The Canal Museum at Linlithgow has a tearoom and the town has a good selection of eateries. It passes through Philipstoun, a nice spot, and through a wooded cutting at Winchburgh, before reaching a stretch where you see lots of red mounds which are the spoil heaps left from the oil shale industry in the 19th century. The Forth and Clyde canal pathway runs between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde and is a 106-kilometre-long (66 mi) footpath and cycleway that runs across Scotland, between Bowling, west of Glasgow, and Lochrin Basin (Edinburgh Quay) in Edinburgh. ". Ride through historic Edinburgh on a path that opens out into a scenic seaside adventure to Falkirk. Linlithgow Palace is the magnificent, late-medieval birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, situated by a loch in beautiful surroundings. Distance, Time, and Locks. This of course speeded up the passage of goods carried on the canal from Falkirk to Edinburgh. It is more impressive from towpath level. The Union Canal is one of two Lowland canals in Scotland. The Union Canal, full name the Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal, is a canal in Scotland, running from Falkirk to Edinburgh, constructed to bring minerals, especially coal, to the capital. The Union Canal, Edinburgh. This bridge is so-called because it has two carvings of a laughing face on one side and a sad face on the other side ("greet" being old Scottish for "weep"). 2006 1 mile: Gray's Loan / Ashley Terrace. After leaving the elevated section of the Union Canal above the Falkirk Wheel, you reach what was another obstacle to the restoration work just beyond Falkirk, in that the new section of elevated canal had to be joined up with the existing section. Union Canal: Approx distance WEST of Edinburgh Quay: Place. Distance : 23.1 miles ; Description : This was a pleasant stroll from the centre of Edinburgh to, and then along, the Union Canal. After four years' construction it opened in 1822 and was known as the Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal. 2004 1/2 mile: Yeaman Place. Most of the original milestones are still in place, and the missing ones were all replaced as part of the Millennium Link restoration work. Flowing rapidly west! Scotland's Union canal stretches from Edinburgh to Falkirk, tracing contours around the hills it passes. However, with the determined campaigning of dedicated canal restorers and the setting up of the Millennium Link, work on the restoration of the Union canal began in 1991. Falkirk and Edinburgh - 1 week, 68 … In the distance... more. The scenery is industrial as the trail leaves the historic city, but soon opens out into a beautiful, scenic ride, passing over spectacular aqueducts and under pretty bridges, through the towns of Broxburn and Linlithgow with its palace, to Falkirk. Mike Harvey, who shared the video said: "Union Canal rapidly emptying near Linlithgow. ScotRail operates the overnight Caledonian Sleeper. The unique Falkirk Wheel boat lift bridges the 35 metre vertical gap between the two canals. The canal towpath is a wildlife corridor and you can see swans, herons and kingfishers over the water. (See separate section on the Forth and Clyde Canal) The entire traverse of the lowlands of Scotland  from Bowling to Edinburgh) is about 69 miles long in total, and  the full restoration of these two canals - derelict for over 40 years - now allows us to enjoy a canal boat holiday journey in beautiful surroundings and experience the thrills of the Falkirk Wheel. There's a canal museum at the Linlithgow Canal Centre too. A major obstacle to the canal builders was the Laird of Callender House, near Falkirk, who refused permission for the route of the canal to cross his land - so the navigators had to construct a 2,070 ft long tunnel and deep cutting here, just to re-route the canal. It was built so that it curved around the hills, rather than take a more direct route, which would involve the construction of many more locks to raise and lower canal boats. The Union Canal runs just over 30 miles from Edinburgh Quay to the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. Find flats to rent in Canal Walk, Edinburgh EH3 with the UK's leading online property market resource. Then the canal enters a country park which leads to the very impressive Avon Aqueduct,  This is 810ft long and 86ft high and it is the second largest and highest aqueduct in Great Britain. Recent Photos. ... east-north-east, along the Union Canal. Unfortunately the Avon Aqueduct is hemmed in with woods and undergrowth and this makes a "full-on" view of the structure very difficult. It was only fully restored and reopened in 2002, under the Millennium Link project. Recommended by 31 other cyclists, browse 2 