Scotland's lowland canals

The Scottish Lowland Canals are quite different from the canals typical of England and Wales.
The Forth & Clyde Canal is much wider than the average English canal. The Union Canal is a contour canal and has no locks at all nor bridges that have to be opened. British Waterways staff currently operate all of the locks and bridges and boaters are not allowed to operate the locks themselves, although help is happily accepted. Between Falkirk and Glasgow there are 4 locks and 3 road bridges, with a further 18 locks and a number of pedestrian bridges between Glasgow and the Clyde at Bowling.

Both the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals were closed in the early 1960's and it was not until lottery funding was obtained in 1999 that restoration works rejoined the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh by canal. At a quarter of the cost of the overall £84.5 million project, the Falkirk Wheel is the most significant structure by far, but only one link in the scheme involving rebuilding bridges, clearing blockages and cutting new stretches of canal. The 25m level difference between the canals is traversed via a pair of gondolas which together carry 600 tonnes of water to the 100m aqueduct at the top of the 35m diameter wheel. There is no charge for the Falkirk Wheel but it is advisable to book beforehand. Trips operate approximately every half hour from 9.00am to 7.00pm daily, each revolution taking one narrowboat and the British Waterways trip boat. Information will be sent with your booking confirmation.

Bowling & Return - 1 week, 40 hours, 48 locks

The Forth & Clyde Canal follows the Clyde Estuary all the way down to the old shipbuilding village of Bowling - a pleasant boating haven. The route has a rich mix of industry old & new, stunning views of the Clyde and relics of the ship-building era.

Edinburgh & Glasgow (start & finish Falkirk) - 1 week, 42 hours, 14 locks, twice via the wheel

Complete the width of Scotland, and back, visiting both cities in a one week holiday. If you are heading east, towards Edinburgh, you will have to arrange your passage via the wheel before you arrive for your holiday.