Forth Bridge Abseil

To keep everyone safe participants must meet the below equipment requirements

Harness size:

• Minimum Height – 140cm high
• Maximum Height – 200cm
• Maximum Waist – 120cm
• Maximum Thigh – 75cm

Helmet Size: Head circumference: 48-61 cm

Maximum Weight: 18 Stone / 114.3kg

Although we will try our best to accommodate those with special requirements, the health and safety of our participants is our paramount concern and sometimes it is not possible for all participants to abseil. We reserve the right to make this decision at any point on a case by case basis, even if we initially thought it possible for an individual to abseil. To get in touch and discuss any queries, please call us on 0131 297 2750 during office hours.

We work very hard to make the Forth Bridge Abseil as accessible as possible, however, if you are aware of any pre-existing medical conditions/history which could in any way affect your ability to take part safely in the event, including climbing up to the abseil point and abseiling itself, it is essential that you seek advice from your doctor. You then must only take part in the event if you have been advised by your doctor that it is safe for you to participate. You must also communicate any relevant medical information as soon as possible ahead of the event.

In order for you to access the abseil point on the day, most participants must be able to climb stairways to the bridge platform (a total of 50m accent from the registration point).

We can make some limited arrangements for participants who might have difficulty climbing stairs, if you can foresee any issues with this or any other aspects of the abseil, it is important you contact us before you start fundraising to confirm we can make the necessary arrangements on the day.

• Are you able to climb up 6 x flights of stairs and walk 200m unaided? Please see photo 1 and photo 2 for stair images.
• Are you able to climb over a fence stile unaided? (this is just to gauge if people have the mobility to swing their leg over the railings)
• Are you able to sit upright unsupported? (this is to check core strength, although we have full body harnesses its just to try and capture people that may have a disability that may result in them assuming a more unusual body position on the way down)

Once reviewing the mobility requirements above if you have any concerns, please get in touch about alternative arrangements that can be provided. Although we will try our best to accommodate those with special requirements, the health and safety of our participants is our paramount concern and sometimes it is not possible for all participants to abseil. We reserve the right to make this decision at any point on a case by case basis, even if we initially thought it possible for an individual to abseil. To get in touch and discuss any queries, please call us on 0131 297 2750 during office hours.

The Forth Bridge Abseil event is based out of The Hawes Inn in South Queensferry – it’s the historic inn directly under the south/Edinburgh side of the bridge. The abseil is held off the rail bridge (the very famous red bridge!)

Come to The Hawes Inn, 7 Newhalls Road, South Queensferry, EH30 9TA – View on Google Maps.

Please arrive at The Hawes Inn 30mins before your assigned abseil time.

We strongly encourage participants to make use of public transport to get to and from the event.

However, if travelling by car, please do not park in the Hawes Inn Car Park. Instead, we recommend parking:

• On the left-hand side of Hawes Brae as you go UP the hill.

PLEASE NOTE ANY CARS PARKED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF HAWES BRAE (I.E., ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE HILL) RISK BEING TOWED AND FINED BY PARKING REINFORCEMENT.

• Forth Bridges Viewpoint Car Park on Newhalls Rd, South Queensferry.

Inclement weather does not usually cause any problems and the event will run as usual in all but the most severe weather. If there is the possibility of a cancellation/postponement, we would post details on the abseil event webpage – if you provided a mobile phone number during registration, we will also send a text message to you with further information.

Yes – in order to take part in the Forth Bridge Abseil, you must sign up in advance. Places can sell out quickly, so don’t wait too long to sign up. It is not possible to sign up on the day of the abseil itself.

Sign Up

If there’s a group of 2 or more of you abseiling at the same event, it is important you call us ASAP after you have registered to take part on 013129 72750 if you would like to abseil at the same time. Although we will try our best to enable groups to abseil together, we can’t guarantee this is possible in every instance. The earlier you call us to arrange this, the more likely we will be able to help and if you call us in the 4 weeks immediately before the event, it is unlikely we’ll be able to enable groups to abseil together, as the event is very full at this stage. Remember, contact us on 013129 72750 to discuss your specific request.

Yes you can – this is something which many groups find helpful to their fundraising and makes it even more fun. To work out your team target, simply add together all your individual targets. You can also set up a team online fundraising page with Just Giving.

Create a page

No previous experience is needed to take part it’s suitable for everyone 18 years old or over. Our team of highly skilled instructors will ensure you are safely equipped with everything you need to make your abseil safe and enjoyable.

If you have any questions, give us a call on 013129 72750 during office hours.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland carries up to £10 million public liability insurance. Please note, however, that this is NOT personal accident insurance and you may wish to speak to your insurance agent to take out such cover through your household policy.

