http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Round the Forth (NCN route 76) en Tue, 19 May 2026 07:18:03 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-223952 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 18:47:09 +0000 paddyirish 223952@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Very speedy reply <a href="http://www.sustrans.org.uk/#!node/6984#comment-2746052073">here</a> from Robert at Sustrans who saw the conversation on this website. </p> <p>Can't complain about that - things have moved on a bit, but I can see that so many stakeholders makes it tricky to make speedy progress. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-223749 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 22:22:16 +0000 chdot 223749@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Query on the progress sent- will update if and when I hear back."</p> <p>Good. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-223744 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 21:23:21 +0000 paddyirish 223744@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Query on the progress sent- will update if and when I hear back. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-223686 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:47:15 +0000 chdot 223686@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"your ability to recall and retrieve obscure pieces of relevant information never fails to amaze me"</p> <p>You keep saying that. Sometimes it actually relates to things I vaguely remember.</p> <p>This time (and many others) it's just putting the right words into Google - this time it was Fallin &amp; NCN!</p> <p>"maybe time to prompt them with a wee reminder."</p> <p>Yes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-223683 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:19:00 +0000 paddyirish 223683@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@chdot</p> <p>your ability to recall and retrieve obscure pieces of relevant information never fails to amaze me</p> <p>Thanks for that - maybe time to prompt them with a wee reminder. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-223679 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 12:07:43 +0000 chdot 223679@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"</p> <p>Sustrans rdmacc<br /> 2 years ago<br /> The anti-motor bike gates on the Fallin path were installed by a housing developer. It was part-funded by a Scottish Government department and to be eligible for the funding, the development had to comply with the Police ‘Secured by Design’ regulations.</p> <p>Stirling Council did argue against these at the time, but were unsuccessful. We understand that once the development is adopted by<br /> Stirling Council (no timescale yet), the gates will be removed and replaced with something more appropriate. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to users, but the situation is not in Sustrans control.</p> <p>We are aware of the poor condition of the Cowie to Fallin section of route and have submitted a bid to secure funding to upgrade it and do tree planting. If successful, the project will be 100% funded. The project was highlighted in a report to CSGN 2 – 3 years ago and we are hopeful that it will be successful.</p> <p>"</p> <p><a href="http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-76#comment-1563259869" rel="nofollow">http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-76#comment-1563259869</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-223676 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 11:57:27 +0000 paddyirish 223676@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>was going to put a new post but searched Fallin and found @Roibeard's entry above- not much has changed.</p> <p>Yesterday I followed NCN routes 764/76 out on Dalgety Bay- Dunfermline-Aloa-Stirling and then back on the South side. Saw the worst cycling infrastructure I've seen yet- a cycle path through Fallin where I had to dismount 5 or 6 times in about a mile. There were gaps too narrow to ride through, massive metal kissing gates and various other unfriendly structures. The only time I've seen anything more obstructive on a route of any description was the series of roadblocks on the border between Derry and Co. Donegal at the height of the troubles. At least the reason for that was sensible and obvious...</p> <p>A couple of miles further on there was a 1-2 miles of seriously rough path (including some singletrack) South of Cowie. Passable on a MTB or just on my cross bike (at cost of a puncture), but would have made mincemeat of a road bike. No warning that this is coming, but all in all better to stick to the main roads to get round these two villages ASAP. </p> <p>On the plus side there were 70 miles plus of cycle paths and quiet roads was great. Was offered a job in Stirling a few years back, but it fell through. Doing this makes me feel that Stirling could be commutable by bike (1-2 days a week) from DB on the North Side if I had to go there for work in the future. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-41680 Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:25:06 +0000 crowriver 41680@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Today's Spokes 'extra' ride went round the Forth. I was hoping to go, but took my son out for the day instead. Ended up watching the Edinburgh Falcons thrashing Heckmondwike down at Redbraes this afternoon... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-41668 Sun, 25 Sep 2011 11:59:28 +0000 chdot 41668@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Opening of new section covered on Radio Scotland Out of Doors.</p> <p><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0151m5q" rel="nofollow">http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0151m5q</a></p> <p>6 days left to listen. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-40512 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:52:55 +0000 splitshift 40512@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Crossing the A876 at Airth was interesting - there is a footbridge with clear signage "footpath closed - use diversion" but no diversion. There didn't appear to be any option apart from going to the roundabout at the Kincardine bridge and then returning on the dual carriageway.