Discover the paths in and around Bo’ness and Blackness

easy to use map and 10 suggested locations something for everyone includes three Bo’ness Centre trails and part of the Way Discover the paths in and around Bo’ness and Blackness

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

Finding your way some great countryside, A map wildlife, fantastic views, and a wealth of history, Take a close look at the waiting to be discovered map for each route. This all right on your doorstep. Paths should be all you need to find the start point and get 1 Bo’ness town on your way. OS Explorer Further Exploration centre Trail A map 349 covers the area. Some sites have options for further exploration, or 2 Bo’ness town Signs you could join together centre Trail B Look out for sign posts and three of the suggested 3 Bo’ness town interpretation boards giving routes to take in the full centre Trail C more information along the foreshore path from Kinneil way. Local Nature Reserve to 4 Blackness Castle, which Golf Club It’s up to you is now part of the John 5 Muir Way. This leaflet gives details & Woods of 10 locations, with Where else can I visit? 6 Bo’ness Harbour information on green transport options, path You could also combine to Kinneil Local your exploration of the Nature Reserve surfaces, gradients, parking and facilities. Just choose paths with a visit to one 7 Bridgeness to a route that suits your of the superb museums Muirhouses interest and ability and or visitor attractions such enjoy the paths in as the Bo’ness and Kinneil 8 Carriden Woods and around Blackness Steam Railway, The Bo’ness Motor Museum, 9 Bo’ness to and Bo’ness. Blackness - The Kinneil Museum or Take a wander along Blackness Castle. Each of John Muir Way some of your local paths these sites offers toilets 10 Blackness Castle or follow the John Muir and parking. Way and you will find There is also an opportunity for shopping and refreshment stops in Bo’ness Town Centre. Visit the Hippodrome, ’s first purpose built cinema,, or see how the town centre is reclaiming its heritage with the restoration of many listed buildings in its historic heart.

A Very Short History of Bo’ness! A producer of coal and salt, Bo’ness developed as a port in the late 16th century and, in its heyday day, was ranked the second largest port in Scotland after Leith. However, the opening of the in 1792 which terminated at Grangemouth put paid to Bo’ness’ ambition as ’s east coast port.

Many of the buildings in Grangepans takes its Production finally came the town are characterised name from one of the to an end in the 1890’s. by red pantile roofs, the town’s earliest industries, tiles of which were the saltpans belonging Ref: Richard Jaques imported from the to Grange estate. At its (2001) and District. Netherlands as ballast for height, there were 16 pans An Illustrated returning coal ships. employing 30 salters. Architectural Guide.

The John Muir Way logo is used throughout this publication to highlight the routes which follow part of this long distant path. 1. Bo’ness Town Centre: Trail A

short ‘figure of 8’ route round Bo’ness Town Centre leads you past several superb buildings. As you follow the route, remember to look up at the details of many of the buildings on this route to fully appreciate the architecture of the area.

A Journal & Gazette Building and E The Anchor Tavern Two tall corners dominate the view along North Street - the candle-snuffer tower on the Journal & Gazette building, and the Anchor Tavern’s fish-scale slated roof. Access Information Bo’ness Town Bo’ness developed first as B Bus: For further a harbour, and then as a Dymock’s Building information on bus trading post on the Forth Built some time before times, numbers, routes, in the days of sailing ships. 1650, Dymock's Building etc call Traveline on is one of the oldest 0871 200 2233 or visit The old town grew up buildings in Bo’ness. This www.traveline.org.uk. round the triangle of North former merchant's house Street, South Street and was restored by National Train: No. the narrow Scotland’s Trust for Scotland in Cycle: Sustrans Route Close. Waggon Road original orange Jacobite 76. followed the route taken colours. It has had many by coal waggons from the uses in its time: as Parking: Car Parks at pits to the harbour. Seaview Place and Union premises for processing Street Bo'ness has been whale-oil, a plumber's business, a motorcycle Distance transformed over the past 30 years, with the repair shop, a bakery, and Suggested route - now converted to eight 0.3 miles (0.5 km) Townscape Heritage Initiative enabling the social housing flats. Alternative paths renovation of a number of available. C key buildings significant in ‘Tobacco’ Warehouse and Path information architectural, historic and Surfaced pavements and townscape terms.. D Bo'ness Library cobbled roads. The work of architects The current Bo'ness Facilities Matthew Steele and Library incorporates two Toilets, shops, cafes and James Thomson has had a old buildings - the West parking available in huge impact on the Port Tavern and an 18th Bo’ness Town Centre. townscape in Bo’ness. This century warehouse Building Key A Journal & Gazette D East Pier Building Street B Dymock’s Building A904 C C B North ‘Tobacco’ E Street Warehouse D Bo’ness Library F North E The Anchor Tavern A Street G F Jubilee Fountain Market Hope Street G The Hippodrome Street I H H 13 South Street I 11 South Street J South Street J Anderson Trust Shop

