Canal boat holiday destinations from Falkirk, on the Scottish Lowland Canals
From Falkirk you can explore the Lowlands of Scotland from Glasgow in the West, to Edinburgh in the East. The Forth & Clyde and Union canals meet at Falkirk and are linked by the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift.
The 32-mile long Forth & Clyde Canal links the Irish Sea with the North Sea, running from Bowling on the Clyde Estuary, to Grangemouth and the magnificent Kelpies on the Firth of Forth. The 31-mile long Union Canal stretches from Falkirk to Edinburgh, terminating at Edinburgh Quay in the City Centre. Together these two canals make up the Scottish Lowland Canals.
3-night destinations from Falkirk
Linlithgow and back (6 locks, 8 hours)
This route begins by heading up through the first manned lock into the canal basin, and then going up the Falkirk Wheel. After that, you’ll cruise through Roughmute Tunnel, followed by another two manned locks. You’re now on the Union Canal where you will travel through the Falkirk Tunnel and cross over the Avon Aqueduct. After enjoying miles of peaceful countryside, you’ll reach the historic town of Linlithgow. There you can visit the beautifully preserved remains of Linlithgow Palace o
n the shores of Linlithgow Loch, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Linlithgow has some excellent eateries, including the award-winning Four Marys pub.
Winchburgh Marina and back (6 locks, 12 hours)
Follow the route to Linlithgow and continue on another two hours to the new Scottish Canals marina at Winchburgh. You can moor up for the night and explore the local area, including a choice of places to eat and shop.
The Kelpies and back (8 miles, 28 locks, 8 hours)
At 30-metres high, the magnificent Kelpies stand at the gateway to the new extension to the Forth & Clyde Canal, by the River Carron. Based on the heavy horses that one plied the canal towpaths, these mythical water horses are an extraordinary site and form part of a new 350-hectare Helix park at the end of the canal extension at Grangemouth. Scottish Canals has launched the Kelpies Experience allowing visitors to climb into the mouth of one of the statues. Lock repairs currently underway mean you’ll only be able to cruise as far as Lock 16.
You can turn your boat there and then moor up to walk for 3 miles down to the Kelpies. It takes just 15 minutes to cruise to Lock 16 from Falkirk Basin so you could add this excursion on to a trip to Edinburgh or Glasgow if you are out for a week. From August 2026, you’ll be able to cruise all the way to the Kelpies.
4-night destinations from Falkirk
Ratho and back (48 miles, 6 locks, 16 hours)
Follow the 3-night route to Winchburgh and continue on along the Union Canal to the conservation village of Ratho. There you can visit the popular canalside Bridge Inn.
Glasgow and back (44 miles, 8 locks, 18 hours)
Cruise along the Forth & Clyde Canal. There are four bridges that must be pre-booked to be opened along the way. The route passes through Auchinstarry, the site of a Roman fort. And the River Kelvin Valley, with magnificent views of the Campsie Fells above. It also goes through the historic town of Kirkintillock, where there’s a range of independent shops and cafes. When you reach Glasgow, moor up at Applecross Street Basin to explore the city’s wealth of cultural centres, including the Hunterian Museum.
7-night destinations from Falkirk
Edinburgh Quay and back (64 miles, 6 locks, 24 hours)
Follow the 4-night route to Ratho and continue on along the Union Canal. You’ll find visitor moorings at Edinburgh Quay, just a five-minute walk from Princes Street. From there you can visit the City’s many attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and Mary King Close, frozen in time beneath the Royal Mile.
10, 11 or 14-night destinations from Falkirk
Bowling and back (58 miles, 48 locks, 32 hours)
This route has stunning views of the Clyde Estuary and relics of the ship building era. Follow the 4-night route to Glasgow (Applecross) and continue on to Bowling Basin, an old ship building village. The journey from Lock 27 to Bowling Sea Lock must be booked in advance and must be completed in one go. This takes eight hours. And you need to book it coming back as well.
