Blackness and Bo'ness Path Network

Discover the path networks in and around Discover the path networks in and around Bo’ness and Blackness Bo’ness and Blackness

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Grahamston. If you are planning n www.visitscotland.com u o to visit Birkhill Clay Mine you can C k

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communities for their cooperation t i n and support. U s something for n A l NE A' FOR i o c i t n a

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c trails n u g i d s o e r P D Discover the path networks in and around Bo’ness and Blackness

Bo’ness 3 Firth of Forth 2 6 1 Dean Road 8 5 A904 Crawfield 9 Blackness Road 10 From 7 Grangemouth A706 A904 4 B903 B9109

Finding your way There are plenty of Know the Code before 1: Bo’ness town A map interesting things to see you go… Enjoy centre Trail A and do in and around Scotland’s outdoors - Take a close look at Blackness and Bo’ness. responsibly! 2: Bo’ness town the map for each route. centre Trail B This should be all you Take a wander along Everyone has the right to need to find the start some of your local paths be on most land and 3: Bo’ness town inland water providing centre Trail C point and get on your and you will find some way. OS Explorer map great countryside, they act responsibly. Your 4: Birkhill Fireclay 349 covers the area. wildlife, fantastic views, access rights and Mine - Woodland and a wealth of history, responsibilities are & Meadow Signs waiting to be discovered explained fully in the all right on your doorstep. Scottish Outdoor Access 5: Kinneil House & Look out for sign posts Code. Woods and interpretation boards giving more information Which site should Whether you’re in the 6: Bo’ness Harbour along the way. I visit? Where else can I visit? There is also an outdoors or managing to Kinneil Nature Simply read through the You could also combine opportunity for shopping the outdoors, the key Reserve It’s up to you following suggested your exploration of the and refreshment stops things are to: 7: West Lothian Golf This leaflet gives details routes and choose one paths with a visit to one in Bo’ness Town Centre take responsibility for Club of 10 locations, with that suits your own of the superb museums and to visit Scotland’s your own actions; information on green interests, needs and or visitor attractions at first purpose built respect the interests of 8: Carriden Woods transport options, path abilities. Some sites have the Bo’ness and Kinneil cinema, the Hippodrome, other people; options for further or see how the town 9: Bo’ness to surfaces, gradients, Steam Railway, Birkhill care for the parking and facilities. exploration, or you could Clay Mine, The Bo’ness centre is reclaiming its Blackness heritage with the environment. Foreshore Just choose a route that join together three of the Motor Museum and Soft suits your interest and suggested routes to take Play area, Kinneil restoration of many listed Find out more by visiting 10: Blackness Castle ability and enjoy the in the full foreshore path Museum or Blackness buildings in its historic www.outdooraccess- paths in and around from Kinneil Nature Castle. Each of these heart. scotland.com or contact Blackness and Bo’ness. Reserve to Blackness sites offers toilets and your local Scottish Castle. parking. Natural Heritage office . 1. Bo’ness Town Centre Trail A

