A newly branded National Cycle Network has been launched to encourage more visitors to travel sustainably around the Inner Forth area.

‘Round the Inner Forth’ was launched on Monday, March 18. It is a 70-mile circular trail which follows National Cycle Network Route 76 along the shores of the Inner Forth. It starts at the Forth Bridges, and travels through impressive landscapes to Culross, before returning back via Blackness.

A colourful new logo and signage, which alludes to the rich built and natural heritage of the Inner Forth, has been created.

In addition to the new branding, visitors can access a two-day tour itinerary and six meticulously crafted day trips, complete with accompanying maps. These can be viewed at Visit Scotland’s website and Sustrans’ website.

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Caroline Warburton, Destination Development Director at VisitScotland, said: “The Round the Inner Forth Route is a fantastic way for cyclists of all abilities to explore the dramatic views and interesting towns and villages of the Firth of Forth, and to do this at their own pace.

“Cycling has always been a popular activity for visitors and our hosting of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has brought further global attention to Scotland as a leading cycling destination.

"This will help encourage visitors and locals alike to get on their bikes and experience the hidden gems that make the area such a unique and special place. The route also benefits from being hugely accessible from Dunfermline."

The rebrand has been led by Climate FORTH (Furthering Our Resilience Through Heritage) in conjunction with Sustrans Scotland, one of the organisations making up the Inner Forth Futures partnership. 

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James Stead, project manager for Climate FORTH, said: “It’s an exciting time in the Climate FORTH project to see the launch of the Round the Inner Forth route - benefitting local communities, visitors to the area and local businesses. 

"The new identity of the route allows cyclists and walkers many opportunities to explore what the Inner Forth has to offer, in a sustainable way. 

“We look forward to hearing how people have explored the lesser-known heritage of the region through this route and our biggest thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, players of the National Lottery and to Sustrans Scotland for providing vital funding to make this vision become a reality.”

Cosmo Blake, principal network development manager for Sustrans Scotland, added: “We are delighted to launch Round the Inner Forth in partnership with Climate FORTH.

"As well as creating a new brand identity, we hope the six new cycling day trips and directional signage will encourage more people to make sustainable choices when exploring the Inner Forth estuary.”