From "eh?" to 'aye!': All Aboard!

My newest favourite recommendation of a great day out near Edinburgh is a trip out to Inchcolm Island to explore its Abbey and World War II defences, and admire the magnificent Forth Rail Bridge on your journey there and back. Matthew and I went out on a beautiful (but cold!) October day and I definitely would like to go back again! The boat ride out has commentary on all the islands in the River Forth and how they were used for defensive purposes during WWII (you can still see the defenses), and the boat's leisurely pace allows you to really take in and admire the massive Forth Bridge and to get up close enough to admire some of its 6,500,000 rivets!

Once we had arrived at Inchcolm we disembarked, found a sunny spot against one of the Abbey's walls, and ate our picnic while taking in Edinburgh's impressive skyline from across the water. Then came the truly fun part - poking about the Abbey from its highest height to its sandy beaches and into the nearby Hermit's House. We even found Matthew a Viking!

The red Forth Rail Bridge with the road bridge to the left.

Our boat and the bridge.

Matthew finds a very accessible seal to hang out with under the Forth Rail Bridge.

Our lovely 'cruise' ship. :)

Detail of the Forth Rail Bridge. The Victorians knew what they were doing! You can see the train track going through one of the double cantilevers.

Started in 1883 and completed in 1890 the Bridge is still a marvel of engineering.

A close-up of one of the double cantilevers which not only give the bridge its strength, but its beauty.

In sight of our destination!

Disembarking and approaching the Abbey.

Edinburgh's famous landmarks as seen from Inchcolm. At the left is Arthur's Seat, with several church spires punctuating the Royal Mile before reaching Edinburgh Castle on the right.