Falkirk Narrowboat Base

Scottish Canal Delayed Season Opening 2021

Scottish Canals have taken the decision to delay the formal opening of the canals for navigation to May 2021 for the Lowland Canals. This is due to the significant works programme currently being delivered across the network and the ways that Covid is impacting these works. The re-opening of the Scottish Canals will take place in two stages, firstly from May 1st and then from May 28th, 2021.

May 1st, 2021 Scottish Canal Opening

Our narrowboat base at Falkirk will be open from May 1st for short breaks. The following routes will be available to cruise:

Falkirk to the Kelpies

Take the Falkirk Wheel trip rotation (approx. 2hrs) and then cruise east on the Forth & Clyde Canal (approx. 4 hrs). Meet the boat movement team at a prearranged time at lock 16, transit down through the 15 locks to the Kelpies before morning up and staying overnight at the base of the Kelpies. You then return on the same route. Please note that all locks are manned and booking is required for the transit down and up the 15 locks to the Kelpies.

Falkirk – Auchinstarry (West on F & C) 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 F & C) 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 Bridge.

Guests wanting to visit Glasgow are advised to moor up at Kirkintilloch and get a train from Lenzie or to at Auchinstarry and get a train from Croy.

May 28th, 2021 Scottish Canal Opening

All cruising along the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal will be open. You can choose to spend a relaxing week cruising between Falkirk and Glasgow, or alternatively you can explore Scotland in the opposite direction, heading east, on the Union Canal between Falkirk and Edinburgh.  If you fancy a more strenuous short break you can reach one of these cities and return, or alternatively many guests enjoy a two week trip here to take in both of these sights.

One of the highlights of a canal boat holiday in Scotland is the Falkirk Wheel. This feat of modern engineering is quite breathtaking to see in action. It was created to rejoin the the Forth and Clyde and the Union canal which had been split following the demolition of an 11 lock flight. Standing at 115 feet high, the Wheel is the world’s first and only rotating boat lift and was opened by the Queen in May 2002.

Suggested Routes From Falkirk:

Short Routes From Falkirk:

Narrowboats available to hire from Falkirk:

Below are the canal boat types that are available to hire from Falkirk.  When you start your Holiday Search all the boat options and dates that closely match your desired departure date and party number will be presented to you.

Sat 2.30pm – Tues 2.30pm | Wed 9.30am – Sat 9.30am

Princess 2 | Princess 4 | Duchess 4 | Princess 6

Fri 2.30pm – Mon 9.30am | Mon 2.30pm – Fri 9.30am

Princess 2 | Shakespeare 4 | Lautrec 4

General Information

Based at the Falkirk Wheel, one of the most stunning backdrops anywhere on the canals, we are ideally sited half way between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Hiring a canal boat from Falkirk means that you can visit both of these historic cities in Scotland, time permitting.

Your canal boat holiday in Scotland can start by heading east to Edinburgh. Go up the Falkirk Wheel and the following three locks and then enjoy a relaxing cruise into Edinburgh on the long lock-free Union Canal.

The Falkirk Wheel is 115 feet high – the equivalent height of eight double decker buses and offers visitors a real treat.

Canal boat hire from Falkirk then permits you to travel west to Glasgow. You will cruise along the Forth and Clyde Canal through various locks and swing bridges, meandering through pretty villages such as Auchinstarry and Kirkintillock to Cadder Village before arriving at Glasgow.

All locks and swing bridges are operated by Scottish Canal staff, giving you a more relaxing cruise.

Falkirk Reviews: