‘THERE is nothing quite like our Forth bridges,” beams South Queensferry resident Stewart Norton as he sweeps his arm across a skyline dominated by the majestic trio. He’s right – nowhere I’ve seen in the world has three architecturally significant bridges from three successive centuries in such close proximity. And with the new Forth Bridges Trail appreciating the bridges and the stories that swirl around each bank has never been easier.
The Forth Bridges are set in a spectacular spot where the mighty Forth narrows and deepens with a tumult of wild currents. These are waters once sailed by the Vikings; the Romans too. Then later on the area became pivotal during World War One when the British Navy held sway and then again in World War Two when the first air raid of the Battle of Britain in World War Two took place here.
The new Forth Bridges Trail only covers around five miles on both banks of this famous estuary and the beauty of it is that you can just join at any point, then do as much as you want. You can explore it on foot, on a bike, or bring the train into the mix. Information boards at each stop bring the history and culture of the area alive and let you know where the stop before and after is.
