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Squares Queensferry Crossing (1)
Queensferry Crossing
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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
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Forth Bridge
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FORTH BRIDGES TRAIL

Town Pier

Trail stop

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GPS 56.008180, -3.394796

Town Pier

The Town Pier, once known as North Queensferry Pier and then Signal Pier, has an interesting history.

In 1809, the pier was in need of an upgrade and the proprietors were legally compelled to sell their rights to the government for the sum of £10,000. Engineer John Rennie was commissioned to complete a raft of local improvements, including the Town Pier which became the main landing place for ferries.

In 1818, the artist JMW Turner visited North Queensferry and is likely to have arrived at Rennie’s Town Pier by ferry. The pier is depicted in a double page sketch which includes the Albert Hotel (then Mitchell’s Inn), the octagonal lighthouse, a boat unloading and the fortified island of Inchgarvie. The sketch can be viewed on the Tate website.

When the steamship the Queen Margaret was launched in 1821, a longer pier was needed, and Thomas Telford completed the work in 1834.

In 1842, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert alighted at Town Pier on their way to Balmoral. Local boats were decorated to welcome them, and the nearby hotel was renamed in their honour.

Having come to the attention of eminent engineers, artists and royalty, the Town Pier was used by ferries right up until 1920. Ferries then used the Railway Pier until 1964 when the Forth Road Bridge opened.

The anchor on the pier features in many photographs. It was discovered in the Firth of Forth and dates back to the time the rail bridge was under construction. Carefully restored by Network Rail, the anchor was donated to the North Queensferry Heritage Trust which installed it on the pier as a symbol of hope and safe arrival to welcome all who travel this way.

Photo credit: North Queensferry Heritage Trust

Where Next on the Trail?

Depending on which route you are walking, the next stops are:
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War Memorial

North Queensferry

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Approx 6 min walk (0.2 mi) via Ferryhill Rd

Head out of the station into the village and look out for the next sign at the War Memorial at the bottom of The Brae.

If you're feeling peckish, there are places to eat near the memorial.

War Memorial Trail Stop >

Albert Hotel

North Queensferry

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GPS 56.012303, -3.394314

Albert Hotel 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