Forest bathing at Dalmeny Estate Shore Walk

The Dalmeny Estate stretches along the southern shore of the Firth of Forth between South Queensferry and Cramond, and the John Muir Way runs through it on quiet estate lanes, tracks and a well-made woodland path. The trees run close to the shore, with glimpses of the water, Inchcolm Island and the Forth bridges between them. Along the way you pass Dalmeny House, built in 1817, and Barnbougle Castle, which is not open to the public.

Most people start in South Queensferry at Hawes Pier or Dalmeny station and enter the estate by the gate at Longcraig Pier. The first stretch of woodland, as far as Dalmeny House, is about four kilometres, which makes a good out-and-back walk for a slow morning. Beyond the house the route skirts the golf course and the shore; you can carry on to Cramond Brig and take a bus back. The path is good underfoot in the woods but can be wet in places. This is private estate land with public access, so keep to the paths.