Inchcolm Island Landing Trip

Maid of the Forth - Sightseeing Cruise

Available until 31 August 2025

Inchcolm Island Landing Trip - Explore on one of Edinburgh's best historical boat trips

Maid of The Forth's 3 hour Inchcolm Landing trip not only includes our 90 minute sightseeing cruise, but also a visit to Inchcolm. You will have a 90 minute stop on the island to explore at your own pace before the boat picks you up to resume the remainder of the cruise.

Enjoy the remarkable 12th century Inchcolm Abbey, ascend the narrow spiral staircase to the bell tower for panoramic views of the island, or experience the Hermit's Cell where King Alexander sought refuge after being shipwrecked.

Edinburgh's Rich History

In addition to its sacred historical ruins and abbey, Inchcolm boats numerous wartime fortifications for visitors to discover. These include old lookout and searchlight posts, artillery gun emplacements and a preserved ammunition tunnel that runs through the island and remains accessible to the public.

Furthermore, Inchcolm offers two beaches where visitors can unwind, take in the stunning vistas of the Fife Coast and Edinburgh Skyline, or just soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

While well behaved dogs are welcomed on the island, they must remain on a leash to safeguard the abundant wildlife.

What to expect on board

Full Bar
Toilets
Outdoor Viewing Deck
Indoor Viewing Deck

Location

Hawes Pier,
South Queensferry,
EH30 9TB

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Find Us

By car:

There is a free car park along the seafront in South Queensferry, the postcode for your GPS is EH30 9TB. There is also additional free on-street parking all the way up Hawes Brae. The town does get very busy in good weather and weekends/public holidays so we always advise that you allow plenty time to find a space and make your way to the pier. There is additional free parking up at Forth Bridges View Point car park and at the Ferry Muir shopping centre near the Forth Road Bridge.

By bus:

From St Andrew Square (North Side)43 /x43 Lothian Country service leaves every 20 mins weekdays Monday-Saturday 30 mins Sunday (Journey Time is approx 40 mins), get off the bus at the Police Station (bottom of hill) and it is a short 15 mins walk along the historic High Street of South Queensferry to the Hawes Pier.

By train:

From Edinburgh Waverley to Dalmeny Station (South Queensferry), Trains every 30 mins or less and a journey time of only 20 mins. Then it is a short 10 min walk down the path from the station to the Hawes Pier under the Forth Rail Bridge.

More Info

Where is The Forth?

The River Forth is in central Scotland, 47 km (29 mi) long, which drains into the North Sea on the east coast of the country. Its drainage basin covers much of Stirlingshire in Scotland 's Central Belt.

What Should I wear on my Maid of the forth trip?

Wrap up if you're coming in the winter!

Whether it’s a beanie hat, full-on flapper or hunting style hat, keeping your head warm is a must in the dead of winter. You’ll want both to be a tight fit. There are hats that cover the neck as well.

A good pair of gloves is an essential winter clothing item. Many people suffer from cold hands in winter and dismiss it as poor circulation. The best way to combat this is to wear gloves. And on a boat, waterproof gloves are essential.

A well-insulated coat is essential. You will want a coat that offers watertight, breathable material, it keeps you warm without the discomfort of sweating. Lightweight and durable are features to look for. Fleece lining for warmth can really help keep you warm but allows air circulation to prevent perspiration.

Be sure to layer clothes to be able to effectively regulate body temperature! Adding or removing layers gives you options depending on the temperature. Thermal underwear is the ultimate starting point for l

Inchcolm Island Landing Trip

Maid of the Forth - Sightseeing Cruise