points at the North and South Towers and stop midway to soak in the panoramic views. You'll get an excellent view of the iconic Forth Bridge to the east and the Queensferry Crossing to the west.
Most of all, a walk across the bridge will give you a sense of it's sheer scale as the main towers rise up over 150m above water level.
It's often windy on the bridge so wrap up warm and see if you can feel the bridge gently swaying in the breeze!
The experience combines a touch of history with a healthy dose of fresh sea air.
Nearest parking: from the north, Ferry Toll Park and Ride; from the south, outside the Contact & Education Centre at the Viewpoint.
Nearest refreshments: The Picnic Kiosk at the Edinburgh side of the bridge.
Sail: Under the Bridges
To get up close to the bridges and truly appreciate their scale and engineering, take to the water on a boat tour departing from South Queensferry.
As you pass beneath the Forth Bridge, you’ll marvel at the intricate lattice of steel that made this structure a global icon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built to withstand the fierce winds and the tides of the Forth, its construction marked a turning point in civil engineering.
Moving westward, the Forth Road Bridge reveals its sweeping cables, a symbol of 1960s innovation and a testament to Scotland’s commitment to connectivity.
Finally, the Queensferry Crossing impresses with its towering pylons and delicate yet strong cable-stayed design, reflecting 21st-century engineering prowess.
Boat tours offer a rare vantage point to see all three bridges side by side, and you'll also get to see the resident seals and wildlife!
Boat operators: Maid of the Forth and Forth Boat Tours
Boats depart from: Hawes Pier and Port Edgar Marina, South Queensferry.
Nearest parking: Hawes Promenade area for Hawes Pier or Port Edgar Marina.
Ride: The Forth Bridge
Cap off your experience with a train journey over the Forth Bridge, the oldest and most celebrated of the three bridges.
You can join the train on the Fife side at Inverkeithing or North Queensferry stations and take the train across the bridge to South Queensferry (Dalmeny Station) or Edinburgh. Or vice versa!
As the train crosses the cantilever structure, the views are nothing short of spectacular. The elevated tracks offer sweeping vistas of the Firth of Forth, dotted with islands like Inchgarvie and Inchcolm, and the towns of South Queensferry and North Queensferry.
It was once considered to be good luck to throw a penny out of the carriage window when travelling across the Forth Bridge. At low tide, the pennies could be found on the beaches which provided hours of entertainment for local children!
This journey is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about immersing yourself in the engineering marvel that has carried passengers for over a century.
Nearest Parking: Take a train between Edinburgh and Fife stations to avoid having to bring the car! More locally, Dalmeny has a fairly large car park, and North Queensferry has a small one - Inverkeithing station has more spaces.
Check timetables and buy tickets: ScotRail
Want to See More? Walk the Forth Bridges Trail!
Three bridges spanning three centuries, magnificent views over the Firth of Forth, historical facts, mythical tales, urban wildlife and the historic settlements of North and South Queensferry. It's all yours to discover on the new Forth Bridges Trail.
