Public transport meets active travel for a great museum adventure

I don’t drive, and even if I could we all need to use cars less and embrace the world of public transport and active travel wherever possible – for our health, and that of the planet. Up until a few years ago I couldn’t even cycle but determined to find some independence in adventuring I started to learn and build my confidence. I’m still not great at busy roads or distance though, so when I heard about the Inner Forth Bike Bus, I just had to try it.

The Inner Forth Bike Bus is a free service which runs every Sunday between April and the end of October. It has a clockwise and anticlockwise route covering eleven stops around the Inner Forth region.

Perhaps most excitingly, for me at least, there are 16 museums and galleries only a short wheel or walk from its many stops. So, I decided to plan a museum adventure for World Car Free Day, and nothing seemed more appropriate than the Museum of Scottish Railways.

I began the day, with my husband as navigator, by taking the bikes on the Edinburgh Tram to Waverly train station. Next up was strapping the bikes into their space on the Scotrail service to Linlithgow. Before we knew it, we were at the bus stop for the bike bus and could see the bus and its bike trailer appearing over the horizon. Soon our bikes were up on the trailer and secured for the next leg of our journey. Our driver was so helpful with the bikes and told us all about the area and things to see and do here.

We arrived at Bo’ness in no time at all and the bike bus driver helped us to unload our bikes and checked we were happy with where we were going. Less than a two-minute walk or wheel and you arrive at the Museum of Scottish Railways and Bo’ness-Kenneil Railway, where we were lucky enough to be greeted by one of their wonderful volunteers, Chris.

Chris gave us a tour of all things biodiversity. The range of flora and fauna on old industrial ground never ceases to amaze me. Mosses, lichens, slugs, snails, centipedes, countless species of bird, tree and flowers and even a stoat! We took a look at the bird boxes that have been installed and some of the work their youth group has been doing on planters and insect hotels too.

Next, we got to take a ride on the Bo’ness to Kinneil railway. The driver told us all about the buzzards that follow the train in the morning as the vibrations send the mice scurrying. We also had a fascinating talk about the biofuel that the heritage railway is helping to test to replace their coal. A quick trip to see the solar panels on the museum roof, explore the museum and its collections, see the brand new Scotrail Hydrogen Train Project and soon it was time for lunch at the Station Buffet. One of my favourite things in the museum was all the old bikes on wagons and in carriages. Our day followed a long tradition of combining both railways and cycling to explore.

The cheese scones at the Station Buffet were so good that we decided to cycle to South Queensferry rather than pick up the bike bus for our return leg. Although it was reassuring to know it was an option! We reached South Queensferry via the National Cycle Network Route 76 which took us along the coast and through beautiful woodland where we saw oystercatchers, heron and shell ducks. The plan was to have a quick cup of tea and catch the train home, but we felt so fueled by those cheese scones that we decided to keep following Route 76 all the way round the coast to Edinburgh. Afterall, it goes straight past Blackness Castle and Hopeton House, and we do love an extra bit of history on an adventure.

As Route 7 approaches Edinburgh it turns to Route 1 which took us straight along by Wardie Bay. There was nothing for it except to end our adventure with a quick sea swim to ease aching legs from our fabulous day of adventure.

Cycling is a great way to explore Scotland and its museums. But on a day when you’re tired or the weather turns, it’s always reassuring to know there are trains and bike buses that can help you out.