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Explore the lowlands of Scotland with easy cruising and very few locks from Falkirk Canal. While you’re there, you can also experience the incredible Falkirk Wheel, seamlessly linking together the Union Canal and the Forth and Clyde Canal. Learn more about canal boat holidays from Falkirk now.
Phone: 01324 627212
Phone to book: 0330 3330 590
Address: Falkirk Base,
Scotland, FK1 4RS
Berths: 2-8
Maps / Guides
A map will be given to you upon arrival, alternatively you can download the Waternav App: E10 for your smartphone.
Buy Maps
Breach on the Union Canal
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The following are the only routes you can currently takeFalkirk Wheel trip rotation. Approx. 2hrs - From the Forth & Clyde through Jubilee lock, onto the Falkirk Wheel, exit at the top cruise through a short tunnel and into the basin. Turn around and back down the wheel. Falkirk – Kelpies (East on Forth & Clyde) approx. 4 hrs - Meet the boat movement team at a prearranged time at lock 16, transit down through the 15 locks to the Kelpies. Usual bookings are made for 9am or 1pm. Staying overnight at the base of the Kelpies. All locks are manned. You are required to also book your transit back up to Falkirk Falkirk – Auchinstarry (West on Forth & Clyde) Approx 4hrs - Meet the boat movement team at a prearranged time at Bonnybridge Lift Bridge (approx. 30mins cruising from Falkirk) continue cruising through locks 17 – 20 (all manned) and up to Auchinstarry. Falkirk – Kirkintilloch (West on Forth & Clyde) Approx 6.5hrs - Meet the boat movement team at a prearranged time at Bonnybridge Lift Bridge (approx. 30mins cruising from Falkirk) continue cruising through locks 17 – 20 (all manned) and up to Auchinstarry. Once past Auchinstarry there are another 2 bridges that have to be opened for you Twechar & Hillhead. Due to other factors, cruising as far as Glasgow or Bowling is also not possible. Kirkintilloch is the furthest travel point. |
Falkirk Canal Boat Hire
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Information about your Scotland boating tripScottish 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 information on the Falkirk Canal, and what to do while you're there, visit thefalkirkwheel.co.uk or call 01324 619888. 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. Not one to miss! |
Rover Ticket at FalkirkA 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. |
BY ROADFor directions by road from Edinburgh and Glasgow, please click here. FROM AIRPORTSLanding at either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport you can take a bus to the city centre and then a train as above. From Edinbugh airport a taxi directly to Falkirk takes about 30 minutes. BY RAILFrom Glasgow Queen Street or Edinburgh station take a train to either Falkirk High or Falkirk Grahamston station (about 30 minutes). The most frequent service is to Falkirk High Station. Either station in Falkirk is a short taxi journey to the Falkirk Wheel. |
USEFUL LINKSHere are some useful resources for information regarding Falkirk Marina. |
The Forth & Clyde Canal follows the Clyde Estuary all the way down to the old ship building village of Bowling - a pleasant boating haven.
MORE INFORMATIONComplete the width of Scotland, and back, visiting both cities in a one week holiday.
MORE INFORMATIONStart your trip by going on the amazing Falkirk Wheel, experience aqueducts and
MORE INFORMATIONThe majestic Campsie Fells rise from the valley that the canal shares with the River Kelvin and the scenery is superb as the canal then follows contours for the rest of its journey to Glasgow.
MORE INFORMATION