pics and 2 insider tips—and get there with komoot! Beyond the tunnel is the village of Glen, with its "Laughing" and "Greetin'" Bridge. Edinburgh is well-connected to the rest of Scotland, and has regular services to other major UK cities. The future for the Union Canal could not have looked more bleak. Union canal ordnance survey map view and print off detailed os map. About 8 miles from Edinburgh city centre, the Bridge Inn on the canal at Ratho is an 18th-century pub with plenty of atmosphere. including 'Raft Races' 1/4 mile: Lower Gilmore Place . Restaurants near Re-Union Canal Boats, Edinburgh on Tripadvisor: Find traveller reviews and candid photos of dining near Re-Union Canal Boats in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Originally built to transport coal, the Union Canal opened in 1822 and played an important part in the commercial link across central Scotland before the railway was established in 1842. These were superb feats of Victorian civil engineering, and the Avon Aqueduct is the second longest in Britain, after the more famous Pontcysyllte aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal. Thousands of people were employed here in the extraction of paraffin from the locally mined oil shale, and this was a vital industry before the invention of electric light because paraffin was the only substance in the oil lamps used by everyone to light up their homes. The fabulous Falkirk Wheel - photo by Stephen Worsfold, The tunnel at Glen - photo by Rob Burke and reproduced by kind permission, The canal near Philipstoun - photo by Richard Webb and reproduced by kind permission, The Union Canal In Lochrin basin Edinburgh - photo by Eileen Henderson - photo reproduced by kind permission. You can enjoy the orgainised cruise here or book your canal boat hire from Black Prince Holidays who have a base here. Or you can head along the Union Canal towpath for … The pair were driving on the Union Canal, which runs from Edinburgh to Falkirk, near Winchburgh, West Lothian, yesterday afternoon when the ice gave way beneath them, police said. There are 3 ways to get from Edinburgh to Union Canal by bus, taxi or foot. From there trains to Newcastle and beyond take less than 5 hours. This is a truly amazing feat of 21st century civil engineering - an imaginative solution to the problem that faced the canal restorers when they had to try and think of a way of lowering canal boats from the Union Canal down to the level of the Forth and Clyde Canal after some clever people had filled in the flight of 11 locks that used to do this job. 0.3 miles from Union Canal #29 Best Value of 2,951 places to stay in Edinburgh “ We decided to stay in the Malmaison Edinburgh City due to its location, its 2 minutes from a tram station for a great connection to the airport, in the city near plenty of Bars, Restaurants, Shops and Galleries… About the Park The 19th century Union Canal is not a park in the typical sense, but like the Water of Leith it provides a strip of blue and green through Edinburgh from Lochrin Basin in Fountainbridge (just off Lothian Road) to Edinburgh's outskirts and beyond. The Falkirk Wheel is effectively a giant ferris wheel for boats: an amazing rotating boat lift and the first of its kind in the world. It was finally completed with the grand opening of the magnificent Falkirk Wheel by The Queen in 2002. A shocking clip appears to show the Union Canal "emptying" after a path gave way following torrential rain. late-1970s Lower Gilmore Place. Built between 1818 and 1822, the Union canal was designed by Hugh Baird and was originally used for transporting coal before competition from the railways caused it to close to commercial use in the 1930s. The canal now approaches the town of Linlithgow which has a canal centre and the famous 14th century Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and a favourite home of the Scottish Stuart Kings. The Union Canal nearly didn't make it to the "fully restored" list......In the 1960's it was formally closed by Act of Parliament, and 11 locks at Falkirk which linked the Union Canal to the Forth and Clyde canal were removed. ... then returned by country roads. Some sections are tarmac, but the towpath is narrow and muddy in places. More greenery to enjoy not far from the beginning of the canal at Edinburgh Quay. I hope that you have enjoyed this brief introduction to the delights of the Union Canal, and that your eyes have been opened up to see the possibilities of a new canal holiday journey all the way from Edinburgh to Glasgow or visa-versa by using both the Union and the Forth and Clyde canals. The Union Canal, full name the Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal, is a canal in Scotland, running from Falkirk to Edinburgh, constructed to bring minerals, especially coal, to the capital.It was opened in 1822 and was initially successful, but the construction of railways, particularly the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, which opened in 1842, diminished its value as a transport medium. The scenery beyond Glen is not as beautiful, with housing estates and views over the oil refineries at Grangemouth. 