The reopening in 2002 of these deep and wide Scottish Lowland Canals part funded by Millennium Commission has revived a 69 mile waterway route running from Glasgow to Edinburgh and the Irish Sea to the North Sea. The canals had been derelict for over 40 years, but now open up beautiful scenic routes for lucky boaters.

Going West on the Forth and Clyde Canal

Cruising west can take you to the centre of Glasgow or down to the sea at Bowling on the River Clyde. Many regard the canal between Falkirk and Kirkintilloch as one of the most attractive stretches of the Scottish Lowland Canals system.

The Falkirk Wheel

This is the world’s first rotating boat lift, which gives boats and boaters an exhilarating ride as they move between the Union Canal with the Forth and Clyde Canal. It is 35 metres high and replaces a flight of 11 locks long since filled in.

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If you ride up the Falkirk Wheel and pass through the two adjacent locks you reach the Union Canal, which is lock free throughout its entire length. This will eventually take you into the heart of historic Edinburgh, with all that it has to offer. Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, and Edinburgh Castle are within easy walking distance of the canal basin. En route you will pass through the 690-yard Falkirk Tunnel and over the Avon and Almond aqueducts. You will also go through the ancient burgh of Linlithgow. Here you can visit the palace and loch, stock up with water and fresh supplies, and eat in one of the many local restaurants.