We are the Balerno Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Josephine B.
Blackness / Hopetoun Circular
Start: Wednesday 10 September 2025 9:10 for 9:15 departure
Estimated Finish: 2.30pm
Get in touch about this walk: Josephine B
Text or WhatsApp 07941041660
Meet at Currie library carpark at 9:10am for a 9:15am start or meet at Blackness ready to start walking at 9.45am. Parking at sea front or in front of toilets on left (sadly now closed). Parking is limited so car sharing is advised.
Currie Library, Edinburgh 210 Lanark Road West, Currie EH14 5NX · what3words ///hops.count.news
Grid reference: NT 18128 67782
Starting point Blackness Village
Grid reference: NT 1813667782 Nearest postcode: EH49 7NL What3words: jump.exile.advice
Start time: 9:45am
C Walk 7 miles Minimal ascent.
Overview
A beautiful circular walk from Blackness Castle into woodlands, entering Hopetoun Estate and returning along the John Muir Way. Excellent sea views.
We walk to Blackness Castle (which has toilets) and then go up a grassy slope to chapel ruins, and then along the coast. We cross the Back Burn and enter Wester Shore Wood. Following the woodland path, we have good views over to Fife. We will explore the Abercorn churchyard with its ancient headstones depicting various trades. We return via the John Muir Way back to Blackness Castle.
Directions:
From Currie library Carpark drive to the Calder roundabout and take the first exit to M8/M9. Follow signs to Stirling, initially on M8 and then on M9 signposted Stirling. Leave the M9 at Junction 3 to Bo’ness. At the T junction only 100 yards from your exit, turn right onto A803 signposted Blackness Castle. Then take second turning on right also signposted Blackness Castle and drive the 2 miles on that road leading to Blackness Village. There is parking at the sea front in designated spaces and others in front of the toilets (closed) and hotel.
Walking is mainly on paths, but boots, gaiters and poles (if you use them) are recommended.
PD: £4.40 ITD: £1.00
We regret that no dogs are allowed on our walks.
Quoted finishing times are rough estimates and should not be relied upon.