Access A: Journal & Gazette Information Building Bus : For further E B: 37 Scotland’s Close information on bus East Pier C: Dymock’s Building A904 D Street times, numbers, D: ‘Tobacco’ Warehouse routes, etc call C Traveline on 0871 F North Street E: Bo’ness Library 200 2233 or visit B F: Archor Tavern G www.traveline.org.uk. G: Jubilee Fountain Train : No. A H Market H: The Hippodrome Street Cycle : Sustrans Hope I: Anderson Trust Route 76. Shops L K J Street Parking : Car Parks South Street J: ‘Tobacco’ Warehouse at Seaview Place I K: 13 South Street and Union Street Key L: 11 South Street Distance From Grangemouth Starting point : Suggested route - 0.5 km Main path Gazette building, and the H: The Bo’ness (0.3 miles) Bo’ness Town and revitalise the town. Alternative paths Bo’ness developed first as Anchor Tavern’s fish- Hippodrome : Alternative The work of architect’s paths available. a harbour, and then as a scale slated roof. Bench Designed by Matthew trading post on the Forth in Matthew Steele and James Steele this was Path information the days of sailing ships. Thomson has had a huge C: Dymock’s Building Parking Scotland’s first purpose impact on the townscape in Surfaced Built some time before Memorial to Miners built cinema. The pavements and The old town grew up Bo’ness. This short ‘figure 1650, Dymock's Building fabulous art deco picture cobbled roads. round the triangle of North of 8’ route round Bo’ness is one of the oldest Bo’ness & Kinneil palace first opened in Street, South Street and Town Centre leads you buildings in Bo’ness. This Railway Facilities 1912, has been lovingly the narrow Scotland’s past several superb former merchant's house restored for the Toilets, shops, cafes Close with Waggon Road buildings as well as some was restored by National tobacco warehouse. and parking However, by 1850 it was enjoyment of future following the route taken of the Bo’ness Townscape Trust for Scotland in generations. available in Bo’ness by coal waggons from the Heritage Initiative projects. original orange Jacobite used as a granary, and Town Centre. pits to the harbour. later a bake house. As you follow the route, colours. It has had many K: 13 South Street Bo’ness has been remember to look up at the uses in its time: as G: Jubilee Fountain Rock n Rolls Sandwich transformed over the past details of many of the premises for processing The Jubilee Fountain on Shop is in the old Tolbooth 30 years, continuing buildings on this route to whale-oil, a plumber's North Street was given to built in 1750. between 2006 and 2010 fully appreciate the business, a motorcycle the town in 1887. It sits with the Townscape architecture of the area. repair shop, a bakery, and on the site of the old L: 11 South Street Heritage Initiative. now converted to eight Cross Well (also know as Designed by architect A: Journal & Gazette social housing flats. St John’s Well) which was Matthew Steele in 1907, Several key buildings Building and only the upper floors were currently lying derelict, but one of the original main F: The Anchor Tavern D: ‘Tobacco’ Warehouse water supplies for the built as designed. 11 significant in architectural, Two tall corners dominate The renovated 18th South Street has since historic and townscape town. The Fountain was the view along North Century warehouse next gifted to the people of been renovated to look as terms are being renovated Street - the candle-snuffer to the library was it had originally been to meet community needs Bo’ness for Queen tower on the Journal & probably built as a Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. intended by the architect. 2. Bo’ness Town Centre Trail B

Firth of Forth Access moments here to Information enjoy the magnificent view across the town Bus : For further and the Firth of Forth. information on bus A short walk along times, numbers, Stewart Avenue will routes, etc call bring you to the Traveline on 0871 Masonic Hall, another F G Union Street 200 2233 or visit of Matthew Steele’s works. E www.traveline.org.uk. North Street Train : No. 4 Cross Stewart Avenue Cycle : Sustrans and turn left down Route 76. School Brae. Please South Street note that although Parking : Car Parks there are no steps on at Seaview Place School Brae, this is A School Brae and Union Street. a steep slope. Turn Look up and look down left, with the Town Hall Providence B D Distance to take in the fantasitc straight ahead. The Town right at the post box Brae Suggested at the foot of School : architectural and industrial Hall library (now closed) C Stewart Avenue route - 1.5 km heritage. From grain and was financed by Andrew Brae and walk along (1 mile) tobacco warehouses to Carnegie the great South Street to the seating area at the Glebe : Alternative the first purpose-built industrialist. Key paths available cinema in Scotland, junction with North Park Bo’ness Town Centre has 2 Cross the road and take Street. Look out for Starting point Path information the steps up to the Town the Matthew Steele Surfaced paths, a wealth of history waiting to be discovered. Hall and into Glebe Park building now used as 6 Cross the road Main path pavements and where you will see the a bakers, on your left. continuing along cobbled roads. Alternative paths Take a look at the wall of Victorian Bandstand, East Pier Street to the Facilities Custom House and you will erected in the park in 5 Turn left onto North Post Office building on Bench 1902. Notice the two Street and continue to Toilets, shops, cafes find a plaque dedicated to the corner, crossing Parking and parking the RAF and its significant clock towers on the the Jubilee Fountain Union Street. Follow available in Bo’ness history. Town Hall - these clocks passing a row of signs to Bo’ness Bo’ness & Kinneil Town Centre. were made by H & R original shop fronts on foreshore paths Railway Millar and donated to your right. There is through the car park Finding Your Way Memorial to Miners START : Carpark at Seaview the people of Bo’ness by also an original and railway crossing. Place Provost George Cadell Buttercup Dairy tile Toilets 1 Cross Seaview Place and Stewart the founder of mosaic in the Opticians 7 Follow the path the present day annual doorway, and ahead round to your right. take the steps up onto A: Liberal Club Providence Brae, climbing Bo’ness Childrens’ Fair. you will see Dymock’s Please note this is a Building. The Bo’ness compacted stone path B: St. Mary’s Church the steep slope up 3 Turn left following the towards the Town Hall. Clock Tower on North which is muddy in C: Town Hall path round the back of Street was destroyed places. Take a look When you reach Stewart the Town Hall and then D: Masonic Hall Avenue, the remains of by subsidence and over to your right for left again to the top of the eventually replaced a good view of the Post St Mary’s Church and the steps that take you back E: Jubilee Fountain soon-to-be-renovated with the current tower Office Building and F: Post Office down onto Stewart which graces the town. Customs House. Liberal Club are on your Avenue. Take a few G: Customs House 2. Bo’ness Town Centre Trail B

