Squares Queensferry Crossing (1)
Queensferry Crossing >
Open
Squares Forth Road Bridge (1)
Forth Road Bridge >
Restricted
Squares Forth Bridge (1)
Forth Bridge >
Open
Squares Queensferry Crossing (1)
Queensferry Crossing
Open
Motorway

Open to general traffic, subject to normal motorway restrictions

Road User Guide
Squares Forth Road Bridge (1)
Forth Road Bridge
Restricted
Footpath/Cycleway Restrictions - WEST FOOTPATH - CLOSED (Open at Weekends)

Due to essential maintenance the WEST Footpath/Cycleway is CLOSED except during weekends, please use the EAST Footpath/Cycleway.

Access Restrictions
Squares Forth Bridge (1)
Forth Bridge
Open
Forth Bridges Trail

High Street

Trail stop

what3words///defenders.shipyards.purely

GPS 55.989718,-3.393977

History, Gin and Witches

South Queensferry sometimes gets called Ice-Creams Ferry because it has so many great ice cream shops. Look around you to find LouLou’s and The Little Parlour nearby, with The Little Bakery and Railbridge Bistro waiting further along the Trail.

Look out for unusual pavement above the shops across the road on East Terrace. Due to a shortage of building land between the high ground and the shore, the front doors of the houses open to pavement above street level. The pavement formed the roof of the cellars where boats were stored and now boasts some lovely independent shops.

Browse the boutiques, gift stores and galleries amongst the cafes, pubs and restaurants. 

As you stroll along the High Street, you’ll see different periods of buildings including the Baronial Clydesdale Bank at 35 High Street, and the Rosebery Memorial Hall built in the Scots Renaissance style in 1894. The former Council offices and museum at 53 High Street form an interesting block of white rough-cast walls with some Arts and Crafts features.

The Queensferry Museum is beside the Forth Bridges Trail Sign. The building has an interesting history – it was built c1880 as the Viewforth Temperance Hotel and later used as the Norwegian Naval Command during part of the Second World War.

Sitting up on the first floor (sorry, there isn’t a lift) you will find a charming local museum with a great view out over to the Forth Bridge. Don’t forget to say hello to Frank – the Ferry Fair Burryman costume!

Look over the road to Black Castle, Queensferry’s oldest building. Built in 1626 by Mariner William Lowrie, the house is linked to the witch hunts of the 1640s. Marion Little, William’s sister-in-law, admitted to paying a witch to cast a spell to create a storm to sink William’s ship. Her husband, James, was so appalled that he paid for Marion and the witch to be burnt at the stake in Ferrymuir. In later years, he ordered his sister Janet to be burnt at the stake for witchcraft. James was eventually left bankrupt, and some believe it may have been a ploy by local witch hunter Rev’d Ephraim Melville to take down the family so he could get his hands on Black Castle.

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Essential Information

  • Lots of places to eat and drink here!
  • The nearest public toilets are at 36a High Street

Where Next on the Trail?

Depending on which route you are walking, the next stops are:
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High Street Steps

South Queensferry

Location References

what3words///salaried.slime.prouder

GPS 55.990068, -3.395857

High Street Steps Trail Stop >

Seals Craig

South Queensferry

To continue the trail to the east, pass the colourful houses as the road narrows and you walk towards the Forth Bridge. The next sign is at Seals Craig.

Location References

what3words///clerk.slides.lake

GPS 55.989745,-3.389202

 

Seals Craig Trail Stop >
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See all Trail Stops

See all Trail Stops >
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Trail Map

A4 to download & print
Download Map >

Forth Bridges Trail Maps

For North & South Queensferry

You can also use ///what3words to guide you to the trail signs. The ///what3words reference is given on each trail stop page. 

Forth Bridges Trail Map