From Grangemouth Icon Key Starting point probably built as a tobacco Main path warehouse. By 1850 the 'Tobacco' warehouse was Tourist used as a granary, and Information later a bake house. It is now home to the base of Bench the library and residential Parking flats. Memorial to F Jubilee Fountain Miners The Jubilee Fountain on Bo’ness & North Street was given to Kinneil Railway the town in 1887. It sits on the site of the old Cross Dog Fouling Bin Well (also know as St John’s Well) which was one of the original main I water supplies for the The fabulous art deco 11 South Street town. The Fountain was picture palace, first opened Now a Hairdressers, this gifted to the people of in 1912, has been lovingly building was designed by Bo’ness for Queen restored for the enjoyment architect Matthew Steele Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. of future generations. in 1907, though only the upper floors were built as G The Bo’ness designed. 11 South Street Hippodrome H 13 South Street has since been renovated Designed by Matthew Rock n Rolls Sandwich to look as it had originally Steele this was Scotland’s Shop is in the old Tolbooth been intended by the first purpose built cinema. built in 1750. architect. 2. Bo’ness Town Centre - Trail B

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

7 As you follow the path Mining in Bo’ness dates round to your right take back 900 years to the a look over to your right monks at Carriden who for a good view of the collected coal from Post Office Building and exposed outcrops. The Customs House. great boom came with the in 8 Turn left at the harbour, the 18th century. Industry and follow the foreshore and mines were developed path back round to the and in operation until the car park on Seaview last pit closed in the 1980s. Place, passing the Memorial to Miners Unveiled in May 2007 on your way. the Memorial to Miners celebrates this long history.

Bo’ness Childrens’ Fair In 1897 Provost George Cadell Stewart spearheaded the first Official Bo’ness Childrens’ Fair. The fair is an annual summer festival, and has become the most important event in the town’s calendar. It is eagerly anticipated by Bo’ness and children and adults alike. its Industrial Past A visit to Bo’ness at fair time is a colourful Bo’ness has been home to spectacle of pagentry many different industries made even more special over the years including by the laughter and joy shipping, coal mining, of local children. salt-making, ship building, pottery making and iron founding. The last Town Hall and Carnegie surviving Bo’ness foundry, Library, Stewart Avenue Ballantines has been The Town Hall and operating on its current Carnegie Library were site since the 1820’s. designed by George Washington Browne and Memorial to Miners opened in 1904. The Town Hall sits in Glebe Park The coal mining industry which was formally and has been important to this opened on Bo’ness Fair Day area for many years, with in 1900, with the cast iron hundreds of shafts in the bandstand erected two Kinneil, Bo'ness and years later as a finishing Carriden area. touch to the park.

