Due to essential works the East footpath is currently closed. The West footpath/cycleway is open for cyclists and pedestrians.
Access Restrictions
Forth Road Bridge South Tower
Trail stopEast Walkway South tower
what3words///after.steadily.insurance, GPS 55.998774,-3.404056
West Walkway South tower
what3words///freezers.assure.feathers, GPS 55.998774,-3.40449
The iconic tower nearest to South Queensferry
Toy Trains and Lego Models
Welcome to the South East Tower of the Forth Road Bridge.
How does it feel to be here? High up? Windy? A bit wobbly in the breeze?
You’re standing on one of the world’s most significant long-span suspension bridges, 46m above the water. With a distance of 1,006 metres between the two towers, this bridge was the fourth longest in the world and the longest outside the United States when it opened.
In total, the structure is over 2.5 km long. A staggering 39,000 tonnes of steel and 125,000 cubic metres of concrete was used in its construction.
"Guid Passage" was the fitting motto given to the bridge when it opened on 4 September 1964.
Look out for a train crossing and the sheer scale of The Forth Bridge will dwarf it to look like a toy. In 2021 a scale lego model of the Forth Bridge created by engineer Michael Dineen received over 10,000 votes to be made into a Lego set. Sadly, the model didn’t reach the final stages but can now be found in the Forth Bridge Contact and Education Centre.
Take in the Views
Enjoy views over Port Edgar Marina towards the Queensferry Crossing and beyond to Blackness Castle, known as the ship that never sailed due to its boat-like appearance.
Look out for seals, porpoises and dolphins, terns, cormorants and even puffins.
Where Next on the Trail?
Depending on which route you are walking, the next stops are:
Going North
The North TowerEnjoy epic views as you continue towards more information at the North Tower.
Going South
South Queensferry and EdinburghPass the Bridge of Pages, a 3.5m wide plaque with illustrations of mythical and historical characters from the area, alongside scenes from the Queensferry Crossing’s construction. The bronze sculpture incorporates a poem written by the Scottish Makar (the national poet for Scotland) Jackie Kay.
At the South end of the bridge, enjoy a visit to the Forth Bridges Viewpoint. Here you’ll also find a coffee kiosk and toilets.
Head into South Queensferry (a suburb on the outskirts of Edinburgh) to continue on the Forth Bridges Trail to visit Port Edgar Marina, The Binks, The Harbour, Bellstane, The High Street, Seals Craig and Hawes Pier. You can also enjoy a boat ride from Port Edgar Marina or Hawes Pier and/or board a train at Dalmeny Station for an epic ride across the Forth Bridge.
See all Trail Stops
Forth Bridges Trail Maps
For North & South QueensferryYou can also use ///what3words to guide you to the trail signs. The ///what3words reference is given on each trail stop page.