8 Turn left at the Bo’ness Childrens’ Fair harbour, and follow the In 1897 Provost George foreshore path back Cadell Stewart round to the Car Park spearheaded the first on Seaview Place, Official Bo’ness passing the Memorial Childrens’Fair. The fair to Miners on your way. is an annual summer festival, which has Bo’ness and its become the most Industrial Past important event in the Bo’ness has been home town’s yearly calendar to many different and is eagerly anticipated industries over the years by children and adults including shipping, coal alike. A visit to Bo’ness mining, salt-making, at fair time is a colourful ship building, pottery spectacle of pagentry making and iron founding. made even more special The last surviving by the laughter and joy Bo’ness foundry, of local children. Ballantines has been operating on its current Town Hall and Carnegie site since the 1820’s. Library, Stewart Avenue Designed by George Memorial to Miners Washington Browne, the The coal mining industry Town Hall and Carnegie has been important to Library opened in 1904. this area for many years, The Town Hall sits in with hundreds of shafts in Glebe Park which was the Kinneil, Bo'ness and formally opened on Carriden area. Bo’ness Fair Day in 1900, with the cast iron Mining in Bo’ness dates bandstand erected two back 900 years to the years later as a finishing monks at Carriden who touch to the park. collected coal from exposed outcrops. The great boom came with the industrial revolution in the 18th century. Industry and mines were developed and in operation until the last pit closed in the 1980s. Unveiled in May 2007, the Memorial to Miners celebrates this long history. 3 Bo’ness Town Centre Trail C Boats n’ Trains Loop Firth of Forth

A B Union Street

Main Street

Key Starting point Tourist Information Main path Bo’ness & Access Information This route takes you out follow the path round Alternative Kinneil Railway of the historic town the dock. Continue paths Bus : For further Bo’ness centre and round the 400 along the foreshore Bench Station information on bus year old harbour where path until you reach times, numbers, routes, exciting proposals could some benches where Bridge Upper Forth etc call Traveline on Boat Club see the harbour again you can rest and enjoy Parking 0871 200 2233 or visit used for leisure craft. You the views of the Forth A: Post Office www.traveline.org.uk will then pass Bo'ness bridges. When you Toilets Train : No Station, start point for a reach the path to the B: Customs House trip on a steam train with Upper Forth Boat Club Cycle : Sustrans Scottish Railway turn right to double A Very Short History pantile roofs, the tiles Bo’ness and Route 76. Preservation Society. back on yourself and of Bo’ness! of which were imported Kinneil Railway Parking : Car Parks at follow the signs back to A producer of coal and from the Netherlands as The Scottish Railway Seaview Place and Finding Your Way the docks. salt, Bo’ness developed as ballast for returning coal Preservation Society Union Street. START : Car park at Union 3 At the docks turn left a port in the late 16th ships. keeps history alive Street century and, in its hey day, through the Bo’ness and and follow the path. Grangepans takes its Distance 1 Follow the path over Either cross the bridge was ranked the second Kinneil Railway. As well : Suggested route - largest Port in Scotland name from one of the as the Scottish Railway the wheelchair-friendly over the Railway to visit town’s earliest industries, 2 km (1 miles) railway crossing as it SRPS on your left, or after Leith. However, the Exhibition at Bo'ness : Alternative paths opening of the Forth and the saltpans belonging Station, you can veers to your right head right along Union to Grange estate. At its available. toward the dock and Street back past Clyde Canal in 1792 experience the power which terminated at height, there were 16 and joy of steam with a Path information harbour area. Take a Custom House and the pans employing 30 Surfaced paths and look to your right and Post Office to the car Grangemouth put paid to “Day out with Thomas Bo’ness’ ambition as salters. Production finally the Tank Engine”, easter pavements. you should have a good park. came to an end in the view of the Post Office Glasgow’s east coast port. egg specials, Diesel galal Facilities Toilets, shops, Alternatively, follow the 1890’s. days, Santa steam trains building and Customs path alongside the docks cafes and parking House. Many of the buildings Ref: Richard Jaques (2001) and Black Bun Specials. available in Bo’ness back to the Union Street in the town are Falkirk and District. An town centre. 2 Cross the bridge and car park. characterised by red Illustrated Architectural Guide. 4. Birkhill Fireclay Mine - Woodland and Meadow