3. Bo’ness Town Centre - Trail C Manuel

Fowler of

courtesy

Access Information Bus: For further This route takes you out the foreshore path until information on bus of the historic town centre you reach some benches times, numbers, routes, and round the 400 year where you can rest and etc call Traveline on old harbour. You will then enjoy the views of the 0871 200 2233 or visit pass Bo'ness Station, world famous Forth www.traveline.org.uk starting point for a trip on bridges. When you reach a steam train with Bo’ness the path to the Upper Train: No and Kinneil Railway. Forth Boat Club turn right to double back on Cycle: yourself and follow the Sustrans Route 76. Finding Your Way signs back to the docks. Parking: Car Parks at START: at the car park in Seaview Place and Union Street 3 At the docks turn left Union Street. 1 Follow the path over and follow the path. the wheelchair-friendly Either cross the bridge Distance railway crossing as it over the railway to visit Suggested route - veers to your right Bo’ness & Kinneil 1 mile (1 km) toward the dock and Station on your left, or Alternative paths harbour area. Take a head right along Union available. look to your right and Street back past the old Path information you should have a good Custom House and the Surfaced paths and view of the Post Office Post Office to the car pavements. building and Customs park. House. Facilities Toilets, Alternatively, follow the shops, cafes and 2 Cross the bridge and path alongside the docks parking available in follow the path round back to the Union Street Bo’ness town centre. the dock. Continue along car park. Firth of Forth

A B Union Street

Main Street

Icon Key Starting point Enjoy a ‘Day Out With Main path Thomas’, Easter Egg Alternative paths Specials, Diesel Gala Days, Santa steam trains and Bench Black Bun Specials. Bridge For further information visit www.bkrailway.co.uk Parking View Point

Bo’ness Harbour Tourist Information Point Bo’ness was officially Bo’ness & recognised as a port in Kinneil Railway Bo’ness and 1601, with the Customs Kinneil Railway & Excise office moved Bo’ness Station from Blackness to Bo’ness The Scottish Railway Upper Forth Boat in the 1700’s. This then Preservation Society keeps Club history alive through the served as the main port Bo’ness and Kinneil on the North Sea for Dog Fouling Bin merchants from Glasgow Railway. As well as the A Post Office Scottish Railway Exhibition and other west coast at Bo'ness Station, you can until Grangemouth B Customs House experience the power and became pre-eminent. joy of steam with daytrips through the spring, Some 250 years later redundant with the summer and autumn, and Bo’ness felt the “economic harbour officially closed over the festive period. pinch” and became in 1959. 4. West Lothian Golf Club

Access Information Bus: For further information on bus times, numbers, routes, etc call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit www.traveline.org.uk. Train: No. Cycle: Sustrans Route 76 is approximately 1 mile (1.5km) from this route. Parking: No designated parking. Distance Suggested route - 1.5 miles (2.5 km) Alternative route - 1.25 miles (2 km) Other paths available Path information The paths are not surfaced Take a stroll out from through the open grass and uneven in places. Bo’ness to enjoy some area and continue up There are are also outstanding views arcoss the hill towards the some moderately steep the town and the Firth of fields. As you leave the sections leading out Forth. housing estate turn from Bo’ness. There right along the bottom are three kissing gates Please remember that edge of the field. within this path these paths take you network and you close to areas of play in 2 Take the path on your should be alert to places, so be alert to left which climbs up golfers as some golfers and try not to through the trees sections of this route distrub their game. towards West lothian pass close to areas of Golf Course. This path play. Find Your Way is unsurfaced and There are no benches START: Borrowstoun uneven in places. When along this route. Road, opposite Jessfield you reach the top of the Place in the Borrowstoun field, take the path to Facilities Mains area of the town. your left and wind your Toilets, shops and way through the other facilities are 1 Follow the grass path woodland alongside the available nearby in as it heads gradually golf course. Bo’ness. There are no uphill between the 3 The path leading out of facilities on this route. houses. Carry on the woodland can be muddy and wet Kinglass underfoot. This Gauze takes you into an Community Road Woodland open section by Jessfield the golf course Place which is close to Barony an area of play. Threatre Please take care and be alert to the golfers. Borrowstoun Road 4 Take a well earned breather at the kissing gate and enjoy the fantastic view across the Forth. You have the option here of taking the track on your left to return down the hill to Bo’ness or, if you wish, continue West Lothian Golf Course alongside the golf course towards another section of Road woodland. A706 5 Winding through the trees, the path brings you to a kissing gate Golf Club From leading to the House Linlithgow public right of way between West Lothian Bo’ness and Lithlithgow. Icon Key From here you can turn Golf Course Starting point right and head up the hill The golf course may for some superb views Main path be the site of a battle across to the Forth Alternative paths between Pictish and Bridges, and carry on to Argadus and the Roman Linlithgow. Alternatively, Other paths invaders. turn left to follow the field edge back down the Dog Fouling Bin Excavations on the course hill to Bo’ness. Please have uncovered stone note there is livestock coffins, a stone axe, two in this field. path turn left following long slab-laid graves and Borrowstoun Road back a small stone cist-like 6 From the foot of the to the start of the route. structure. 5. Kinneil House and Woods

