An Epic Cycling Adventure - Round the Inner Forth

Day 1: Inverkeithing - Stirling

Length: 31 miles, 50 km

Time: 4-6 hours

Highlights:

• Inverkeithing
• North Queensferry and The Forth Bridge
• Charlestown and Limekilns
• Culross historic village and Palace
• Clackmannan Tower
• National Wallace Monument
• City of Stirling

The Round the Inner Forth has lots to offer cyclists. The first day of your cycle will be predominantly flat with some short sections on busier roads. Throughout your trip, you’ll see evidence of the area’s importance as a trading and industrial hub which you can see in coastal settlements including Charlestown and Limekilns. Whilst the former Royal Burgh of Culross and the ancient Tower houses of Alloa and Clackmannanshire and Sauchie stand as a testament to the significance of Stirling as Scotland’s historic ‘Seat of Power’.

Download the route for day one (To download the route, please click on More > Export as file > GPX track)

Explore the wonderful landscape of the Inner Forth area by bus. The seasonal transport will be piloted for over two years and will run every Sunday between 21 April until the end of October in 2024 and 2025. It's also free of charge, what's not to love?

Find out more about the Inner Forth Bike Bus

1. Historic Alloa to the Ochil Fault

Level: Introductory

Length: 14.4 miles, 23 km or 19.6 miles, 31.6 km

Time: 2-3 hours

Combine your love of history and nature on this circular ride, perfect for beginners or those who want to enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural landscape.

Starting off at Alloa Station, follow the old railway line north (NCN 767) and take a short detour to the ruins of Sauchie Tower before continuing to Tillycoultry. Head west along NCN 768, following the line of the Ochils Fault, passing the small town of Alva en route to Menstrie.

Along the way, soak in the panoramic views of the Ochils. Continue south along another disused railway line, passing the large distillery and cooperage at Cambus Hub, before arriving back in Alloa again. Discover the town’s rich industrial history and stop off to visit Alloa Harbour Viewpoint and Alloa Tower before riding back to your original starting point.

Download the Historic Alloa to the Ochil Fault PDF route | PDF 4.1MB 

Download the Historic Alloa to the Ochil Fault GPX file

Viewpoints and attractions:

• Gartmorn Dam Country Park
• Menstrie Castle
• Alloa Dock Viewpoint
• Alloa Tower

Friendly stops:

• Dam Good Coffee
• Polly’s Pantry & Aberdona Gallery
• The Inn at Cambus
• Alloa Cycle Repairs

3. Beneath the three bridges

Level: Intermediate

Length: 17.4 miles, 28 km

Time: 2-3 hours

Scotland’s historic castles and houses await you. Starting and finishing at Dalmeny Station, the route consists of suburban roads that give way to rural lanes as you cycle up from the Firth of Forth and enter the grounds of Dundas Castle. Continue west before passing under the M9, where a track on the right leads you to the Union Canal.

Next up, follow the towpath west for 4.5 miles to Philpstoun, where you’ll head north to Blackness and discover the dramatic Blackness Castle, the perfect pit stop for a history lesson. Tick another attraction off your bucket list and head east following the NCN 76 through the grounds of Hopetoun House, and along the estuary foreshore. The best part? You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Forth Bridges.

Download the three bridges PDF route | PDF 2MB

Download the three bridges GPX file

Viewpoints and attractions:

• House of the Binns
• Blackness Castle
• Hopetoun House
• Forth Bridge Viewpoints

Friendly stops:

• The Lobster Pot
• The Stables Kitchen
• Manna House Bakery & Patisserie
• The Railbridge

5. History & heritage of the Upper Forth Estuary

Level: Challenging

Length: 38.4 miles, 61.7 km

Time: 4½ - 5 hours

This is one of our most challenging routes on the list and is ideal for anyone thinking of getting into longer rides. Starting in the historic City of Stirling, enjoy a whistle-stop tour of Scottish history with Clackmannan and Alloa Tower, the National Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and Stirling Castle all en route. You’ll also learn about the importance of heavy industry, coal mining, ship building, woollen mills and much more as you cycle around the Forth Estuary.

End your day of cycling by crossing Kincardine Bridge to visit sites such as Fallin Bing and Black Devon Wetlands, which provide a sanctuary for an array of wildlife species.

Download the history & heritage of the Upper Forth Estuary PDF route | PDF 2.2MB

Download the history & heritage of the Upper Forth Estuary GPX file

Viewpoints and attractions:

• Fallin Bing & Outdoor Mining Museum
• The Dunmore Pineapple and Dunmore Village
• Clackmannan Tower
• RSPB Black Devon Wetlands

Friendly stops:

• Unorthodox Roasters
• Baynes the Family Bakers
• Blairmains Farm Shop
• Stirling Cycle Hub

1. Clackmannan Tower

Located at the summit of King’s Seat Hill, the 14th century Clackmannan Tower is full of historic tales to tell. Inhabited by King David II of Scotland before selling to his cousin Robert the Bruce, take time to relax and unwind while you enjoy the panoramic views over the Black Devon Wetlands Nature Reserve and the estuary beyond.

Make sure to stop by Tolbooth Cross where you’ll find the Stone of Mannan. It is believed that the name of the county appears to derive from this stone.

Enjoy a pit stop at Clackmannan Tower

2. National Wallace Monument

Completed in 1869, the National Wallace Monument commemorates the life of Sir William Wallace. During your visit, learn more about Scotland’s national hero and how he led the Scottish army to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The view here is definitely worth the climb. Journey up the 246-step spiral staircase where you’ll be treated to spectacular vistas across the Forth Valley to Stirling Castle, The Ochils and the Pentland Hills. If that’s not enough, head into the woods on the sculpture trail to the Abbey Craig viewpoint.

Uncover history at the National Wallace Monument

3. Kinneil House

The impressive Kinneil House was one of the seats of the wealthy Hamilton family. Book a guided tour in advance and discover more about the history of the estate. The Antonine Wall (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, runs practically underneath Kinneil House.

Did you know? The pioneering Scots engineer James Watt developed his first engine here.

Visit Kinneil House

Bike Parks 

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned rider, bike parks are a great way to hone your skills and there are a few located within the Round the Inner Forth route. Let your legs feel the burn and enjoy everything from downhill riding to ‘big air’ jumps. 

Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness – enjoy dedicated mountain biking routes within Kinneil Woods with lots of introductory trails to choose from. 

Zetland Park, Grangemouth – designed for beginner, intermediate and expert riders in mind, this small but intense pump track offers rolling bumps, table-top jumps and bermed corners. 

Devilla Forest, Fife – this pine forest opens a whole world of cycling possibilities, with an extensive network of paths and forest roads. Keep your eyes peeled for prehistoric coffins, stone circles and Roman urns located in different parts of the forest.