A range of new day-long walks and cycle routes drawn up to help outdoor enthusiasts explore the landscape and heritage of the Inner Forth has been launched.
The eight trails, along with a larger Round the Forth route, have been launched by the Inner Forth Futures partnership of local authorities and national organisations.
The aim is to promote existing paths and tracks more widely to encourage local people and visitors to the area.
Called the Inner Forth Wanderings and Windings, the routes range from 11-mile rambles to a challenging on-and off-road 76-mile long cycle, taking in nature hotspots, historic buildings, riverside views, cultural landmarks and places to escape from the bustle of urban life.
The project was made possible by National Lottery players, as the partnership received a National Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £47,000 towards the initiative.
Members of the public also took part in 12 sessions held in 10 locations around the area which allowed people to share their knowledge and experience.
A project spokesman said: “They told us about their favourite places, routes, views and pitstops; the muddy paths, overgrown tracks and busy rat-runs to avoid; and how Wanderings and Windings might work together with existing and new trails around the area to help create a network of routes that could make the Inner Forth one of the best places in Scotland for walking and cycling.
“People also helped feed into the process by joining our Wanderings and Windings Facebook group.
“Our thanks go to the many, many people who have helped us get to this stage.
“Their input has been crucial to the project, and we are extremely grateful to all of them.”
Trail guides for the routes, plus the Round the Forth route, incorporating elements from all the trails, are available to download free from the www.innerforthlandscape.co.uk page, along with GPX files to help people navigate the routes from their smart phone or GPS devices.
Inner Forth Futures consists of a partnership of Fife, Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, plus Scottish Natural Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, Sustrans and the Central Scotland Green Network Trust.
