Falkirk

The Scottish Lowland Canals are quite different from the canals typical of England and Wales/ The Forth and Clyde is much wider than the average English canal. The Union Canal is a contour canal and has no locks at all or bridges that have to be opened. 

At a quarter of the cost of the overall £84.5 million project, the Falkirk Wheel is the most significant structure so far, but only one link in the scheme involving rebuilding bridges, clearing blockages and cutting new stretched of canal.

Scottish Canals staff currently operate all of the locks and bridges and boaters are not allowed to operate the locks themselves, although help is happily accepted.

For more facts and figures visit thefalkirkwheel.co.uk or call 01324 619888, but in summary the 25m level difference between the canals is traversed via a pair of gondolas which carry 600 tonnes of water to the 100m aqueduct at the top of the 35m diameter wheel.

Rover Ticket at Falkirk

A Rover Ticket will be charged by Scottish Canals for use of the canals.

This will be a flat charge of £25 for any holiday over 3 nights. If your trip is 3 days or less, you will be charged £15. This ticket will be administered by Scottish Canals and payable on the first day of your holiday via the Falkirk Office.