<br /> I know all about this ! a wee while back, on a regular/irregular "training ride" ie, just bumming about myself and my friend came across this bridge, built recently, ie last 3or 4 years, about time the new kinky bridge was built. We spotted a serious amount of subsidence around the bridge up rights and went to "investigate ". Turns out that the ramps to and fro the bridge had fallen about a foot and a half each side !!! Armco had twisted, tarmac had split and burst and concrete mounting bolts had sheared and fractured ! This is a serious fail of a new structure, i assume built by the same people who built the main, clackmananshire bridge ! Confidence building , NOT. With a wee bit of shooglin about you could prob have gone via the farm and around to the next crossing at the services roundabout. but local knowledge probably needed. while this area was being, "upgraded" i had an off along here, a set of cones had been placed loosely across one of yhe surrounding roads beside skinflats, I in super confidence mode, at speed rode through the gap between copnes, only to discover that they were linked with thin almost invisible rope ! result.... me on ground and blue string around my forks, cones trailing !!! enjoy ! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-40507 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 01:29:57 +0000 Instography 40507@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Double post ... carry on. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-40506 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 01:29:14 +0000 Instography 40506@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>In 8 years of living here I've never tried. I'll try to go along at the weekend and report back. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-40497 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:51:52 +0000 chdot 40497@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"I might take a ride over there to see if I can't continue on."</p> <p>I think I tried a few years ago, but didn't get any further than the end of the disused railway - you could walk on the shore.</p> <p>"OS maps says yes"</p> <p>If you use <a href="http://m.cyclestreets.net" rel="nofollow">http://m.cyclestreets.net</a> you can toggle between OSM and OS - though it's not the most detailed version. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-40493 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:25:24 +0000 DaveC 40493@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>The route Cyclestreets plans here isn't too good coming out of Charlestown. It sends you up a rough track when the road is much better and very quiet.</em></p> <p>I agree, I've cycled that route and we stayed on the road instead. If you head down into the far end onto West Harbour Road, it it a dead end but a grassy path contnues. I might take a ride over there to see if I can't continue on. OS maps says yes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-40466 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:24:50 +0000 Roibeard 40466@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>DaveC <em>Sounds great Robert. I'd be interested to hear of you're next ride out. Perhaps you'd allow company?</em></p> <p>Our pace was slow - averaging 5 to 6 mph including stops and cruising at maybe 10 or 11 mph on the flat (although we did hit 25+ mph downhill).</p> <p>If folk could cope with that, I'd be happy to give it a try!</p> <p>As mentioned above, Ruth's already asking about our next trip. Perhaps we'll try the 20 milers before our next tour...</p> <p><a href="http://20milers.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://20milers.blogspot.com/</a></p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564&page=2#post-40348 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 22:56:42 +0000 smsm1 40348@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>By pressing the blue + in the top right of the map you can switch to using the OpenCycleMap to see which the national/local cycle routes. In this case it is following the national cycle network. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-40347 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 22:33:35 +0000 Instography 40347@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Can you do that? I'll leave a comment although looking at the turn-by-turn instructions, it's following route 76.</p> <p>I can understand why it routes that way but the track you're sent up - the Rocks Road - is only fun on a mountain bike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-40346 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 22:25:28 +0000 chdot 40346@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"The route Cyclestreets plans here isn't too good coming out of Charlestown."</p> <p>CycleStreets does its best - based on the <a href="http://OSM.org">OSM</a> data. </p> <p>It is probable that the road has been marked as busy and the track surface not described accurately. </p> <p>Perhaps you could have a look and correct it. </p> <p>It takes a few days for CS to catch up with altered/new info. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-40345 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 22:18:54 +0000 Instography 40345@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@DaveC<br /> Cardiac Hill is on the route below - the left turn off the A985 at Pattiesmuir. It's not that bad to go up and its name probably says more about the residents of Limekilns than it does about the hill. I go up it on the middle ring of my MTB although at no speed. Just needs getting intimate with the nose of your saddle to stop the front tipping up.</p> <p>It's a good way of avoiding the worst parts of the A985 heading west. The pavement runs out at Pattiesmuir and the road narrows slightly, removing a gravelly section that at least provides some refuge when trucks pass. Further on there's a wiggly bit of the A985 that even experienced cyclists avoid by cutting through Limekilns and Charlestown, coming out at Waulkmill. </p> <p>The route Cyclestreets plans <a href="http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/1095900/">here</a> isn't too good coming out of Charlestown. It sends you up a rough track when the road is much better and very quiet. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-40285 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:11:06 +0000 crowriver 40285@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>No, I know that hill. It's an off-road path that leads down to Limekilns from the A985. Bit of a hairy descent, but not <em>too</em> bad on the way up assuming you are in the right gear and don't mind going really, really slowly. Much worse hills in Fife: one near Freuchie springs to mind, like climbing a brick wall!</p> <p>Oh and well done Roibeard. I may try that route myself, though probably not on a tandem. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-40272 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:46:10 +0000 Roibeard 40272@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Instography - I think the hill pictured is the one from Rosyth to Dunfermline. We followed the NCN 1 route via Inverkeithing, but this still had quite a hill...</p> <p>I don't think you can avoid them if going to Dunfermline!