Access Information muddy and uneven. There is seating along Bus: For further the path at various information on bus locations and picnic times, numbers, routes, tables by Kinneil House. etc call Traveline on Enjoy 2000 years of history 0871 200 2233 or visit Facilities in one short route, from the www.traveline.org.uk Car parking site of a Roman Fortlet and Train: No, although the Seating and signs the to the Bo’ness and Kinneil Disabled toilet at remains of a medieval Railway train stops at entrance to old walled church, Kinneil House and Kinneil Halt, a short (10- garden (RADAR key its fabulous woodland 15 minute) walk away. required). estate. In 2008, the Antonine Wall was Cycle: Fully accessible toilet designated as a World Sustrans Route 76. and baby changing Heritage Site. facilities available at Parking: Small car park Kinneil Museum or in Finding Your Way at museum and larger nearby Bo’ness. START: The best place to car park by Kinneil Museum: open all year: start your visit is at Kinneil Woods. Mon - Sat: Museum - a small red 12.30- 4.00pm; roofed building in front of Distance For more information the imposing Kinneil House. Suggested route - call 01506 778530. There is a small parking 1.7 miles (2.8 km) Toilets, shops, cafes and area next to the Museum, or Easier option - parking available in a larger car parking area off 1.25 miles (2 km) Bo’ness Town Centre. Provost Road at Kinneil Other paths Woods, a short distance available. For more information away. The museum features Please note that Kinneil an extensive display on the Path information House is only open on history of Kinneil Estate. Part of the route is on certain days, visit There’s also a short video unsurfaced grass paths www.kinneil.org.uk for about what you might see which can be uneven and more information about during your visit. The wet in places. The forest open days and to find Museum is usually open tracks are steep in out about ‘The Friends Monday to Saturday, all places, and can be of Kinneil’. year, from 12.30pm to 4pm. Building Key Grangemouth Road A Kinneil House B B A Kinneil Museum D East C ’s Pond Workshop C D Kinneil Church Provost (remains) Roman Road Fortlet West the church and its Pond gravestones remain. 4 Carry on past the church into the field to the west. Follow the path round the East Pond. You should shortly Icon Key come to the remains of a Roman Fortlet from Starting point boasts some of the best the 2nd century - linked renaissance wall Main path to the turf Antonine paintings in Scotland - Wall. This is part of the Alternative paths plus a resident ghost! Frontiers of the World Heritage Other paths 2 Standing in front of the Site. Details about the House, look for a small Bench Fortlet and a special exit in the wall to the guide to walks around Dog Fouling Bin left (right next to the the Antonine Wall are building) and go through available from the Antonine Wall this. You should come to Museum. a roofless, 18th century Parking building. This is James 5 Continue along the Watt’s Cottage - a path to the West Pond. building where the This is populated by 1 From the Museum famous inventor carried swans, coots and ducks follow the red blaes out his early work to - and is popular with path towards Kinneil develop the steam younger visitors. Here House. The oldest part engine. Watt was you can turn left to of the structure dates working in partnership Kinneil Woods and make back to the late 15th with John Roebuck, who your way back to the century. It was leased Kinneil House for car park. remodelled in the a period. 16th century, and 6 Alternatively, go round transformed into a 3 To the immediate west the back (western edge) stately home for the of the cottage is a small of the pond. This is a Dukes of Hamilton in the footbridge. Cross this longer way to enter the 1660s. The House is and head towards the Woods. There are a only open on selected ruins of the 12th century number of paths days during the year. Kinneil Church. It used through the Woods to Ask at the Museum for to be surrounded by a enjoy. If you think you’re dates or visit the Kinneil medieval village. The getting lost, just ask one website - village and its many of the many regular www.kinneil.org.uk - for inhabitants are all gone walkers or cyclists for details. The House today - but parts of directions. 6. Foreshore Path Bo’ness Harbour to Kinneil Local Nature Reserve

Access Information

Bus: For further information on bus times, numbers, routes, etc call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit www.traveline.org.uk. Cycle: Sustrans Route 76. Train: Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway to Kinneil Nature Reserve and Birkhill. Parking: Union Street, Bo’ness Station, Snab Lane, Kinneil Road and Corbiehall. Distance Suggested route - Boness to Snab Lane via Nature Reserve: 2 miles (3 km) Return to Bo’ness: 3 miles (5 km) Alternative paths available. A short easy-to-follow Turn left to follow the Path information route along the foreshore. path along the Predominantly flat route Take in the industrial and foreshore to Kinneil along good surfaced natural heritage of the Local Nature Reserve. paths. Railway crossings area from the historic 2 When you reach the are wheelchair accessible harbour to the Local and there are some seats Nature Reserve at Kinneil. nature reserve you can follow the surfaced along the path and around the Nature Reserve. The Finding Your Way inner loop round the START: at the car park in reserve, or for better inner loop of the Nature Reserve is on good Union Street. views and a chance to enjoy the birdlife take surfaced paths. However, The path from the car the unsurfaced outer the outer loop is park takes you across a unsurfaced and can be loop. Look out for the wheelchair-friendly signs and other uneven and wet at times. crossing over Bo’ness and information around the Kinneil railway line. Facilities site. Please bear in mind that this area is Toilets, shops, cafes and 1 Follow the path toward parking available in the harbour. The path to home to breeding birds, so try to minimise Bo’ness Town Centre. the right takes you to the Bo’ness Station. disturbance. Foreshore path to Carriden Woods Firth of Forth Kinneil Nature Reserve

Kinneil Road

Snab Lane

To Kinneil Snab Brae House & Icon Key Woods Starting point Main path Option one continue up Snab Lane Option two until you meet Snab Brae. Carry on up Snab Brae Alternative paths and you will see the driveway and path that Bench takes you to Kinneil Parking House. Look out for the signs. Tourist Information Point Option 3 Bo’ness & There are several Alternatively, you can Kinneil Railway alternatives for your retrace your steps from route now: Kinneil Local Nature Bo’ness & Kinneil Reserve back to the Town Station Option 1 Centre. Heading back You can follow the path toward the harbour area Dog Fouling Bin back over the railway to you can enjoy the views John Muir Way the car park and bus stop of Bo’ness Town. at Snab Lane. From the harbour either Option 2 continue along the Bo’ness via one of the If you would like to foreshore path past the surfaced paths taking you continue into Kinneil industrial buildings to link back across the railway to Estate, follow the John up with the Carriden the Bo’ness station, the Muir Way to Kinneil House. Woods and Blackness car park, or into Bo’ness Cross the road and paths, or return toward Town itself. 7. Bridgeness to Muirhouses