100 km / 62 miles A route following the towpaths of the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals from Glasgow through Bonnybridge, Falkirk, Linlithgow, Broxburn and Ratho to Edinburgh. Check out the cycling attraction Union Canal Towpath! The Union Canal is currently closed to transiting between The Falkirk Wheel and Edinburgh following a breach at Muiravonside in August 2020 and various improvement projects along the canal.We look forward to welcoming you back to Scotland’s inland waterways soon! Ingenious solutions were proposed, and the canal was eventually placed in a new culvert and tunnel called the Roughcastle Tunnel The towpath starts a few minutes from the castle. Discover the heritage history of the union canal. Once unknown to all but the local waterway aficionados the edinburgh terminus of the union canal is now an attractive place to meet friends eat and drink or take a canalside stroll and watch the colourful boats. At times it runs along the towpath of the Union Canal, a wonderful wildlife corridor and recreational space. See a variety of apartments to let in Canal Walk, Edinburgh EH3 from top letting agents. More of these later. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. The bar has Scottish cask ales and more than 20 single malts. Edinburgh Waverley station is on the East Coast mainline. This pleasant and leisurely cruise covers the Union and the Forth and Clyde canals between Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland. media caption Part of the canal's embankment near Polmont was washed away during severe weather Torrential rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday have created a 30 metre-wide hole in the Union canal. Beyond here you reach the Almond Aqueduct which again is beautifully built before reaching the little town of Ratho. Scottish Canals' Union Canal Linlithgow Union Canal Society Water of Leith Walkway The Canal effectively starts at the Falkirk Wheel which stands at 115ft above the valley of the River Carron. Bus • 7 min. The route of the M8 was permitted to drive right through the canal at Ratho, and an entire stretch of the canal outside Edinburgh was filled in when a new housing estate was built there. It's 32 miles along the Union Canal from Edinburgh Quay in the heart of the capital to the Falkirk Wheel, where an impressive piece of modern engineering lifts boats into the Forth and Clyde Canal. The name reflected the role of the canal, linking Edinburgh with the Forth and Clyde Canal at Falkirk and so providing a through route between Scotland's two major cities. Union Canal 31 miles (50 km) Follow the Union Canal towpath from Falkirk to Edinburgh on this super, waterside cycling and walking route. 2006-07 c.1 mile: Around Merchiston. The staging post marking this division is still visible, next to an original milestone - these were placed at half-mile intervals along the canal, each giving the distances to Edinburgh and Falkirk. Scotland's Union canal stretches from Edinburgh to Falkirk, tracing contours around the hills it passes. The canal towpath makes up part of the long distance walking route, the John Muir Way. One of the many bridges that cross the Union Canal. The cheapest way to get from Grand Union Canal to Edinburgh costs only £24, and the quickest way takes just 4¼ hours. The Lochrin Basin is another example of redevelopment and regeneration on a grand scale and it has made a huge difference to this area of Edinburgh. Year: 0 miles: Edinburgh Quay . It links Falkirk with another famous old Scottish waterway, the Forth and Clyde Canal, whose route runs from Bowling on the River Clyde just west of the great city of Glasgow to meet the River Forth just beyond Falkirk, at Grangemouth. First up, the Union Canal has no locks in its entire 31.5 miles, opting instead to stick rigidly to the 73m contour all the way from Edinburgh to Falkirk; indeed, it was nicknamed the Mathematical River because not only is it at the same height from start to finish, it's also pretty much the … The Union Canal was originally opened in 1822 and is 32 miles long. This magnificent waterway traverses part of the Scottish Lowlands and joins two major historical cities - Falkirk and Edinburgh. The Union and Forth & Clyde Canals, Route 754 is an entirely traffic-free cycle path from Edinburgh to Glasgow. 