Hop on the Inner Forth Bike Bus and discover some of the area’s hidden heritage, wildlife and beautiful landscapes while enjoying a more sustainable day out.
The Inner Forth Bike Bus. Credit: Markus Stitz for Inner Forth Futures (2025)
The Inner Forth is full of places to discover, from historic castles and former industrial sites to wetlands, woodland and spectacular views across the Forth.
Now, there’s a different way to explore it.
The Inner Forth Bike Bus is back for its third season, giving walkers and cyclists the chance to travel around the Inner Forth by bus, before hopping off to explore by bike or on foot.
Running every Sunday until 27th September 2026, the service travels between Alloa and the Forth Bridges, with stops along the Round the Inner Forth route. This section of National Cycle Network Route 76 was rebranded as the Round the Inner Forth route by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Climate FORTH in 2024.
A different way to explore the Inner Forth
The idea is simple. Bring your bike on the bus, or simply hop on as a walker, and travel to another part of the Inner Forth to start your adventure.
You can then cycle or walk back to where you started, or catch the Bike Bus again for the return journey.
With space for up to 14 passengers and a trailer carrying up to 12 standard bicycles, there’s plenty of opportunity to leave the car at home and explore somewhere new.
And because the bus is free to use, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, it’s an easy way to discover more of the area while travelling sustainably.
The Queensferry Crossing. Credit: Lesley Martin
Discover the Round the Inner Forth route
The Round the Inner Forth route follows NCN 76 around the Forth, connecting communities with some of the area's most interesting places.
Along the way, you can discover Blackness Castle, Culross, RSPB Black Devon Wetlands, The Kelpies and Stirling Castle, as well as plenty of quieter spots to stop, explore and enjoy the landscape.
NCN Route 764, the West Fife Way, runs between Dunfermline and Clackmannan, while NCN Route 765 takes you through Stirling towards the historic settlements of Bridge of Allan, Dunblane and Doune.
For a shorter, family-friendly adventure, NCN Route 767 follows a fully traffic-free former railway line between Alloa, Tillicoultry and Dollar. You can jump off the Bike Bus in Alloa to join the route.
Bo'Ness Shore. Credit: Michael Kelly/Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Make the most of your journey
The Bike Bus isn't just a way to get from one place to another. It's an opportunity to slow down and explore somewhere you might not normally visit.
You'll also be joined by friendly guides from Little Scottish Treasures, who know the Inner Forth inside out and can share stories about its heritage, as well as recommendations for some of the best places to stop for coffee or lunch along the way.
And if you're looking for an extra challenge, why not try the new Round the Forth Passport activity while you're out exploring?
There are nine heritage sites to discover, with brass rubbings to collect at each location. You can try to visit them all in one day or spread your visits across a few weekends and make a series of day trips.
Whether you’re cycling, walking or simply looking for somewhere new to explore, the Inner Forth Bike Bus makes it easier to discover more of this fascinating part of Scotland.