Wear clothes that you are comfortable in for the abseil. Higher waisted trousers are recommended to save your modesty and good sturdy footwear. It can be a bit nippy up on the bridge platform and even if it’s not raining, it’s still pretty wet, so a short waterproof jacket always comes in handy. No phones or loose items are allowed to be carried during the abseil.

We love people dressing up in fancy dress, however, safety comes first and you may not be allowed to abseil in any costume that could cause a health and safety risk to either yourself or others. Things to watch out for are any costumes which could get caught in the ropes. If you do come in fancy dress, please do bring a spare change of clothes, just in case we feel the costume isn’t suitable. You can then at least abseil in your regular clothes.

CHSS participants will get a t-shirt at the registration desk on the day of the abseil itself.

In the days before the abseil, you will be sent a confirmed registration time. This is the time that you must arrive and be ready to register at. If in the week before the abseil you have not yet received your confirmed registration time, please call us on on 013129 72750 during office hours. On the day, you should abseil within 45 minutes after your registration time – although this can vary.

Please call ahead if you can to alert us you are going to be late – 013129 72750 – and we may be able to reschedule your abseil time, although we cannot guarantee it.

Definitely not. It is important that you do not consume any alcohol in the hours before the abseil. We reserve the right to refuse access to the bridge to anyone who we suspect to be under the influence or for any other health and safety reason.

No phones or loose items are allowed to be carried during the abseil. Photographers will be attending to capture the day.

Of course! There are some great viewing opportunities either from the beach or just by the sea wall – just across the road from The Hawes Inn. Well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome. The time that you actually abseil after you register can vary, so it’s important that your friends and family are there around the same time as you register (in case you go through very quickly), however, they also must understand it can be up to 45 mins after this time before you abseil. As you walk out on to the bridge, your name will be announced by the event commentator – so your friends/family can look out for you and cheer you on!

The Hawes Inn very generously allows us to base ourselves inside their historic inn on abseil days. There are marvellous facilities in the pub including toilets and they also serve a great selection of meals! In addition, you can also visit one of the cafés, restaurants and unique stores which line the main street to admire the Forth Bridges that cross over to Fife.

Yes! We have professional photographers who will capture you as you make your descent from the bridge.

Photos of you mid-abseil will be provided on the day by Taken Photography. Visit the sales trailer located at the RNLI building to view and purchase your photos or digitals.

• 12”x8” print £20 (3 for £45)

• 9”x6” £15 (3 for £35)

• Digitals – social media small downloads £7.50 / full size £20

Yes, although we encourage you to car-share or use public transport if at all possible. If you must park, please do so on Hawes Brae – the hill coming up out of South Queensferry – to the west of The Hawes Inn. There will be no access or parking available within The Hawes Inn grounds, unless you have a confirmed table booking with them. Even though you have a booking, parking is very limited.

Unfortunately not. We recommend leaving any baggage or personal belongings with friends/family members who are attending the event with you.

Give us a call on 013129 72750 or email:[email protected]and we can send forms to you. If you haven’t yet set up a Just Giving page, this is definitely something you should do. It’s quick, easy and makes raising money much simpler, especially from your friends/family/colleagues who you don’t see face to face.

Create a sponsorship page

Everyone worries that they are not going to raise enough, however, very few people actually have much difficulty once they get into the swing of fundraising. Give us a call on 013129 72750 and we will put you in touch with your regional fundraising advisor. We are here to give you lots of support and advice to kick start your fundraising and most importantly of all, make it fun!

You can also check out our fundraising resources available on our fundraising pages.

If you haven’t quite raised or collected in all your sponsorship money before the day of the event – don’t worry! We can accept donations up to one month after the event, giving you time to finish fundraising or collect additional sponsorship pledges, to meet your minimum target of £185 in sponsorship. If you need a little help raising your minimum sponsorship pledge, don’t worry, call us on 013129 72750. We can offer you practical advice, that will help you smash your target!

In order to take part in the Forth Bridge Abseil, you must be 18 years old or over on the day of the event itself.

Everyone is at least a little bit scared as they take part in the event – it’s part of the thrill. When you’re on the bridge, look straight ahead at the amazing views over the Firth of Forth, out over to Fife – don’t look down!

If you feel especially scared, please let our staff and volunteers know how you’re feeling – we’re there to help you feel as comfortable as possible as you take part.

Yes! Register your interest by emailing[email protected]

Call us on 013129 72750 during 9:00am & 4:30pm and throughout the day of the event and we will try our very best to help, or email[email protected]