John Muir Way Falkirk Wheel to Callendar House

Length: 10.5 miles

Route type: Loop

Difficulty: Medium

This medium difficulty, 16.8km circular route takes you from the modern grandeur of the Falkirk Wheel to the historic beauty of Callendar House and Park. With much of the route off road on unpaved surfaces, the entire route will take roughly 1.5 hours to complete for experienced cyclists. 

Starting at the Falkirk Wheel, ride up the hill alongside the wheel to Roughcastle Tunnel. Dismount and enjoy its colourful lighting and the sight of boats gliding past as you walk through to the other side. Then turn left and continue along the Union Canal towpath until you reach a small stone bridge. Follow the track to the right over the canal and cycle up into the beautiful woodland and gentle trails of Callendar Estate and Canada Wood. Follow the John Muir Way until it loops down to join Union Canal near Falkirk High Station and take back roads towards the historic Callendar House and Park.

At Callendar House, stop for a spot of ice cream or a quick drink at the tea rooms or outdoor kiosk. If you have time, kids can enjoy the Roman themed playpark or take a turn on the zipwires outside the house. Then take a ride around the boating lake before following the woodland trail up towards the Union Canal and Glen Village. Here you will pick up the John Muir Way cycling route which takes you back towards Canada Wood. As you return to the Union Canal, take a different route back to the Wheel by carrying straight on at the stone bridge and using the road entrance into the Falkirk Wheel car park.

 

Map location: FK1 4RS

View route (external website)