Due to essential maintenance, the WEST footpath/cycleway is closed. The EAST Footpath/Cycleway remains open unless due to high winds or an incident.
Access Restrictions
Using Drones
Guidelines
Drones offer a great opportunity to work in a smarter, safer and more efficient way. They make it easier to undertake certain activities while reducing risk to our people, road works and customers.
Now that drones are more accessible and widely used, we must make sure we use them safely.
Uncontrolled drones can damage our infrastructure assets and distract drivers. They can also disrupt other safety-critical air traffic and ground-based activities.
If you operate drones on behalf of National Highways, you should fly them in accordance with GG 954 – Drones Operations, our DMRB Drones Standard.
In addition, no drone is permitted to fly above a live carriageway or bridge without express permission from Transport Scotland.
Drone operators must hold a current and relevant CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and an accepted safety risk assessment in accordance with GG104 by Transport Scotland.
Third party drone operators
Do you fly drones as part of your business’s operations, or perhaps as a hobby?
We don't own the airspace around our road network, but we ask you to notify us if you're planning to fly a drone in its vicinity. This is so we can make sure there aren’t any clashes with our own drone activity.
If you wish to contact us regarding an operation, mail: tsstandardsbranch@Transport.gov.scot.
Suppliers contact
If you are a supplier and work for BEAR Scotland on the Queensferry Crossing or Forth Road Bridge and would like to operate drones, please contact the relevant Operating Company who will obtain permission from Transport Scotland on your behalf. For general enquires contact Enquiries@bearscotland.co.uk.
The Operating Company can advise you about what you need to do to comply with our policy.
The Operating Company can also provide you with templates to help you develop your safety risk assessment.
If you are a supplier and work on the Forth Bridge (rail) please contact Network Rail.
If you wish to contact us regarding an operation, mail: tsstandardsbranch@Transport.gov.scot.
Flying drones over Forth & Tay Estuaries
Forth Ports requires mandatory notification at least 2 days before flying drones over Forth & Tay Estuaries or port estates by submitting a Drone Flight Notification Form to the Marine department. Operators must comply with CAA regulations, maintain safe distances, and consider drone images as sensitive, protected data.
Notifications to Forth Ports can be made in accordance with the following guidance: Forth-Ports-Drone-Guidance.pdf.
A Bucket List Experience!
Take the train across the magnificent Forth Bridge.The first passenger train to cross the bridge was driven by Lady Tweedale in 1890. In later years, passengers would throw pennies out of the window to bring them good luck. Many Queensferry residents have fond childhood memories of collecting the pennies at low tide!
Trains run approximately every half hour from Dalmeny Station (a ten-minute walk from the arrival point at Hawes Pier) and the crossing takes around 5 minutes. Alight at North Queensferry to enjoy the beautifully restored Victorian Railway Station and heritage centre.
To return, simply catch the train back over the bridge or take the opportunity to walk across the Forth Road Bridge (1.5 miles) for spectacular views over the Firth of Forth and surrounding countryside.
This experience can be completed within half a day or incorporated into the Forth Bridges Trail for a full days visit.
1/2 Day
- Alight at Hawes Pier and follow the Forth Bridge Trail signs into the historical and colourful High Street. Look out for Black Castle, one of Queensferry's oldest buildings which was associated with the witch hunts of the 16th century.
- As you stroll around, look out for the trail signs which will give you lots of interesting information and folklore.
- Visit Queensferry Museum to see the Burry Man and look through the binoculars to enjoy the stunning panoramic views across the Firth of Forth.
- Grab a coffee and cake at one of the lovely artisan bakeries.
- Browse the independent shops; find gifts in the RNLI shop, beautiful clothes in Joyce Paton, locally made lampshades and gifts in Harbour Lane, authentic Scottish tartan from Caledonia Scotia Kiltmakers and Sheila Fleet Scottish jewellery in Honey Pot Creative Cafe.
- Head to Port Edgar Marina to wander around the harbour and do a spot of luxury shopping at Beacon Stores. Enjoy a spot of lunch overlooking the bridges at Scotts, or, if the weather's nice, dine alfresco at Outboard.
- Retrace your steps back to Hawes Pier, leaving time to pop in for a pint in Hawes Inn of Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson fame.
1 DAY
- Alight at Hawes Pier and follow the Forth Bridge Trail signs to discover the Forth Bridges Trail - a 5 mile circular walk.
- Highlights of the trail include:
- The Queensferry Museum and the independent shops and cafes in the historic South Queensferry High St.
- Spotting seals, dolphins and puffins in the Firth of Forth.
- The Briggers Memorials - erected to commemorate the men and boys who died during the construction of the Forth Bridge.
- An epic train ride across the Forth Bridge.
- The beautifully restored North Queensferry Victorian Station and Heritage Centre.
- The world's smallest working light tower, built by Robert Stevenson.
- Refuel at:
- The Little Bakery or Manna House Bakery on South Queensferry High Street for great coffee.
- Scotts or Outboard at Port Edgar Marina for lunch.
- Rankins in North Queensferry for tea and cakes.
- Create your own souvenir by painting a porcelain tile to capture your memories of Scotland to take home at Honey Pot Creative Cafe.
- Arrive back at Hawes Pier in plenty of time to enjoy a well deserved pint in the historic Hawes Inn, made famous by Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped.
Lunch with a View!
The Best Tables in Town!
Great food, attentive service and breathtaking vistas.
Nestled at the foot of the bridges, these Queensferry restaurants offer the ultimate views of the Forth Bridges.
Whether you're looking for fine dining or simple fare, you'll want to linger over your meal to take in the dramatic waters, big skies and magnificent iconic structures.
You're guaranteed a warm welcome and a dining experience to remember!
Boat Trips
Forth Boat Tours and The Maid of the Forth operate from Hawes Pier or Port Edgar and offer a variety of cruises to suit all tastes.
Trips include sightseeing cruises, wildlife watching, and evening cruises with music. Both operators also offer trips to the beautiful Inchcolm Island with its well preserved monastic buildings.
Essential Information
Public toilets
- Hawes Pier car park, includes accessible toilet (3 minute walk from pier)
- Queensferry High Street (includes accessible toilet)
- Dalmeny Station, South Queensferry (includes National Key toilet)
- Battery Road Carpark, North Queensferry (includes accessible toilet). There is a small fee.
- North Queensferry Station (donation appreciated)
Customer toilets
- Port Edgar Marina and other food and drink outlets.
Post office & cash machine
- Scotmid Coop in South Queensferry, 5 minutes walk from the High Street (55 The Loan, South Queensferry EH30 9SD).
Pharmacy
- Queensferry Pharmacy, 5 minutes walk from the High Street (Unit 33 The Loan, South Queensferry, EH30 9SD).
Accessibility
If the tide is out when you disembark, there will be a walk up an incline along Hawes Pier. If walking is challenging, Thirty Knots, The Hawes Inn and Railbridge Bistro are near to the end of a pier for rest and refreshment stop.
The route from Hawes Pier to South Queensferry High Street is fairly flat and takes about 10 minutes. It is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs but please be aware that the streets are cobbled and uneven in places.
Taxis
- Dalmeny Cars 0131 3000 767
- Ferry Cars 07866 570212
Explore Queensferry
Use our interactive map to discover local attractions, restaurants, accommodation, shopping, bridge viewpoints & more...Use the arrow to reveal the drop down list and select what to display.