Canals and boating

With both the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal, connected by the world’s only rotating boat lift, Falkirk is a must visit for any avid sailor or tourist simply wanting to enjoy one of our many canalside walks.

 

Cross Scotland from East to West along 35 miles of fully navigable waterway of the Forth & Clyde Canal. From the Forth estuary at the River Carron to the Bowling Basin on the River Clyde, the route reopened in 2002 after the largest canal refurbishment project ever undertaken in the UK.

 

This is linked to the Union Canal connecting the route to Edinburgh, with the world’s only rotating boat lift The Falkirk Wheel. Canal Boat hire is also option within the Falkirk area - why not enjoy a canal holiday with a difference sailing past both the Falkirk Wheel and the magnicifent Kelpies. 

 

As well as the canals there is the River Carron and the Firth of Forth very close by. These all provide the Falkirk area with a great range of things to do including boat hire, cruises, fishing and watersports as well as some lovely routes for walking and cycling.

 

Canal boat day trips

 

‘The Jaggy’ Go Forth and Clyde

 

Located at Lock 16, next to the Union Inn and in close proximity to the Falkirk Wheel, The ‘Jaggy Thistle’, a cosy 32 foot self-drive canal boat that carries up to 8 passengers, suitable for all ages and comes completely equipped with facilities to cook food and prepare drinks, and an on board toilet. Her hire season runs from March to October.

 

Cruise along the Forth and Clyde Canal towards the iconic Falkirk Wheel. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the kitchen and good company on board. You would arrive at the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first and only rotating boat lift, and be lifted up and on to the Union Canal where you could continue on to Polmont via the Falkirk tunnel, before turning around and coming back in time for dinner. Book your day trip here

 

Go Forth And Clyde Jaggy At The Wheel Before Repaint

 

Canal boat Holidays

 

Spend a relaxing week, a short break, or a longer holiday cruising between Falkirk and Glasgow on boat trips, or alternatively you can explore Scotland in the opposite direction, heading east, on the Union Canal between Falkirk and Edinburgh for unique city breaks by boat. Including a breath-taking journey on the world-famous Falkirk Wheel!

 

Marine Cruises and Black Prince Narrowboat Holidays are both based in Falkirk and offer modern narrowboats holidays with all the amenities and comforts.