Access Information

Bus: For further information on bus times, numbers, routes, Enjoy a varied walk taking 3 Take care crossing etc call Traveline on in part of the John Muir Bridgeness Road, 0871 200 2233 or visit Way, the hidden gems and then follow the www.traveline.org.uk of Carriden Woods and pavement up Harbour Cycle: Muirhouses Conservation Road to the replicas of Sustrans Route 76. Area, and see the the Bridgeness Slab. Bridgeness Slab - a Train: No. replica of a distance 4 Head across the mown tablet associated with grass to the right of Parking: Small car the old Doocot and up park at Carriden the Antonine Wall. Finding Your Way towards a woodland Church. Also, parking area within Kinningars available at Bo’ness START at the foot of Carriden Brae. Park. There is no path Town Centre (approx here, but you will 1.5miles / 2.5km). 1 Head east towards come to an obvious Distance Carriden Woods and unsurfaced route Suggested route – take the first track on through the woodland. 4.5km (2.75 miles) your left marked for the This brings you to a foreshore, turning left fenced path between Alternative route at the end of this path two fields marked available to follow the John Muir “Temporary access to Path information Way towards Bo’ness. the Drum”. A mix of tarmac, 2 You will pass the 5 Follow this unsurfaced compacted stone and Industrial Estate path up the hill to reach unsurfaced paths, with along the foreshore, the Drum housing some narrow and steep coming to a former estate. Take the grass sections. shipbreakers yard at path on your left to Facilities Bridgeness. At this Muirhouses Avenue, Toilets, shops, cafes point, take the tarmac and then walk down and parking available in path on your left to the avenue taking the Bo’ness Town Centre Bridgeness Road. 3rd road on your left Icon Key Starting point Firth of Forth Main path Bridgeness Alternative paths Road Bridgeness Bench Harbour Parking Road Dog Fouling Bin Kinningars John Muir Way Park Carriden Replica Churches Carriden Bridgeness Slab Previous Replica Bridgeness Slab Roman (Muirhouses Crescent). Camp Roman You will see a tarmac Camp path on your left. 6 Take this path and follow it to Acre Road, Muirhouses Muirhouses Village. At the end of this road you will see a timber bus shelter and seating area delivered as part of an enhancement project by off the path to your left. Carriden Brae. Muirhouses Amenities This reputedly marks the Alternatively, take the path Association and Falkirk spot where witches who to your left to go across the Council. There is an were found guilty by narrow bridge and head information panel in the Carriden Parish down through the field noticeboard which were burnt to death. towards Old Manse Wood explains some of the 9 Turn left at the and Carriden Church. This fascinating history main track, and then route will bring you back to surrounding this area. immediately right taking the start of this walk. 7 Take care as you cross a narrow path which Carriden Brae and follow runs down the hill next Bridgeness Tablet the road up the hill to to Carriden Steading. Recently voted one of your right. Turn left into 10At the path junction the top Roman finds Gledhill Avenue and you will see a narrow by Channel 4’s Time Team, head for the woodland bridge. At this point the Bridgeness distance area. Here you will find you can take either slab was found in an unsurfaced woodland path. The route to 1868 at the east end of path. Turn left at this your right takes you the Antonine Wall. The path and follow it down down to the foreshore original slab is on show in through the woods. where you rejoin the the Museum of Scotland. 8 At the first path junction John Muir Way for a Visit the replica at take the path on your short section before Kinningars Park. There left. Have a look around continuing along the is also an early replica and see if you can find road past the Industrial of the slab at the foot the Witches Stone just Estate and back to of Harbour Road. 8. Carriden Woods

so you should stick to the promoted paths and stay out of the private garden. An alternative route takes you through the Old Manse Wood and past the Carriden churches. Finding Your Way START at the foot of Carriden Woods offers an ruined cottage which was Carriden Brae interesting mix of history the birth place of soldier 1 Follow the Public Right and wildlife. This route Colonel James Gardiner of Way toward the can be tackled as an who was killed in action in foreshore path to added extra as you enjoy 1745 at the Battle of Blackness. From this the Blackness to Bo’ness (the first path there are good foreshore path, or can be signifiant conflict in the views across the Forth completed as a short second Jacobite Rising); and you may catch a stand-alone visit. and the nearby Carriden glimpse or two of There is an old Ice House House - please be aware Blackness Castle and hidden in the woods; a that this is a private home the Forth Bridges. Alternative route. 2 Continue along the path Access Information past a ruined cottage to Bus: For further Other paths. your right and over the information on bus times, burn. Shortly after the numbers, routes, etc call Path information burn the path forks. Take Traveline on 0871 200 The paths through the the right fork and look 2233 or visit woods are unsurfaced, out for a gap in the old www.traveline.org.uk. narrow and can be stone wall about 12m uneven and muddy in along this path. Go Cycle: places. There is a steep through this gap Sustrans Route 76. section from the and into the woodland foreshore path to the Train: No. continuing until you waterfall, but there is reach another fork in Parking: No designated a bench above the the path. Follow the parking facilities at the waterfall where you can narrow path on the right, start point. However there rest! The foreshore path up the hill. is a small car park at is surfaced with Carriden Church and a compacted stone, and Please be aware that as free car park in Bo’ness is generally flat and this path climbs the hill, approximately 1 mile even. the slope on your right (2 km) away. falls quite steeply to Facilities Carriden Burn. There is a Distance Toilets, shops, cafes bench by the path if you Suggested route - and parking available in feel like a rest with a 2 miles (3 km). Bo’ness Town Centre. view of the waterfall. From Bo’ness Town Centre Icon Key Starting point Main path Carriden Alternative paths Churches Other paths Firth of Forth Bench John Muir Way Old Manse Wood Dog Fouling Bin