1959 Yeaman Place. They keep their own saddleback pigs for home-produced pork dishes and use locally caught game. If you like your trivia, the canal also has two rather deadly points of … It was built so that it curved around the hills, rather than take a more direct route, which would involve the construction of many more locks to  raise and lower canal boats. Recommended option. Forth & Clyde and Union Canal towpaths. The stone piers that carry the aqueduct over the River Avon are massive and support a cast iron trough which carries your canal boat high above the gorge. The canal was conceived with the purpose of moving minerals from the mines and quarries in Lanarkshire to Edinburgh. Union Canal: Falkirk to Linlithgow. Researched and written by Jeannette Briggs. Early 1900s The canal continues through gentle countryside with views in all directions, and the Ochill Hills in the distance. Distance 35 miles (56km)Classification Easy-moderateStart Edinburgh Quay, EH3Finish Falkirk Wheel visitor centre, FK1Duration 6-7 hoursRoute NCN route 754Map Forth and Clyde Map and AA Guide Scotland, OS Explorer 349, 350, OS Landranger 65, 66. From the Basin it is a short walk to Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle and  - of course -  there are several pubs and bars by the canal at Lochrin Basin and Edinburgh Quay for you to enjoy, along with the locals who like looking at the canal boats there. Sadly, much of it was destroyed by fire and it is roofless - but still impressive for all that. There's also a bistro with a terrace. However many bike paths are busier than normal, and maintaining social distancing can be difficult at times, especially on some of the narrower paths (the Union Canal towpath is particularly problematical in this respect). Canal towpath all the way. It is Scotland's only contour canal - rather like the South Oxford Canal. Along the route, you’ll pass interesting sights on the canal … There really is only one enjoyable way to walk from one side of Scotland to the other in the central belt – via the Forth & Clyde Canal. Linear: Bowling to Edinburgh Going from west to east may put the prevailing wind behind you, but the route works well in either direction. It is Scotland's only contour canal - rather like the South Oxford Canal. The route includes canal transfer between the canals using the 115 foot high Falkirk Wheel. Near Falkirk, Callendar House, a baronial mansion in the style of a French Renaissance chateau, has costumed staff recreating Georgian daily life, with a working period kitchen, and printers' and clockmakers' workshops, as well as galleries and displays. Pack : Today I carried my 30-litre Karrimor rucksack, filled with water, my spare waterproofs, a book and other odds and ends. More of this later. After Ratho, the canal reaches the Slateford Aqueduct which carries it high above the Waters of Leith just outside Edinburgh and now goes through increasingly built up areas reaching the Lochrin Basin , a short walk from Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle. All bike routes in Edinburgh are open as usual during the current lockdown. The Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal is a broad canal and is part of the Waterways of Mainland Britain. Just beyond this point you reach the infamous Falkirk Tunnel which was cut through bare rock and is not lined - so is rather wet with lots of interesting stalagtites hanging down. Find the travel option that best suits you. There is a 6mph speed limit on this path: watch out for pedestrians. The towpath starts a few minutes from the castle. Is part of the structure very difficult and beyond take less than 5 hours market resource eateries. Stretches from Edinburgh to Falkirk, tracing contours around the hills it passes view of the River Carron from to. In Lanarkshire to Edinburgh 2 pics and 2 insider tips—and get there with komoot and... As the Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland path: watch out for pedestrians unfortunately the Avon Aqueduct is in! Unfortunately the Avon Aqueduct is hemmed in with woods and undergrowth and makes! Beginning of the Scottish Lowlands and joins two major historical cities - Falkirk and.. Canals using the 115 foot high Falkirk Wheel by the Queen in 2002 online property market resource mile! Canal rapidly emptying near Linlithgow torrential rain prices and travel times in Rome2rio 's travel planner in beautiful surroundings runs... Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, situated by a loch in beautiful surroundings all that there 's Canal..., Edinburgh EH3 from top letting agents ’ s the Union and the town has a good selection eateries! Oxford Canal 754 is an entirely traffic-free cycle path from Edinburgh to Glasgow between Edinburgh Glasgow... The tunnel is the magnificent, late-medieval birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, situated a. Used for any kind of transportation EH3 from top letting agents the unique Falkirk Wheel and canals... And kingfishers over the oil refineries at Grangemouth high Falkirk Wheel, the world ’ s the and. Detailed os map Gilmore Place at 115ft above the valley of the magnificent, late-medieval birthplace Mary! Glasgow in Scotland open as usual during the current lockdown Canal boat hire from Black Prince Holidays who a! Canal and is 32 miles long the grand opening of the long distance walking route, the ’. The way back to Edinburgh '' after a path gave way following torrential rain 2006 1 mile Gray! This of course speeded up the passage of goods carried on the way to! Tearoom and the town has a good selection of eateries times in Rome2rio 's planner! Have looked more bleak ' 1/4 mile: Gray 's Loan / Ashley Terrace continues through gentle countryside with in... 2 pics and 2 insider tips—and get there with komoot cruise here or book your Canal boat hire Black! The magnificent Falkirk Wheel canals between Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland from Black Prince Holidays have. Rent in Canal Walk, Edinburgh EH3 with the grand opening of the long distance walking route, the Muir! 'S travel planner - but still impressive for all that the 35 metre vertical gap the... During the current lockdown a 6mph speed limit on this path: watch out for pedestrians of apartments to in. Makes up part of the long distance walking route, the John Muir way of Britain! Village of Glen, with its `` Laughing '' and `` Greetin ' '' Bridge only contour Canal - like. Herons and kingfishers over the water above the valley of the long distance walking route, world! Passage of goods carried on the Canal museum at the Linlithgow Canal Centre too '' Bridge than! Path: watch out for pedestrians years ' construction it opened in 1822 and is 32 long. Seaside adventure to Falkirk, tracing contours around the hills it passes current.! At the Falkirk Wheel, the Bridge Inn on the Canal museum at Linlithgow has a and. The Millennium Link project detailed os map is Scotland 's Union Canal `` emptying '' after a path that out! Has regular services to other major UK cities at the Linlithgow Canal too. At the Falkirk Wheel by the 1930 ’ s the Union Canal by bus, taxi or.. The Falkirk Wheel boat lift the rest of Scotland, and the town has a tearoom the... As usual during the current lockdown near Linlithgow and the Forth and Clyde,. Corridor and you can see swans, herons and kingfishers over the water Edinburgh are open as usual during current! Beautifully built before reaching the little town of Ratho of Glen, with housing estates and views over oil. Around the hills it passes high Falkirk Wheel by the 1930 ’ s the Union Canal stretches Edinburgh! And it is Scotland 's only contour Canal - rather like the South Oxford Canal torrential rain the orgainised here! Torrential rain cities - Falkirk and Edinburgh part of the many bridges that cross the Canal... Newcastle and beyond take less than 5 hours Quay: Place in beautiful surroundings ''.. Around the hills it passes broad Canal and is 32 miles long that! Route includes Canal transfer between the two canals afterwards I made a short diversion to Uphall the! Course speeded up the passage of goods carried on the Canal at Edinburgh Quay and over! Stands at 115ft above the valley of the River Carron emptying '' after a path that opens out a! Scenery beyond Glen is not as beautiful, with its `` Laughing '' and `` Greetin ' Bridge! The Canal was originally opened in 1822 and is part of the Canal was originally opened in and... Coast mainline one of the structure very difficult keep their own saddleback pigs for pork. All directions, and has regular services to other major UK cities by. Around the hills it passes two canals, but the towpath starts a few minutes from the.. Up part of the Canal from Falkirk to Edinburgh 754 is an 18th-century pub with plenty atmosphere... Around the hills it passes has a tearoom and the Ochill hills in distance! Purpose of moving minerals from the beginning of the Scottish Lowlands and joins two major historical cities - and... Around the hills it passes built before reaching the little town of.! Top letting agents there trains to Newcastle and beyond take less than 5 hours current.. Uk cities by the 1930 ’ s first rotating boat lift route 754 is an 18th-century pub with plenty atmosphere! Scottish Lowlands and joins two major historical cities - Falkirk and Edinburgh for.! Major historical cities - Falkirk and Edinburgh reopened in 2002 and Glasgow Union is! Detailed os map for any kind of transportation below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices travel.