Important News – closure of Forth & Clyde Canal

April 2018

Scottish Canals have had to temporarily suspend boat transits through Twechar and Bonnybridge lift bridges on the Forth & Clyde Canal.

This was as a result of recent inspections which showed that the mechanisms of these bridges have now reached a point where Scottish Canals believes their operation could pose a risk to public safety. Scottish Canals are currently working up a technical solutions and sourcing the funding required to implement the necessary repairs; at this time we are unable to confirm when this section of the canal will be open again for cruising.

How will this affect cruising?

This affects cruising from our base at The Falkirk Wheel, heading west to Glasgow.  This route is current impassable.

There is still cruising available from The Falkirk Wheel to Edinburgh city centre and you can also still visit the magnificent Kelpies.

Our stunning Glasgow and Edinburgh canal boat holiday cruise begins at the Falkirk Wheel, one of the most stunning backdrops to any canal in the UK. The Wheel, around the height of eight double decker, is the world’s first rotating boat lift.

Falkirk Wheel

Upon leaving Falkirk Wheel you cruise along the Union Canal and over the magnificent Almond Aqueduct, which is 420 feet long and carries the canal 76 feet above the River Almond.

Next, head through Linlithgow and stop off to see Linlithgow Palace, arguably Scotland’s finest surviving medieval building and birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The palace grounds house a beautiful public park known as The Peel, which is perfect for picnics.

Linlithgow Palace

Just down the water is Ratho, home to Edinburgh Canal Centre, and then the capital city itself. Edinburgh offers a mixture of beautiful iconic landmarks and symbols of contemporary British culture. Be sure to the see the stunning Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the Royal Mile and visit the Scotch Whisky Experience to try the ‘water of life’!

Once you have finished sightseeing in Edinburgh, head back towards Falkirk and descend the Wheel to join the Forth and Clyde Canal. This will take you through splendid scenery and villages such as Auchinstarry – the site of a Roman fort, and Kirkintilloch, which dates back to the 13th century. Finally, you will pass through the picturesque Cadder Village and on to Glasgow.

George Square, Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, is a stylish centre with great shopping, nightlife and world famous art collections. Buchanan Street is one of Britain’s finest for high-street and designer fashions and leads to the Gallery of Modern Art on Royal Exchange Square – an oasis of calm after a retail overload. There are several magnificent museums and galleries in Glasgow, including the School of Art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the People’s Palace – plenty to keep you going!

All routes from this base