Firth of Forth Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise near Edinburgh

The Forth Bridge

The Forth Bridge is a railway bridge of red-painted steel that opened in 1890 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Its three great cantilever towers span the Firth of Forth for about two and a half kilometres, and it remains one of the most recognisable engineering landmarks in Scotland. Sailing beneath it, you see its enormous steel lattice from an angle few visitors get.

The bridge is still in daily use by trains. Your host explains how it was built, why it was considered a marvel, and the phrase about painting it forever. If you are searching for a Forth Bridge cruise, this is the highlight, and the best photographs are taken from the front of the boat as you approach.

The Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing

Next to the rail bridge stands the Forth Road Bridge, a suspension bridge opened in 1964 that is now used mainly by buses, taxis, walkers and cyclists. Beyond it rises the Queensferry Crossing, a cable-stayed bridge opened in 2017 as the newest crossing, whose three slim towers look almost weightless against the sky.

Seeing all three bridges in one view is the reason this cruise is popular: they represent the steel age, the suspension age and modern cable engineering, side by side. The boat manoeuvres so that everyone gets a clear view, and the commentary compares how each was designed and built.

South Queensferry, Hawes Pier and Port Edgar

South Queensferry is a charming harbour town about ten miles west of Edinburgh city centre. Hawes Pier sits at the foot of the old town, close to the Hawes Inn, which features in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Kidnapped, and Port Edgar Marina lies a little west of the bridges. Both places offer views up to the bridges and have cafes nearby.

If you are wondering how to get to South Queensferry from Edinburgh, regular buses run from the city centre and trains stop at Dalmeny station, a short walk or bus ride from the town. Arrive a little early, and check which departure point your booking is for.

Islands, seals and wildlife on the Firth

The Firth of Forth has several small islands, and on the cruise you pass close to some, including Inchgarvie with its old fortifications, which sits in the shadow of the rail bridge. The waters also shelter seabirds and grey and common seals, which often rest on rocks, though sightings are never guaranteed.

The Firth can be breezy even on sunny days, so bring a windproof jacket and a hat. The route may vary with tides and weather, and the cruise sails only when conditions are safe. Bring binoculars if you want a close look at the birds and the bridges' steelwork.