Exploring Scotland's lesser-known treasures: Circumventing the Inner Forth
Discover the Scenic Wonders of the Inner Forth Estuary with Round the Inner Forth Cycling Initiative
Embrace the beauty and history of Fife, Scotland, with the Round the Inner Forth cycling initiative. This exciting new project offers a range of cycling routes that cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced cyclists.
The flagship route is the 21-mile Dunfermline to Culross Loop on National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 76. This mostly traffic-free loop takes you through Dunfermline's historic sites and offers stunning coastal views at Culross Palace and Hanging Gardens. Keep an eye out for the new Round the Inner Forth logo and signs along the route.
For a more leisurely pace, consider the Historic Alloa to the Ochil Fault, an introductory level trip of 14.4 to 19.6 miles. This route passes under historic landmarks like Dundas Castle and Blackness Castle while offering scenic views of the Forth Bridges.
If you're up for a challenge, the History & Heritage of the Upper Forth Estuary is a 38.4-mile route that takes 4.5 - 5 hours to complete. This route explores the rich history and wildlife sanctuaries around the Upper Forth Estuary.
The initiative also includes shorter day trips for families, such as the Beneath the Three Bridges route, an intermediate level cycling route, 17.4 miles long, taking between two and three hours. This route offers panoramic views of Blackness Castle and explores Linlithgow Palace.
For those seeking a longer adventure, the two-day tour is a 70-mile circular trail following NCN Route 76. Day One is a 31-mile journey from Inverkeithing to Stirling, featuring coastal settlements, historic towns, and downloadable GPS maps. Day Two is a 39.3-mile journey along the south shore, passing former coal mines, industrial sites, and offering more opportunities to immerse yourself in Scotland's history.
The Falkirk Wheel from the Kelpies is another introductory level cycling route, 10 miles long, taking between two and two and a half hours. This route starts at the iconic Kelpies and explores Falkirk's industrial past, ending with a visit to the Falkirk Wheel.
Community participation is encouraged through the Free Bike Bus, which operates every Sunday around the Inner Forth loop. This service makes cycling more accessible and inclusive, inviting everyone to join cycling adventures in the area.
Exploring the Inner Forth by cycling allows you to access places unreachable by car, providing an immersive experience in Scotland's history. So, grab your bike and embark on a journey through time and breathtaking landscapes with the Round the Inner Forth cycling initiative.
This article was brought to you in partnership with Climate FORTH, the website, and VisitScotland. For more information and to download route maps and itineraries, visit here. Happy cycling!
Invest in a lifestyle that merges travel, sports, and home-and-garden explorations by delving into Scotland's rich history through the Round the Inner Forth cycling initiative. After an adventure-filled day taking in the scenic wonders of the Inner Forth Estuary, return to your home-and-garden base, perhaps noting the garden beauty reminiscent of the Hanging Gardens on Culross Palace, or even planning the next day's travel route inspired by the historic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes you encountered.
