Kinneil (Local) Nature Reserve (also called Kinneil Foreshore) is a former industrial site which has been transformed into a coastal parkland. It stretches from Snab Lane (at the western end of Bo’ness) to Bo’ness Harbour. You’ll find walking and cycle routes, picnic benches and stunning views. The site is also a stopping off point for the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway.
The site was once home to Kinneil Colliery – the last pit in the town. The area was also home to the Bo’ness Distillery and some of the local saltpans. Over four decades it has been sensitively restored with miles of new paths and acres of trees and plants.
Click the picture links below to find out about key attractions. You’ll also find stories about the nature reserve in our News section .
You’ll find more images of Kinneil Nature Reserve in our gallery here.
GET INVOLVED!
Kinneil Nature Reserve is managed by Falkirk Council, working with the charity The Friends of Kinneil. If you’d like to volunteer to get involved in activities at the Nature Reserve, please get in touch.
Kinneil Nature Reserve is part of the Firth of Forth Special Protected Area. The area is internationally important for breeding and overwintering birds.
Native tree species like alder, willow, Scots Pine and birch have been planted over the site – as they are toilerant of poor soils and the harsh, coastal conditions. Bramble and sea-buckthorn have also been established. The meadow areas are also being encouraged and managed.
Local residents talked about Kinneil Foreshore/Nature Reserve – and the nearby Kinneil Estate – in a film, produced by The Friends of Kinneil, as part of a community consultation. Watch the film here
KEY NATURE RESERVE STORIES ON THIS WEBSITE:
- Bid to attract visitors to Estate and Nature Reserve
- Bo’ness foundry makes markers for Kinneil
- Scotsman praise for Kinneil
- Kinneil foreshore now local nature reserve
- Greenspace work wins national award
MAP AND DIRECTIONS
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Kinneil Foreshore / Nature Reserve is on the north west edge of Bo’ness in central Scotland, just off the A904. If you’re travelling from other parts of central Scotland, use the M9 motorway and take the exits to Bo’ness.
PARKING: You can park for free at Snab Lane (EH51 0PS), at Kinneil Road (EH51 0PS), and at Corbiehall, by the Corbie Inn (EH51 0PS). There are also larger car parks beside Bo’ness town centre (with path links to the Nature Reserve). They are located off Seaview Place (EH51 0PS) and Memorial Drive/Union Street (EH51 9AQ). Nearest postcodes are in brackets.
You can also park at Kinneil Estate and walk to the foreshore. Follow the John Muir Way signs out of the Estate, walking northwards to the River Forth. It will take around 15 minutes.
FOOD AND DRINK: The Corbie Inn is right beside one of the car parks leading to the Nature Reserve. There are also more cafes and restaurants within Bo’ness town centre.
FACILITIES FOR VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES: In recent years, paths have been widened and vegetation cut back to make the site more accessible for people with disabilities and those with scooters, prams and pushchairs.
RAIL LINKS: The nearest mainline train station is Linlithgow (the next town). Visitors to the Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Railway (run by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society) can stop off at the “Kinneil Halt” to explore the nature reserve or walk to Kinneil Estate.
BUS LINKS: Linlithgow Rail Station and neighbouring towns have good bus connections with Bo’ness.
Kinneil 
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