Walks in South Queensferry

The pretty town of South Queensferry is a great place to explore on foot. There’s always lots to see and, importantly, plenty of places to stop for a coffee and a sandwich.

Forth Bridges Trail 

Explore South Queensferry and the wider area by following the fantastic Forth Bridges Trail which is specially designed to guide you to points of interest. New signage will give you lots of interesting information and you can use your smartphone to scan the QR codes to explore more online.

Benchmark & Sundial Walk 

For local interest, the Benchmark and Sundial walk is hard to beat. Developed by volunteers from the Queensferry Heritage Trust during the lockdown, the walk is a quirky, circular route which tasks you with finding sundials and Ordnance Survey benchmarks. It’s such a clever way to get you to really see the village as you walk around. The starting point is Dalmeny Station, and you can download a guide and tick sheet / quiz. There’s also a complementary video explaining benchmarks and sundials. Great for children and adults alike!

For more information, and to download the guide and tick-sheet / quiz, visit the Queensferry Heritage Trust website.

Hawthorn Bank Walled Garden & Mosaic Mural Walk

A lovely place to stroll to, the Hawthorn Bank Walled Garden is a community garden and home to a stunning 13m sea glass mosaic of the frontage of South Queensferry. The garden is beautifully planted and has a platform to view the Forth Bridge. Located on Hawthorn bank, just before the junction with Vennel, it’s a perfect place to rest after a walk around the harbour and old town.

Dalmeny Station to Ferry Glen Walk

Ferry Glen is a large area of woodland positioned between High Street and Dalmeny Rail Station. It’s a fantastic place to view the bridges and old town (climb up one of the stairs and walk down the narrow lane for the best vantage point) and makes for a lovely wee stroll.

South Queensferry Murder Trail 

Designed for children, but enjoyable for adults too, this trail takes you on a self-guided trail to solve a dastardly murder. You’ll be tasked with solving the clues set on buildings and monuments to eliminate suspects and discover whodunit.

This circular trail starts at the west end of the town and follows a circular route around the pier and harbour before heading back to the starting point. Children will love solving the clues, and it’s not uncommon for their adults to join in! If you get stuck, there’s a free text service to clue answers.

The experience is provided by award-winning company Treasure Trails and there is a small charge to take part. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles and should take about 2 hours to complete. You can request the trail book to be sent in the post or you can download it for instant access.

For more information, and to purchase and download the trail, visit the Treasure Trails website.

Shore Walk - South Queensferry to Cramond

This 4.5-mile walk takes in stunning views over the River Forth and some of the islands that are dotted around the coastline of Fife.
For more information, see the South Queensferry to Cramond Shore Walk.

Walk the John Muir Way

The John Muir Way offers a unique journey through Scotland’s landscapes, history and heritage.

The South Queensferry to Edinburgh leg will give you stunning views of the three bridges, especially if you’re out at dawn or sunset. 15.5 miles and approximately 7 hours of walking will take you through woodlands, the coast path and quiet routes into the city of Edinburgh where you’ll follow the Union Canal towpath and Water of Leith Walkway. Once you’ve refreshed and enjoyed the bright lights of Edinburgh, you can hop on a train back to Dalmeny Station.

For more information and a route map, visit the John Muir Way website.

Echline Community Woodland 

Echline Community Woodland offers a lovely spot for a wee wander on the western side of the Forth Bridge Approach Road (A90). Planted in 1992 by more than 200 volunteers, the site includes a grassland strip, shrubs and both small and large tree varieties. Check out the Facebook page for the latest news.

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park 

Almondell and Calderwood are two adjoining estates which are often referred to as West Lothian’s best-kept secret! Visit to walk among carboniferous swamps and natural woodland and to spot a wealth of wildlife including roe deer, heron, fox and woodpecker.

Dundas Estate 

The Dundas Estate is open for walking and cycling. The house is used for private events only, but it’s a nice place to take a stroll or bike ride. Please note that there is no parking available.

The Union Canal

Explore the history, heritage and wildlife of the Union Canal as it flows from Edinburgh to Falkirk by foot or bike. The nearest access with a car park is the B8046 off Queensferry to Linlithgow road (A904).