CHSS Forth Bridge Abseil

Got what it takes to abseil from the Forth Bridge?

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) have kindly offered us some of their places for this unique event on the 16th June, 2024 for the second year. This exhilarating and unique challenge allows you to abseil (free-fall style) from the iconic Forth Bridge – Scotland’s Best Loved Landmark, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a 165ft drop with a soft landing on the golden sandy beach below, set in the picturesque village of South Queensferry – the ultimate abseil experience!

No previous experience is needed to take part: it’s suitable for everyone 18 years old or over. Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland’s team of highly skilled instructors will ensure you are equipped with everything you need to make your abseil safe and enjoyable. It’s a real adrenaline rush followed by a huge sense of achievement as your feet land on solid ground. And you can feel even better knowing you’ve played a part in supporting amputees across Scotland!

What do I need to know?

You must read and complete the participation form and sign up before Friday 5th April. But for your ease, we’ve highlighted a few key points on the eligibility criteria so you can have a rough idea of whether you would be able to participate or not before reading the full form.

Troopers (FYF Amputees) are of course welcome to take part and encouraged to! But we remind you that you must make sure you read the eligibility criteria to ensure you are able to participate.

Weight / size limits:

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

Do you have any medical concerns?

CHSS works 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.

What to consider: 

• Are you able to climb up 6 x flights of stairs and walk 200m unaided? (most participants must be able to climb stairways to the bridge platform (a total of 50m ascent from the registration point)
• 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 it’s 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)

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

What facilities are there?

The Hawes Inn very generously allows CHSS to base themselves 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.

Will there be photos?

Yes! CHSS have professional photographers who will capture you as you make your descent from the bridge. Look out for the photo stall on the day.

Will there be car parking?

Yes, although CHSS encourages 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.

How do I get signed up?

1. Read all the info on this webpage and CHSS’s participation agreement
2. Complete the form below and pay £100 to secure your place before Friday 5th April
3. If you’re registering for someone else, make sure you know the personal details required to complete the form on their behalf.
4. Download, complete and return the participation agreement ASAP to eilish@findingyourfeet.net
5. Fundraise a minimum of £300 to support amputees. You can use our handy JustGiving setup tutorial in both video and text forms to help you get started
6. Lastly, take some deep breaths and get ready to abseil from 165ft from the Forth Bridge – good luck!