Due to essential works the East footpath is currently closed. The West footpath/cycleway is open for cyclists and pedestrians.
Access Restrictions
Hawes
Trail stopwhat3words///slung.mornings.plug
GPS 55.990284,-3.386309
Boats and Books
From this spot, you can almost touch the Forth Bridge towers and hear the trains rumbling overhead.
Look across the road to see the historic Hawes Inn. A late 17th century coaching inn, it has several literary connections. Sir Walter Scott used the Hawes Inn as a location in his novel The Antiquary and it is said that Robert Louis Stevenson was staying in room 13 when he came up with the idea for ‘Kidnapped’. Hawes Inn features as the place where the kidnapping of the hero, David Balfour, was arranged.
Several boat trips depart from Hawes Pier. You can take a cruise under the bridges or a trip to the historic Inchcolm Island. Alight to explore the 12th century abbey, wartime fortifications and beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for seals lazing on the rocks and buoys, and if you don’t see one, take a look at the little seal statue at the head of the pier.
The RNLI Lifeboat Station is based on the pier. Established in 1967, a new station was built in 2012 to give direct access to the Hawes Pier slip. The crews have been presented with three awards for gallantry. Station visits are welcome by prior appointment and the gift shop is usually open.
What's Nearby?
The Briggers Memorial
A tribute to the men and boys who died during the construction of the Forth Bridge.
Shore Walk to Cramond
Walk to Cramond through the Dalmeny Estate passing Barnbougle Castle. Check safe crossing times by texting CRAMOND to 81400 for safe crossing times.
Essential Information
- In need of refreshments? Try the Hawes Inn (full of local history), Biker's Cove, Railbridge Bistro, or Honeypot Creative Café, along the path under the Forth Bridge
Where Next on the Trail?
Depending on which route you are walking, the next stops are:Seals Craig
South Queensferrywhat3words///clerk.slides.lake
Approx 6 min walk (0.3 mile) via B924 (Newhalls Road)
Continue west along the front to Seals Craig to appreciate the sheer scale of The Bridges.
Dalmeny Railway Station
South Queensferrywhat3words///dumpy.shoulders.perfectly
Approx 13 min (0.6 mile) via Station Rd
If you prefer to head straight up to Dalmeny Station, look for the paths up across the road and you will join a lovely path on an old railway line which will take you up towards the station (avoiding the steep steps of Jacob’s Ladder). From the station, you can catch a train for an epic journey 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.
