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Written by Marcus Dawson - 22 Dec 2003
last update by David Hansen - 18 Feb 2004
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Location notes
On the main Edinburgh to the north (Aberdeen, Perth and Inverness)
Railway type and traffic
Some local passenger services consisting of multiple units. East Coast services heading for the Far North and some MGR trains to Longannet power station.

[DH] - There is a 40mph permanent speed restriction across the bridge, with 50mph allowed for certain classes of train (which includes all passenger trains). There were lower restrictions in place until perhaps a decade ago, but when the special Forth Bridge rail was replaced with CWR the limits were raised. The 20mph speed limit is for wrong line working (the line has always been signalled for bi-directional working). The reason is for the safety of people working on the bridge, as this is when bi-directional working is used. On Sunday mornings one line or the other is closed to allow for maintenance.
Link to Real Time Trains
RTT Link South Queensferry
This link should be close to the location, but may not be the actual location so please check the page. This link will take you to what is happening 'around now'. Dates and times can be changed at the top of the page.
Environment
Rural Scotland. Given the waterside location the weather can be quite severe. Warm clothing is recommended as the conditions can change quite quickly.
Road directions
From the A90 come off at the junction before the Forth road bridge and travel along the A9000 Ferrtmuir Road to the roundabout. Take the first exit (left turn). Continue along this road until you reach the High Street (any further and you are in the water!) and turn right. You will pass the second location at the pay and display car parks. Once you come under the bridge there is a small road branches off to the left. This will take you to the first location.

Click here to set up your location for directions to this location

South Queensferry map co-ordinates
Parking
There is parking at the first location for one or two cars or there is pay and display car parks in the town. The first location is a short walk from the car parks.
Public transport
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
None at the first location, but shops and cafes in the town.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
South Queensferry

Googly map
Streetmap links
South Queensferry general view map
South Queensferry close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
South Queensferry



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Railway Gen Group
scot-rail.co.uk
Photographic notes
One of the most well know sights in Scotland. The Forth rail bridge is a huge landmark, the structure itself is often the subject of the photograph with passing trains adding interest. Sadly the bridge is currently obscured with scaffolding. But there are still many opportunities to take pictures without this being obtrusive. There is nothing to cast shadows on the bridge so face west in the morning and east in the afternoon. Given the distance from location to subject telephoto lenses are also recommended for close up pictures of the trains, or wide if the bridge is your focal point. It is also worth noting that the bridge is bi-directional, trains can go north or south on either side.

Extra Video Notes
Given the very slow line speed across the bridge it is possible for trains to take a couple of minutes to traverse the bridge. A sturdy tripod is a must for steady shots of passing trains, and a fluid head for panning shots.
Links to photographs at this location

Rail-net - UK tour 2003


General views - All photographs © Marcus Dawson unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north west


Fig 1 - Looking north west

Showing the length of the bridge to good effect, this shot was taken from the track leading to the first location, you can not see much more than the roof of passing trains from here.

Fig 2 - Looking north west


Fig 2 - Looking north west

A southbound train heads in the Edinburgh direction, the after emerging from the main structure trains have to pass over a smaller viaduct section. Here you can see the side of trains.

Fig 3 - Looking north west


Fig 3 - Looking north west

A closer view from the same location in fig 2

Fig 4 - Looking north west


Fig 4 - Looking north west

From slightly further along the track in fig 1 you can see more of passing trains.

Fig 5 - Looking north east



Fig 5 - Looking north east

Another overall view of the structure, this time from the west side.

Fig 6 - Looking north east



Fig 6 - Looking north east

The view of a south bound train.

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