From Blackness Carriden Brae Bridge Carriden House

3 When you’ve caught your Carriden Churches Roman fort that marked breath again carry on up the eastern end of the the path until you reach The first church at Antonine Wall, a World the junction. If you Carriden stood in front of Heritage Site. follow the path on your Carriden House. This was right, it will take you floored with clay, had no Carriden House was home over a narrow bridge, heating and was not to naval hero Sir George through a field and weather-proof. The Johnstone Hope who then down toward the second church dates from fought alongside Admiral Carriden Churches and 1765 where worship Lord Nelson at the back to the start point. continued regularly until Battle of Trafalgar and 1909. However, with an commanded the 74-gun Alternatively, take the expanding congregation battleship Defence! path to your left which the present church was is narrow and muddy in built behind the ruins. His son Admiral Sir James places and follow it Hope was born at Carriden through the woodland. House. He too had a This path takes you past distinguished naval career, the front of Carriden rising to become House and the Ice Commander-In-Chief in

House, before heading Robertson the Far East. back down the slope Lisa of toward the foreshore. The Witches Stone 4 When you reach the

foreshore path you can courtesy Witches were burned take the path on your Carriden House at Bo’ness and Carriden right to continue to in the 1600-1700’s. The Blackness. Carriden House is an Witches Stone is found example of Scottish near the entrance of Alternatively, turn left Baronial Architecture with The Steading by Carriden here and head back the eastern part (with the House. Local children still towards your start point turrets) thought to date run around this stone at the foot of Carriden from around 1602. It is three times before Brae. built on the site of a making a wish. 9. Bo’ness to Blackness Foreshore Path The John Muir Way

Access Information Distance Suggested route - Bus: For further 2 miles (3.5 km). information on bus times, Alternative paths numbers, routes, etc call available (Carriden Follow The John Muir Way Traveline on 0871 200 Woods, extension to from Bo’ness to Blackness 2233 or visit Bo’ness and and enjoy fantastic views. www.traveline.org.uk. extension to Blackness Castle). You can extend your trip by Cycle: starting in Bo’ness Town Sustrans Route 76. Path information Centre and finishing with a Train: No. Flat route along good visit to Blackness Castle. quality tarmac surfaced Parking: Small car park paths. There are benches Finding Your Way at Carriden Church. at Blackness and within START at the foot of Also parking available Carriden Wood. Carriden Brae. at Bo’ness Town Centre approx 1.5 miles (2.5 km) Facilities 1 Follow the foreshore path away and in Blackness. Toilets and parking heading towards available at Blackness. Blackness. This is a Refreshments and small relatively flat and even shop at Blackness Castle surfaced path. Bo’ness

Firth of Forth

Carriden Brae

Blackness A904 Castle

Icon Key Starting point Main path Linlithgow Road Blackness Alternative paths Bench Toilets Parking Dog Fouling Bin John Muir Way

2 Continue through Carriden Woods. You can extend your visit by following Route 8 - Carriden Woods, before rejoining the foreshore path a little further along the Forth. 3 As you leave the wood, John Muir Way The coast to coast route the views open up giving links together the finest a superb outlook across The John Muir Way was landscapes, countryside the Forth. officially opened on 21st and places of interest for 4 Continue past the ruined April 2014 in celebration anyone to use. It passes cottages and follow the of John Muir - widely many local attractions in foreshore path to thought of as the ‘father the Falkirk Council area Blackness. of modern conservation’. including Blackness Castle, Bo’ness & Kinneil Once in Blackness there At 134 miles (215 km) long Railway, Kinneil House, are a couple of benches the John Muir Way runs Muiravonside Country where you can rest, through Scotland’s Park, and as well as toilets and car heartland from . parking. in the west to For more information, 5 Return by the Muir’s birthplace in please visit outward route. on the east coast. www.johnmuirway.org 10. Blackness Castle