</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-40265 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:40:44 +0000 DaveC 40265@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Instography, Can you give me aq link to Cyclestreets with cardiac hill please? Is it as bad as the hill up to Crossgates from Dalgety Bay, or East Lomond from Falkland? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-40259 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:35:53 +0000 Instography 40259@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sounds like a nice outing (apart from the bits that sound like an obstacle course). Nice picture above of what is known locally as Cardiac Hill. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-40220 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:06:20 +0000 DaveC 40220@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sounds great Robert. I'd be interested to hear of you're next ride out. Perhaps you'd allow company?</p> <p>Dave C </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-40216 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:54:41 +0000 Roibeard 40216@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>So we managed the outing at the weekend!</p> <p>We took the route proposed, except going to Dunfermline, then to Alloa as recommended above.</p> <p>There's a bit of a hill up to Dunfermline, but grand coming down the other side!</p> <p>We managed to get lost in Pittencrief Park by going in the wrong entrance and discovered that Rex Park was closed to pedestrians and cyclists without any signposted diversions...</p> <p>We were counted in (skewed!) a Sustrans survey at Cambus - the interviewer of course grabbed a couple of pictures, and noted that we were the only tourers in over 3 days of surveying. The section was heavily used by commuters though, including someone who drove from Edinburgh to Dunfermline, then commuted by cycle to Stirling (764/76) daily - 18 miles each way! Anyone here?</p> <p>The 76 on the south side did have a few issues.</p> <p>In Fallin some motorcycle prevention measures were also Pino prevention measures - the usual narrow gap, but with extra bits bolted on at handlebar height which might have been OK on most bikes but not the Pino. Even reared up the handlebars still didn't fit (cf conventional tandem where the handlebars would have been higher) and I had to play Tetris to get through.</p> <p>There were some later building works here with clearly signposted diversions though.</p> <p>The route out of Cowie was little more than a "sheep track", bouncing over rocks and avoiding the overgrown nettles.</p> <p>Crossing the A876 at Airth was interesting - there is a footbridge with clear signage "footpath closed - use diversion" but no diversion. There didn't appear to be any option apart from going to the roundabout at the Kincardine bridge and then returning on the dual carriageway. We didn't fancy that, so we entered the building site, crossed the footbridge and let ourselves out of the temporary fencing. Now I know why touring cyclists recommend the inclusion of an adjustable spanner in their kit!</p> <p>The route into Bo'ness is equally interesting - you're on a back road, then suddenly come upon some steps on the other side of the road. Yes, this marks the start of the cycle route past Kinneil House. Ruth complained about the mountain biking at this stage - mud path, roots, avoiding trees (see above re width of Pino!).</p> <p>The new section between Blackness and Hopetoun House (officially to open on 20th September) was fun - wooded but a good quality path. We got snapped by a photographer here as we shot passed - hopefully he got a good action sequence!</p> <p>However the deer gates at Hopetoun were a pain - the westerly one was worse than the one pictured, because there was much less room in the stile. I couldn't even roll the reared up Pino, instead having to hop it sideways.</p> <p>For what it's worth, I'll alert Sustrans, but I know they rely on local authorities to actually provide and maintain the routes.</p> <p>We were stopped for our final chocolate on the Union Canal and I sat smugly watching the passing cyclists - thinking "how far have they gone today?" - when a couple on solo bikes shot past with a cheery greeting. He was towing a two wheeled trailer with <em>everything</em> on it - they were clearly camping, not just credit card touring like us, which soon wiped out the smugness!</p> <p>Ruth has already asked when our next outing will be, but I hadn't dared plan it until completing this one!</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-37488 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 22:16:07 +0000 kaputnik 37488@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@roibeard yes I think it will go through the gate OK on it's rear wheel. The recumbent and my big-wheeled tourer went through the same way.</p> <p>And if Mrs Roibeard likes the country houeses, then definitely go the bits of 76 this side of the Forth as you'll get Hopetoun and Dalmeny chalked off. And you go past House of the Binns so you might want to swing in there and pay Red Tam Dalzell a visit! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-37485 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:59:51 +0000 Roibeard 37485@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The 76 is now routed via the woodland on the shore, rather than joining the canal at Philpstoun. As the wife enjoys big country houses, we were quite looking forward to passing through the grounds of Hopetoun House.</p> <p>I thought we might take the 76 all the way back to Queensferry, before following the railway path to Newbridge via Dalmeny.</p> <p>We did take the tandem along the Braidburn paths and then back along the path from Buckstone to Mortonhall.</p> <p>Perhaps we're abusing the Pino, but it managed the mud grand! A few miles of unsurfaced tracks wouldn't be too bad...</p> <p>As for the gate, it may just fit if reared up. (?)</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-37481 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:11:52 +0000 kaputnik 37481@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Roibeard - gate is at Hopetoun house, so if you take canal from around Winchburgh back to town you will miss it. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-37478 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 20:34:05 +0000 Roibeard 37478@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That gate's going to be difficult - yes, the Pino is a bit shorter than a "normal" tandem, but that's taking the mickey...</p> <p>Anyone know if it's still there - bit of a long shot since the photo was only from February!</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3564#post-37467 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 17:06:15 +0000 LaidBack 37467@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em> I do remember the men with guns stopping shortcut through naval base.</em> ; - ) </p>