Alloa Swing Bridge (2.7 miles)
This was the first rail crossing of the Forth and it began carrying trains in 1885 - several years before its more illustrious counterpart further downstream. The Alloa Swing Bridge was 550 yards long and opened in the middle to allow shipping through. It fell out of use in 1968 and was partially demolished three years later. All the piers still stand, showing the exact path the bridge took across the river.
Start at Caledonia Campus which is situated at the western edge of Alloa just off the A907 on a road called The Pavilions. Follow the tarred single-track route which does a quick double-back then heads towards the river. Only farm vehicles may drive on this road. After a quarter of a mile walking on the straight section, the road is bisected by the old railway trackbed. Branch right here on to the grassy remains of the line.
It is almost a mile to the bridge but the going is fairly easy with no major overgrowth to negotiate. In fact, sheep sometimes graze here and they have no doubt kept the vegetation down over the years. To your right across the river you can see the rows of huts at the old Bandeath munitions depot. Eventually we reach the bridge abutment and the elevation provides a nice overview of the piers in the water. You can scramble down to the riverbank for a closer look at the structures. Walk back by the same route.
