Blackness Castle and Shoreline

This is a Member Led Event with a maximum of 8 participants led by Viv Cotton, ARPS.

Blackness is a small village (less than 150 residents) on the shores of the Firth of Forth.  It was established sometime around the 12th century to serve as a port for the larger settlement at Linlithgow. However, it was superseded by the larger port at Bo’ness and fell into disuse in the 17th century. Today it is a quiet village with the Blackness Boat Club using the bay for small yachts, but it sees significant visitor traffic to Blackness Castle. The castle is particularly popular with the “Outlander” tourists who want to see where the famous scene of Jaimie being whipped by Randall was filmed.

There are photographic opportunities with the pier (usually a saltire flying at the end of it); yachts and any large boats/ships on the Firth of Forth. Blackness Castle, the Doocot and the Forth Bridges can also be seen in the distance. There are also views across to the cranes at Crombie on the north shore. Seabirds do fly around although they tend to be more prevalent at a low tide.

Those who wish to take some time out in the afternoon and visit the interior of the castle are welcome to do so, tickets can be purchased in advance via the Historic Environment Scotland website.

Finish is at 16:00. 

Parking:  Parking can be a challenge in Blackness; however, are two small car parks to the east and the west, as you arrive in the main square. There may also be some limited in street car parking. Please park with consideration for the residents.

There is a car park at the castle but this is restricted to those who visit the castle.

Toilets: There are toilets in Blackness, they are in the center, just below The Lobster Pot.

Terrain: This walk will be on a mixture of terrain ranging from shingle beaches, stone pier to grass/earth tracks as well as tarmac paths/road. There are steps to the beach, and to the area behind Blackness Castle. There is a short steepish slope up the remains of the chapel.

What to wear: suitable outdoor clothing for the weather, including waterproof jacket (just in case), walking shoes or boots.

What to bring: a standard zoom, wide-angle lens(es), maybe a longer zoom.  A tripod, ideally with a remote shutter release, and filters are recommended especially if wanting to dabble with long exposure images.

Advice: This is a member-lead event, simply to introduce you to a location, with no professional guidance. If you have a technical query, the leader may be willing to help.