This route takes you through the woodland and meadow beside Birkhill Fireclay Mine. The mine is in the Avon Gorge beside Birkhill Station, which is used by Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Scottish Railway Preservation Society. Tours of the mine are available during the summer. Meadow Please note that the only access to the mine is down a steep staircase into the gorge, which may make it unsuitable for some people. Whilst the Key mine is not suitable for wheelchairs, the railway, Starting point woods and meadow are. Main path

Finding Your Way Alternative paths and retrace the first Access Information the steep staircase down Parking part of the route back to the mine which maybe START from Birkhill toward the mine station platform into the Station platform Bus : For further unsuitable for some underground mine Bench buildings and Birkhill information on bus times, people. workings and hear about 1 Follow the signs to the Station. numbers, routes, etc call Steps Path information the lives of the fireclay Woodland. This path Traveline on 0871 200 miners - make sure you takes you down toward Bo’ness & Kinneil 2233 or visit The woodland and meadow route follows a wear suitable clothing the old mine and Railway Birkhill Fireclay Mine www.traveline.org.uk. and footwear. surfaced path and is storage buildings where Developed in 1911 to you will pass a picnic Birkhill Station Train : SRPS Station - generally flat with some Please check the railway provide clay for Glenboig Bo’ness to Birkhill (tel gentle slopes. There are area and a number of Brickworks, mining took timetable and mine information boards. Continue along this 01506 822298 for several picnic tables and opening times with place at Birkhill until timetable). path until you reach the benches along the route. Bo’ness and Kinneil 2 Follow the path as it picnic tables. 1980. Railway. Tel. 01506 Cycle : Sustrans Route Facilities heads round to your In 1987 Birkhill Fireclay 76 passes within 1.8km 822298 or email right and you will arrive 4 Take the path to your Why not combine this enquiries.railway@srps. right and follow the Mine was developed as a (1 mile). at the top of the steep show mine. route with a trip on the org.uk steps which go down loop around the Parking : Small free car SRPS Railway and a tour into the Avon Gorge and meadow area. There are Birkhill Station was park near Birkhill Station. of the mine. Cafes and Car parking, toilets and the entrance to the several places to rest picnic areas available at relocated from Monifieth, parking available in Mine Workings. and enjoy the peace and Angus via Glasgow Distance Bo’ness town centre. the mine. : Suggested route - quiet along this Garden Festival in 1988 1 km (0.6 miles) Mine Tours : From April For more information visit 3 The woodland and relatively flat route. and is now served by www.srps.org.uk meadow route follows the steam train from : Alternative paths to October you can take a 5 When you return to the available - please note guided tour from the the path to your left Bo’ness. (at the top of the steps). picnic tables, turn right 5. Kinneil House and Woods Grangemouth Road B Enjoy 2000 years of history A century - linked to the D in one short route. From the East turf Antonine Wall. This site of a Roman Fortlet and Pond is part of the Frontiers of the Antonine Wall to the C the Roman Empire remains of a medieval Provost World Heritage Site. church, the historic Kinneil Roman Road Details about the Fortlet House and its fabulous Fortlet and a special guide to woodland estate. In 2008, West walks around the the Antonine Wall was Pond Antonine Wall are designated as a World available from the Heritage Site. Museum. Finding Your Way 5 Continue along the Access Information in places, and can be START: The best place to path to the West Pond. muddy and uneven. start your visit is at Kinneil A: Kinneil House This is populated by Bus : For further There is seating along Museum - a small red, roofed swans, coots and ducks information on bus B: Kinneil Museum - and is popular with the path at various building in front of the building. This is James times, numbers, routes, locations and picnic C: James Watts younger visitors. Here imposing Kinneil House. Workshop Watt’s Cottage - a etc call Traveline on tables by Kinneil House. Park your car in the small you can turn left to 0871 200 2233 or visit D: Kinneil Church building where the Kinneil Woods and make Facilities parking area next to the famous inventor carried www.traveline.org.uk Museum, or in the larger car (remains) your way back to the Car parking out his early work to car park. Train : No, although parking area off Provost Road Seating and signs Key develop the steam Bo’ness and Kinneil Disabled toilet at at Kinneil Woods, a short engine. Watt was 6 Alternatively, go round train can stop at Kinneil entrance to old walled distance away. The museum Starting point working in partnership the back (western edge) Halt, a short (10-15 features an extensive display with John Roebuck, who of the pond. This is a garden (RADAR kay Main path minute) walk away. required). on the history of Kinneil leased Kinneil House for longer way to enter the ‘Superloo’ toilet just off Estate. There’s also a short Alternative paths a period. Woods. There are a Cycle : Sustrans Route video about what you might number of paths through 76 follows part of this Provost Road at rear car park entrance. see during your visit. The Other paths 3 To the immediate west the Woods to enjoy. If route. of the cottage is a small Museum: open all year: Museum is usually open Antonine Wall you think you’re getting Parking : Small car park Mon - Sat: Monday to Saturday, all year, footbridge. Cross this lost, just ask one of the at museum and larger 12.30- 4.00pm; from 12.30pm to 4pm. Bench and head towards the many regular walkers or ruins of the 12th century cyclists for directions. car park by Kinneil For more information 1 From the Museum follow Parking Woods. Kinneil Church. It used call 01506 778530. the red blaes path towards Join A Group Toilets, shops, cafes to be surrounded by a Distance the imposing Kinneil House. www.kinneil.org.uk - for medieval village. The Stepforth - supported by : Suggested route - and parking available in The oldest part of the Falkirk Council - runs a Bo’ness Town Centre. details. The House village and its many 2.8 km (1.7 miles) structure dates back to boasts some of the best inhabitants are all gone number of free health : Easier option - 2 km For more information the late 15th century. It renaissance wall today - but parts of walks around Kinneil (1.25 miles) Please note that Kinneil was remodelled in the paintings in Scotland - the church and its Estate every week. Details : Other paths House is only open on 16th century, and plus a resident ghost! gravestones remain. are available at Kinneil available. certain days, visit transformed into a stately Museum. www.kinneil.org.uk for home for the Dukes of 2 Standing in front of the 4 Carry on past the church Path information Hamilton in the 1660s. The House, look for a small into the field to the west. World Heritage Site Part of the route is on more information about On July 7, 2008 the open days and to find House is only open on exit in the wall to the Follow the path round unsurfaced grass paths selected free days during left (right next to the the East Pond. You Antonine Wall which runs which can be uneven out about the ‘Friends through Kinneil Estate of Kinneil’ group. the year. Ask at the building) and go through should shortly come to and wet in places. The Museum for dates or visit this. You should come to the remains of a Roman was named a World forest tracks are steep the Kinneil website - a roofless, 18th century Fortlet from the 2nd Heritage Site. 6. Foreshore Path: Foreshore path to Bo’ness Harbour to Kinneil Nature Reserve Carriden Woods Firth of Forth Access Information Kinneil Bus : For further information Nature on bus times, numbers, Reserve routes, etc call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit www.traveline.org.uk. p u

