There are some amazing structures here which attract you. Be it the magnificent Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Pyramids in Egypt or even our own Taj Mahal, we are amazed by the complexity of the work that goes into creating such beautiful views. When we do this, we rarely pay attention to other wonders of the world, such as the bridges; San Francisco for one of the top. Forth Bridge There is another wonder in Scotland that leaves you speechless.
About Forth Bridge
This wonder of a railway bridge, which crosses the Forth estuary in Scotland, was the longest in the world. The length of the fourth bridge was 541 meters when it opened in 1890. The Forth Bridge is the largest cantilever trussed bridge still in operation today. Although it was built a long time ago, the complexity of the design is mind-boggling to say the least. Due to its structure, no one can say that it is just a railway bridge.
Now a new Fourth Road Bridge has also been built next to the bridge. It underwent a repaint in 2011 and looks as good as new.
The bridge has three double-cantilevers. These cantilevers are linked together by long girders and attached to the main structure of the bridge by huge rivets. Standing firmly on cantilevered granite pillars. The structure looks absolutely spectacular and the engineering genius will amaze you; Perhaps that is why it is one of the structures protected by UNESCO. On a daily basis, around 200 trains pass through this bridge, which also provides a generous space of 150 feet for ships and boats to travel beneath it.
How to reach Forth Bridge
by rail
The nearest railway stations to the Forth Bridge are North Queensferry on the Fife side of the Forth and Dalmeny, south of the Forth Bridge.
by plane
Edinburgh International Airport is just 11 kilometers from the bridge.
by road
If you want to get to the Forth Road Bridge the A90 is the route you need to take. There are also regular bus services to Dunfermline, Edinburgh Airport and both North and South Queensferry from Edinburgh. You can also go up by bike, where the eastern footpath at the Forth Road Bridge is open to cyclists.
by boat
There is a boat ride that takes you up to the bridge and from below it is still stunning.
Things to do near Forth Bridge
The bridge was built to connect Edinburgh and Fife, and also leads to Dundee and Aberdeen. Here are some things you can do around the Forth Bridge
1. Spend some time in Port Edgar
There are lots of things to do in Port Edgar Marina and it’s the best place to catch a glimpse of the New Forth Bridge. It is a place of harbor and liberal atmosphere. There are clubs and lots of activities you can possibly participate in. Port Edgar Yacht Club is a club that offers you the chance to travel in a yacht; If you don’t have your own, you can also rent one. Then, there’s Queensferry Rowing Club, which offers free sessions for those wanting to learn about the sport. There is also a paddle club for those wishing to try their hand. In addition, a range of other watersports are available at Port Edgar Watersports CIC including dinghy sailing, keelboat sailing, powerboating, sea kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.
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2. Stroll South Queensferry
This pretty little town lies south of the Forth Bridge and is well worth a visit. It offers some spectacular views of the bridge and the river below it. Wander around this quaint town filled with tons of cafes and restaurants. You can rent a bike and roam around the city and from any point you will see a different angle of the bridge.
If you’re interested in learning more about the town and the bridge, visit the Queensferry Museum, where you’ll find abundant information and some interesting facts about the town and the bridge. Delmeny House, a Gothic Revival mansion and Hopetoun House, a country house and these days a luxurious wedding venue, are other places you can visit in this part of the city. You can also take a boat tour from this port town, which will take you under the bridge and to Inchcolm Island, which has a monastery and World War II relics. You can also go on coastal walks that the city offers.
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3. Visit the National Aquarium in North Queensferry
South Queensferry is located in the south, North Queensferry is located on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth. Since North Queensferry is at the southern end of the popular Fife Coast Path, which offers one of the best routes in all of Scotland, you can head to Carlingnose Point Nature Reserve, where you can explore some of the great . View of the bridge. If you’re not so adventurous, you can also walk up to the Queensferry Light Tower, which is the smallest of its kind in the world and still in use.
Another interesting and fun thing to do while you are there is to visit Deep Sea World. This is the National Aquarium of the country, where you will find lots of sea creatures for entertainment. The main attraction of this aquarium is an underwater viewing tunnel with a walkway. You can also stroll through this part of town, which is filled with plenty of options to eat and relax. You can also hire a boat from here to travel under the bridge.
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4. Explore Blackness Castle
The castle is situated on the south bank of the Firth of Forth, near Linlithgow. It is considered one of the most impressive castles in Scotland and the exterior of the castle resembles a ship that never set sail and is often referred to by that name. Explore Blackness Castle, which was later fortified and was also used as a prison, weapons depot and for the filming of Hamlet! From the castle, you get some stunning views across the Firth of Forth and beyond, all the way to Fife. There are display boards in the lawns of the palace and uneven stone paths. Adjacent to the castle is Linlithgow Palace, which was one of the principal residences of the Scots kings. Take a trip down memory lane here.
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5. Walk down the Forth Road Bridge
While the Forth Bridge is a rail bridge, this newly built Forth Road Bridge is one you can cross on foot. You can also bike along the bridge and get up close and enjoy the stunning views of the Forth Bridge. There are two cycle paths – one towards the east and one towards the west. While the east side is open all the time, the west side is also open on Saturdays and Sundays during winter. There are many walks from this bridge and this is one of those walks that you will remember for a long time and should be included in your itinerary.
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If you want to see the bridge up close, there are chartered boats for those who want to enjoy a little luxury and there are also boat tours with glass roofs to see the bridge in its full glory. The Forth Bridge is an icon in itself in Scotland for its engineering brilliance and should be part of your things to do on a trip to Scotland. Efforts are also being made to make this railway bridge accessible to tourists. Well, if that happens, it will be kind of unique again!
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