Forwarding this for a friend. Any replies gratefully received:
Is it possible to cycle along the coast between the following places. I’ve got kids and don’t want to go onto main roads (or any roads if I can avoid it). I know there are paths between these locations but are they suitable for cycling (without having to carry the bikes).
Bo’Ness – Blackness
Blackness to South Queensferry
South Queensferry to those beaches at Hound Point.
Have you had a look at the Sutrans site? That shows [i]some[/i] cycle track...
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sRegion=Scotland&map.x=-3.53372701417615&map.y=55.960720246839&bLarge=&nZoom=4&sPan=N
Bo'ness to Blackness via the Foreshore path definitely passable on MTB. Friend has done it with tag-a-long. Not ideal with very young kids on their own bikes as it will involve some carrying for them (too bumpy). Adults/older kids shouldn't need to carry bikes.
Blackness to S. Qfry via the Hopetoun Estate should be passable along the foreshore path (someone told me recently that there are fallen trees etc - so bear this in mind if going with kids trailers, also ) although the official cycle route takes you away from the shore and via Abercorn. Have heard of people being "discouraged" from using that route by the estate.
S'Qfy to Hound Point - completely doable even on a hybrid bike. Depending where you start will need to cross S'Qfy town centre which does have crazy tourist traffic.
Would suggest recce-ing without kids first to see what you think they can manage depending on bikes/skills/age/distance etc.