Cycle : Sustrans Route 76 is o r

approximately 500m from G h the start of this route. t Kinneil Road r o F

Train : SRPS Train Station to p e Kinneil Nature Reserve and t Snab Lane Birkhill Clay Mine. S A short easy-to-follow you can follow the Snab Brae Parking : Bo’ness Town route along the surfaced inner loop To Kinneil Centre, Snab Lane and foreshore. Take in the round the reserve, or House & SRPS Bo’ness Station. industrial and natural for better views and Woods heritage of the area from a chance to enjoy the Distance the historic harbour to birdlife take the path that takes you to Bo’ness Harbour Key : Suggested route - the Nature Reserve at unsurfaced outer loop. Kinneil House. Boness to Snab Lane via Kinneil. Please bear in mind Bo’ness was officially Starting point Nature Reserve: 3 km (2 recognised as a port in that this area is home Option 3 Main Path miles) Return to Bo’ness: Finding Your Way to breeding birds, so 1601, with the Customs 5km (3 miles) Alternatively, you can & Excise office moved START: Car park at try to minimise retrace your steps from Option one : Alternative paths Bo’ness Town Centre. disturbance. from Blackness to available. Kinneil Nature Reserve Bo’ness in the 1700’s. Option two The path from the car There are several back to the Town Centre. This then served as the Other paths Path information park takes you across a alternatives for your Heading back toward the main port on the North Predominantly flat route wheelchair-friendly route now: harbour area you can Sea for merchants from Bench crossing over the enjoy the views of Bo’ness along good surfaced paths. Option 1 Glasgow and other west Railway crossings are Scottish Railway Town. coast towns until Parking Preservation Society’s You can follow the wheelchair accessible and surfaced path back over From the harbour - which Grangemouth became Tourist Information there are some seats along railway line. pre-eminent. the railway to the car is to be redeveloped - Bo’ness & Kinneil the path and around the 1 Follow the surfaced park and bus stop at either continue along the Nature Reserve. The inner Some 250 years later Railway path toward the Snab Lane. foreshore path past the Bo’ness felt the loop of the Nature Reserve harbour. The path to industrial buildings to link Bo’ness & Kinneil is on good surfaced paths. “economic pinch” and the right takes you to Option 2 up with the Carriden became redundant with Station However, the outer loop is the SRPS Railway If you would like to Woods and Blackness unsurfaced and can be the harbour officially Station. Turn left to continue into Kinneil foreshore routes, or return closed in 1959. uneven and wet at times. follow the surfaced Estate, cross the road toward Bo’ness via one of path along the and continue up Snab the surfaced paths taking Facilities foreshore to Kinneil Lane until you meet you back across the Toilets, shops, cafes and Nature Reserve. Snab Brae. Carry on up railway to the SRPS parking available in Bo’ness 2 When you reach the Snab Brae and you will station, the car park, or Town Centre. Nature Reserve see the driveway and into Bo’ness Town itself. 7. West Lothian Golf Club Gauze Road Kinglass Jessfield Community Place Woodland Key Starting point Borrowstoun Main path Road Alternative paths Other paths Bench Parking

