Our journey on the atmospheric Bo'ness & Kinneil
Railway allows us to relive a bygone era of steam-powered
rail travel. Unlike many other heritage railways though,
the Bo'ness & Kinneil has actually been
rebuilt in a similar area to the original line, with buildings
sourced from around the country, rather than a preserved line where
the original stations were left intact. The train leaves from the
station at Bo'ness, and runs alongside the vast Firth of Forth as
it continues westwards. Across the clear blue waters, there are
views out to the Ochil Hills. We then arrive at Kinneil Halt, a
small station overlooked by green woodlands.
Continuing our journey, we begin an ascent into the woods, then
gradually make our way inland past the increasingly rural scenery.
After continuing through farmland fields, we reach the restored
station at Birkhill. From here the line continues southwards,
passing through a wooded cutting. With views across to Linlithgow,
the train crosses the impressive viaduct that spans the Avon gorge.
After running through a final stretch of open countryside, the
train reaches Manuel Junction, which is the railway's current
teminus, some five miles from Bo'ness.