Often referred to as “the leaflet are open at all Finding Your Way ship that never sailed”, times, but please be START. From Blackness Blackness Castle is now aware these are rough village take the road managed by Historic and uneven in places and toward the Castle. If you Scotland as a visitor there are steps and intend to see the Castle attraction, though it has boardwalks along the way. as part of your visit you had a variety of uses over Please also note that can park in the Castle the centuries. there is no pavement car park. along the foreshore The paths shown in this road to the castle. 1 At the entrance to the Visitors Car Park at Blackness Castle there Access Information is a kissing gate on your right. Go through this Bus: For further Path information: Generally unsurfaced, and climb the steps information on bus times, by the Castle wall. numbers, routes, etc call with steps and boardwalks in places. The path takes you Traveline on 0871 200 alongside the wall, 2233 or visit Facilities: Toilets, shop, down a set of steps www.traveline.org.uk. picnic area, snacks and toward the beach and Cycle: Sustrans Route 76. vending machine at then around the Blackness Castle. headland towards the Train: No. For more information mud flats of the Firth of Parking: Small free car contact www.historic- Forth. There is a bench park in Blackness. scotland.gov.uk or by the path where you Distance: Tel: 01506 834807. can rest and enjoy the Suggested route - peace, the quiet, the 1 miles (1.5 km). views and the birdlife. Blackness Castle Firth of Forth

Castle From Bo’ness Icon Key Hill Starting point Dovecot Main path Alternative paths Bench Parking Football Bridge Play Pitch Park John Muir Way Back Dog Fouling Bin Burn Toilets

the Back Burn. There is Blackness Castle a small bridge crossing the Burn and from here Built in the 15th Century it is possible to continue by one of the most into Wester Shore Wood powerful families in and Hopetoun Estate. Scotland, Blackness Castle 4 Our route, however, has been remodelled several times. Originally takes you back toward Blackness along the built to protect the village and its important harbour, grass path past the 2 The path on your right football pitch and it has since served as a royal residence, prison, takes you up a grassy playpark. Go through slope and past a ruined the kissing gate at the fortress, munitions depot and military barracks. Dovecot and a ruined end of this track and chapel. From here you follow the road back The Castle is open to can return to your start into Blackness. visitors - please check point by heading down opening times and prices the grass slope toward before your visit. the kissing gate on the Blackness road from Blackness Blackness Castle has been to the Castle. ‘Blackness’ comes from an used as a film location for old Norse word describing productions of Ivanhoe, 3 Alternatively, retrace the ‘ness’ or ‘nose’ of black The Bruce and Macbeth. your steps back to the rocks sticking out into the It also stands in for Fort shore path and continue on which the William in series one of along the foreshore to Castle was built. TV show Outlander. Notes

Discover the paths in and around Bo’ness and Blackness

Getting There: For more information about the Get your copy of the Green Travel history and local facilities in Map call 01324 504950. Bo’ness and Blackness contact: Tourist information point, Bo’ness By Foot: If you live nearby. 08452 255121 Bo’ness Library 01506 778520 By Cycle: Sustrans National Cycle Kinneil Museum 01506 778530 Network Route 76. Cycle route information available from or visit: www.sustrans.org.uk 0845 www.kinneil.org.uk 1130065. www.falkirk.gov.uk By Rail: Nearest train stations are www.boness.org.uk at Linlithgow and . Also www.unlockboness.com stations at Falkirk High and Falkirk www.innerforthlandcape.co.uk Grahamston. www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/ 2014 By Bus: For further information venues/hippodrome on bus times, numbers and routes, www.historic-scotland.gov.uk etc call Traveline on www.bkrailway.co.uk Council. 0871 200 2233 or visit

www.visitfalkirk.com Falkirk www.travelinescotland.com. www.antoninewall.org By Car: See location maps. www.forthestuaryforum.co.uk Services,

www.johnmuirway.org Thank you To all organisations, landowners and local communities For more information about your for their cooperation and support.

paths and countryside access Neighbourhood please contact Falkirk Council’s

and Outdoor Access Team 01324 504950. Corporate Unit,

Council

A NE FFOR A'' Falkirk Communications by by

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