2 Take the path on your left which climbs up through the trees towards West Lothian Golf Course. This path West Lothian Golf Course is unsurfaced and uneven in places. When you reach the top of the field, take the path to Access Information Take a stroll out from Bo’ness your left and wind your Path information to enjoy some outstanding way through the Bus : For further The paths are not views across the town and woodland alongside the information on bus surfaced and generally the Firth of Forth. golf course. Golf Club times, numbers, routes, uneven in places. There House etc call Traveline on are also some Please remember that these 3 The path leading out 0871 200 2233 or visit moderately steep paths take you close to areas of the woodland can www.traveline.org.uk. sections leading out of play in places, so be alert be muddy and wet another section of livestock in this field. underfoot. This takes woodland. Cycle : Sustrans Route from Bo’ness. There to golfers and try not to 6 From the foot of the are three kissing gates disturb their game. you into an open section 76 is approximately by the Golf Course 5 Winding through the path turn left following 1.5km (1 mile) from this within this path trees, the path brings Borrowstoun Road back network and you should Finding Your Way which is close to an route. area of play. Please you to a kissing gate to the start of the route. be alert to golfers as START: Borrowstoun Road, leading to the public Train : No. some sections of this opposite Jessfield Place in take care and be alert to the golfers. right of way between West Lothian Golf Parking : No designated route pass close to the Borrowstoun Mains area Bo’ness and Linlithgow. Course may be the site parking. areas of play. of the Town. 4 Take a well earned From here you can turn of a battle between There are no benches 1 Follow the grass path as breather at the kissing right and head up the Pictish leader Argadus Distance along this route. it heads gradually uphill gate and enjoy the hill for some superb and the Roman invaders. : Suggested route - between the houses. Carry fantastic views across views across to the Facilities the Forth. You have the Forth Bridges, and Excavations on the 2.5 km (1.5 miles). on through the open grass course have uncovered : Alternative route - Local shops and other option here of taking the carry on to Linlithgow. facilities are available area and continue up the stone coffins, a stone axe, 2 km (1.25 miles). hill towards the fields. track on your left to Alternatively, turn left nearby in Bo’ness. return down the hill to to follow the field a Bronze Age jet ring, two : Other paths As you leave the housing long slab-laid graves and available. There are no facilities Bo’ness or, if you wish, edge back down the on this route. estate turn right along the a small stone cist-like bottom edge of the field. continue alongside the hill towards Bo’ness. golf course towards Please note there is structure. 8. Carriden Woods From Bo’ness Town Centre Key Starting point Carriden Woods offers an Main path Access Information interesting mix of history Carriden Firth of Forth and wildlife. This route Churches Alternative paths Bus : For further can be tackled as an information on bus times, added extra as you enjoy Other paths numbers, routes, etc call the Blackness to Bo’ness Bench Traveline on 0871 200 foreshore route, or can 2233 or visit be completed as a short Old Manse Wood Parking www.traveline.org.uk. stand-alone visit. From Cycle : Sustrans Route Blackness There is an old Ice Carriden 76 passes the start of this House hidden in the route at Carriden Brae. Brae woods; a ruined cottage Bridge Carriden which was the birth place House Train : No. of soldier Colonel James Gardiner who was killed n

Parking : No designated o your right, it will take Carriden Churches s in action in 1745 at the 2 Continue along the t r parking facilities at the you over a narrow The first church at e Battle of Prestonpans path past a ruined b start point. However there o (the first signifiant cottage to your right bridge, through a field Carriden stood in front of R a

is a free car park in s conflict in the second and then down toward Carriden House. This was i

and over the burn. L

Bo’ness approximately the Carriden Churches floored with clay, had no f Jacobite Rising); and the Shortly after the burn o

