TRAIN: Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, West Lothian
Lothian locomotion
Hop aboard a heritage train and journey along the bucolic banks of the River Forth before discovering one of the finest railway museums in the country, promises Fergal MacErlean
Volunteers of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society began development on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway in 1979. Today, the nostalgic steam and heritage diesel trains delight visitors as they chug for 10 miles beside the estuarine River Forth.
With several stops along the way, this journey through open countryside and woods of oak, ash, hazel and wild cherry evokes feelings of yesteryear.
After Birkhill, there is a lofty sensation as the train crosses the Avon Viaduct, with views over West Lothian and towards Edinburgh; the masonry viaduct is 105m long and almost 21m high.
Back at the start point in the riverside village of Bo’ness, visit the Museum of Scottish Railways and learn more about the restored line. Filled with interactive displays and old rolling stock, you can get a discounted entry when you buy a train ticket (adult, £13).
Fergal MacErlean is an outdoor writer who loves exploring Scotland on foot.