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The Falkirk Wheel
The journey begins at the Falkirk Wheel, situated halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow and the Forth and Clyde canal which is one of the most stunning backdrops to any canal in the UK. The Wheel is the world’s first rotating boat lift, cost £17million and is the height of eight double-decker buses, 115 feet wide and 100 feet long.
Rover Ticket
If traveling from 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 three nights. Use up to three days will be charged at £15. This ticket will be administered by Scottish Canals through their website and office. Payment will be taken on the first day of the holiday at the office in Falkirk.
After leaving the Falkirk Wheel you will travel down the Union Canal, which was originally used as a commercial waterway to transport coal before its closure in 1930. Your cruise will then take you over the magnificent Almond Aqueduct, which is 420 feet long and carries the Union Canal 76 feet above the River Almond.
Your boat hire journey lets you explore Scotland’s villages of Linlithgow and Ratho. Linlithgow is an ancient royal burgh, which lies south of two famous landmarks, Linlithgow Palace and Linlithgow Loch.
Linlithgow Palace is arguably Scotland’s finest surviving late medieval building and was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The grounds are home to a beautiful public park known as The Peel, which is perfect for picnics.
Linlithgow lock is popular for water sports and is also a notable spot for bird watching. It is three-quarters of a mile long and contains a fishery.
Your next destination is Ratho, which is home to the Edinburgh Canal Centre. This popular stop has two restaurant boats and the much-loved Bridge Inn.
Then heading into Edinburgh there are many incredible attractions to seek out. The most famous of these is the stunning Edinburgh Castle which overlooks the Royal Mile, the oldest section of Edinburgh and home to a number of important landmarks, tourist shops and lots of ghostly tours. If you have time, tour the Scotch Whisky Experience as part of your Edinburgh canal boat hire and enjoy the amazing optical illusions that are a feature of Camera Obscura – both attractions are close to the castle.
A short list of other popular landmarks to visit on boat trips includes the National Monument of Scotland on Calton Hill, the Scott Monument at the Prince Street Gardens and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Attractions Nearby Falkirk, Scotland
From moorings on the Union Canal, Edinburgh is an easy walk or short train ride or bus ride away. The Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace and the castle dominate the tourist trail, but there’s equal pleasure in wandering the closes and finding a café or pub tucked away. Allow a good half day at least — the city rewards time.
Perched high on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline and the Royal Mile below. It has been a royal residence, a military stronghold and is now home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The views over the city are as impressive as the history within its walls. Allow a couple of hours at least, it’s the one attraction in Edinburgh not to rush.
Glasgow has reinvented itself as a city of art, music and design, with free museums and galleries that rival any in the country. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery, the Riverside Museum and Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architecture are standouts. From the canal, the city is a straightforward train ride, making it a practical and rewarding excursion.
Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, still towers over its loch, and it’s just a short stroll from the Union Canal. The town has a market square, historic streets and a handful of pubs and cafés. Moorings are close to the action, making this one of the most convenient and characterful stops.
The Falkirk Wheel lifts boats 115 feet between the Union and Forth & Clyde Canals — the only rotating boat lift of its kind in the world. Opened in 2002, it’s both practical and spectacular, and there’s a visitor centre explaining how it works. Even if you’re not travelling through, it’s worth watching in action.
Standing 30 metres tall, these steel sculptures by Andy Scott are a striking tribute to the working horses of Scotland’s canals. They sit in The Helix park, right beside the Forth & Clyde Canal, and are even more impressive up close than from the road. Illuminated at night, they’re one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.
Narrowboats available to hire in Falkirk, Scotland
How to book
Book our Edinburgh and return canal boat holiday by using our online Availability Search, or by calling Black Prince on 01527 575 115.
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