2 km (1 mile) away. y nearby Carriden House - and back to the start heating and was not s

the path forks. Take the e t

point. weather-proof. The r please be aware that this right fork and look out u Distance o second church dates c is a private home so you for a gap in the old Alternatively, take the : Suggested route - should stick to the stone wall about 12m from 1765 where worship 3 km (2 miles). path to your left which continued regularly until turrets) thought to date promoted paths and stay along this path. Go is narrow and muddy in from around 1602. It is : Alternative route. out of the private garden. through this gap and 1909. However, with an places and follow it expanding congregation built on the site of a : Other paths. into the woodland through the woodland. Roman fort that marked An alternative route continuing until you the present church was This path takes you past built behind the ruins. the eastern end of the Path information takes you through the reach another fork in the front of Carriden Antonine Wall, a World The paths through the Old Manse Wood and the path. Follow the House and the Witches The Witches Stone Heritage Site. woods are unsurfaced, past the Carriden narrow path on the Stone, before heading narrow and can be uneven churches. right, up the hill. Witches were burned at Carriden House is a back down the slope Bo’ness and Carriden in and muddy in places. toward the foreshore. family-operated 3-star There is a steep section Finding Your Way Please be aware that the 1600-1700’s. The Guest House. To complete from the foreshore path START at the foot of as this path climbs the 4 When you reach the Witches Stone is found the full Carriden Woods to the waterfall, but there Carriden Brae hill, the slope on your foreshore path you can near the entrance of experience, why not stay is a bench above the right down toward take the path on your The Steading, which is a night or two at Carriden waterfall where you can 1 Follow the Public Right Carriden Burn becomes right to continue to close to the entrance of House? Perhaps you rest! The foreshore path of Way toward the pretty steep. There is a Blackness. Carriden House. Local could sleep in the same is surfaced with foreshore path to bench by the path if Alternatively, turn left children still run around room as the naval hero compacted stone, and is Blackness. As you you feel like a rest with here and head back this stone three times Sir George Johnstone generally flat and even. continue along this a view of the waterfall. towards your start point before making a wish. Hope who lived at path there are good 3 When you’ve caught at the foot of Carriden Carriden House and Facilities views across the Forth Brae. Carriden House fought alongside Admiral and you may catch a your breath again carry Toilets, shops, cafes and on up the path until you Carriden House is an Lord Nelson at the Battle parking available in glimpse or two of example of Scottish of Trafalgar, commanding Blackness Castle and reach the junction. If Bo’ness Town Centre. you follow the path on Baronial Architecture with the 74-gun battleship the Forth Bridges. the eastern part (with the Defence! 9. Bo’ness to Blackness Foreshore Path Key Starting point Main path Bo’ness Alternative paths Firth of Forth Bench Parking

Carriden Brae Blackness Castle

A904 Blackness

Linlithgow Road

Follow this Public Right of Finding Your Way down onto the beach Access Information Way from Bo’ness to START at the foot of if you wish. Once in Bus : For further : Alternative paths Blackness and enjoy Carriden Brae. Blackness there are information on bus available (Carriden fantastic views. a couple of benches 1 Follow the foreshore where you can rest, times, numbers, routes, Woods, extension to Please note that the path path heading towards etc call Traveline on Bo’ness and extension to as well as toilets and is narrow and unsurfaced Blackness. The first car parking. 0871 200 2233 or visit Blackness Castle). for much of this route. In section of this route www.traveline.org.uk. places it is very uneven follows a relatively flat 5 Return by the outward Path information with steep drops, and and even surfaced path. route. Cycle : Sustrans Route This route is part cyclists should be aware Continue along this 76 passes the start of sufaced with compacted that parts of the path path through Carriden this route at Carriden stone, with the maybe better suited to Woods. You can extend 3 When you reach the Bridgeness Tablet Brae. remainder unsurfaced, mountain bike use. your visit by following ruined cottages, take Recently voted one of the narrow and very uneven Walkers should make sure Route 8 - Carriden the steps on your left top Roman finds by Train : No. in places. There is a they have suitable clothing Woods, before rejoining and follow the Channel 4’s Time Team, short section of steps. and footwear to tackle the the foreshore path a foreshore path to the Bridgeness distance Parking : Parking The route is relatively uneven surfaces and little further along the Blackness. available at Bo’ness slab was found in 1868 flat and there are occasional drops down to Forth. at the east end of the Town Centre approx benches at Blackness. the beach. 4 From this point the 2.5km (1.5miles) away 2 Continue along this path becomes narrow Antonine Wall. The and also at Blackness. Facilities You can extend your trip path. As you leave the and very uneven in original slab is on show in Toilets and parking by starting in Bo’ness wood, the views open places with some steep the Museum of Scotland Distance available at Blackness. Town Centre and finishing out giving a superb drops so please take but there are plans to : Suggested route - with a visit to Blackness outlook across the care. There are sections make a replica for display 3.5km (2 miles). Castle. Forth. where you can drop in Bo’ness. 10. Blackness Castle

