John Muir Way from Kinneil House & Estate to Blackness

Length: 13 miles

Route type: Loop

Difficulty: Low

This 13-mile round trip is a must for families with kids of all ages. Mostly traffic free, this route has something for everyone. It includes fascinating historic sites, the tranquillity of the local nature reserve and the roar of working heritage steam engines as they make their way from Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway station. 

The 13-mile return route starts at Kinneil Estate, which features a stretch of Antonine Wall which is part of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in 2,000 years of history before heading down to the shores of the Firth of Forth and the peaceful Kinneil Local Nature Reserve. From there, ride along the coast into the town of Bo’ness. Once a major Scottish port and centre of heavy industry, the Bo’ness Mining Memorial in the town commemorates over 900 years of coal mining in the area. You’ll also pass the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, home to working steam engines that run regular passenger trips from April to October. 

Follow the flat coastal path that is also part of the John Muir Way, all the way along to Blackness Castle. Explore its craggy interior and climb its curtain walls before heading back the way you came. Enjoy stunning views across the Firth to the Ochil Hills and beyond. The entire circuit takes roughly two hours to cycle.

 

Map location: EH51 0PJ

View route (external website)