Blackness Castle Firth of Forth

Castle From Bo’ness Hill

Dovecot Key Starting point Main path

Football Alternative paths Play Pitch Access Information Park Bench Bus : For further information Black Parking on bus times, numbers, Burn routes, etc call Traveline on Bridge 0871 200 2233 or visit www.traveline.org.uk. Cycle : Sustrans Route 76 Nicknamed “the ship toward the Castle. If peace, the quiet, the 4 Our route, however, playpark. Go through passes nearby. that never sailed”, you intend to see the views and the birdlife. takes you back toward the kissing gate at the Train : No. Blackness Castle is now Castle as part of your Blackness along the end of this track and managed by Historic visit you can park in the 2 The path on your right grass path past the follow the road back Parking : Small free car Scotland as a visitor Castle car park. takes you up a grassy football pitch and into Blackness. park in Blackness. attraction, though it has slope and past a ruined 1 At the entrance to the Dovecot and a ruined Distance had a variety of uses over the centuries. Visitors Car Park at chapel. From here you Blackness protect the village and its : Suggested route - Blackness Castle can return to your start ‘Blackness’ comes from important harbour, and 1.5 km (1 miles). The paths shown in this there is a kissing gate point by heading down an old Norse word has since served as a : Alternative paths on your right. Go the grass slope toward describing the ‘ness’ or royal residence, prison, available. leaflet are open at all times, but please be through this and climb the kissing gate on the ‘nose’ of black rocks fortress, munitions depot Path information Generally aware these are rough the steps by the road from Blackness to sticking out into the River and military barracks. Castle wall. The path the Castle. Forth on which the Castle unsurfaced, with steps and and uneven in places The Castle is open to boardwalks in places. and there are steps and takes you alongside was built. the wall, down a set of 3 Alternatively, retrace visitors - please check Facilities Toilets, shop, boardwalks along the your steps back to the Blackness Castle opening times and prices way. Please also note steps toward the picnic area, snacks and beach and then shore path and continue Built in the 15th Century before your visit. that there is no path along the foreshore to vending machine at around the headland by one of the most Blackness Castle has Blackness Castle. along the foreshore road the Black Burn. There is powerful families in to the castle. towards the mud flats been used as a film of the Firth of Forth. a small bridge crossing Scotland, Blackness For more information the Burn and from here location for productions of contact www.historic- There is a bench by Castle has been Ivanhoe, The Bruce, Finding Your Way it is possible to continue remodelled several times. scotland.gov.uk or START. From Blackness the path where you Macbeth and Hamlet, can rest and enjoy the into Wester Shore Wood The Castle was built to Tel: 01506 834807. village take the road and Hopetoun Estate. starring Mel Gibson. Discover the path networks in and around Discover the path networks in and around Bo’ness and Blackness Bo’ness and Blackness

Getting There: Get your copy of For more information about the the Green Travel Map at history and local facilities in www.falkirk.gov.uk/services or call Bo’ness and Blackness contact: 01324 504977. Tourist information centre, Bo’ness 08452 255121 By Foot: If you live nearby. Bo’ness Library 01506 778520 Kinneil Museum 01506 778530 By Cycle: Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 76. Cycle route or visit: information available from www.boness.org.uk www.sustrans.org.uk 0845 www.kinneil.org.uk 1130065. www.falkirk.gov.uk www.falkirk.gov.uk/hippodrome By Rail: Nearest train stations are www.falkirkonline.net at Linlithgow and Polmont. Also www.historic-scotland.gov.uk stations at Falkirk High and Falkirk www.srps.org.uk Grahamston. If you are planning www.visitscotland.com to visit Birkhill Clay Mine you can www.antoninewall.org get the SRPS train from Bo’ness. www.forthestuaryforum.co.uk By Bus: For further information on bus times, numbers, routes, etc For more information about your call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 paths and countryside access please contact Falkirk Council’s or visit www.traveline.org.uk. Access Officer, Development Services on 01324 504721 By Car: See location maps. easy to use Thank you To all organisations, map and 10 landowners and local communities for their cooperation suggested locations and support. something for A NE FOR A' everyone includes three Bo’ness town centre trails Produced by Falkirk Council Designed by Communications Unit, Corporate and Neighbourhood Services, Falkirk Council. 2009