Underground/Overground Canal Circular, Falkirk

A great short circular walk taking in the spectacular canal tunnel and then returning along urban paths and residential streets. The start can also be reached by walking 1km from the centre of Falkirk, or 3km along the Union Canal from the Falkirk Wheel.

Terrain

Good surfaced paths, long tunnel (can be wet), roads with pavement.

Public Transport

Bus from Falkirk or train to Falkirk High Station.

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Start

Falkirk High Station. Map and directions.

grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 2.5km/1.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 30m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NS881791

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 349 - Falkirk
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Start either from Falkirk High Station or the free Drossie Road car park which is reached on foot from the station by crossing the station car park diagonally and heading down the steps. To drive from the centre of Falkirk follow signs for Slamannan and turn right following the sign for Falkirk High Station but then don't take the first left signed for the station but the next left, Drossie Road. Start the walk by heading through the tunnel under the railway and then bear left signed for Union Canal. At the canal turn left and soon the Falkirk Tunnel is reached. It is lit and has a railing but is much longer than it looks from the entrance and you may want a waterproof to stop the drips from the roof.

Stage 2

It was the longest canal tunnel to be built in Scotland and was completed in 1822. One of the reasons for its length was that the owner of Callander House would not allow the canal to be dug within sight of the house. The solid limestone and millstone was excavated by hand using picks and shovels and early gunpowder. The tunnel is 630 metres long and at least 3.6 metres high. The lights were put in as part of the Millennium Link project that also built the Falkirk Wheel. Continue to the far end, take care to look out for the calcified forms and stalactites built up over the years by the dripping water - the reflections of the roof in the still water can also look very dramatic due to the stillness of the water.

Stage 3

Once back in the light continue along the towpath. Soon pass under the Laughin' Greetin' bridge - look out for the grimacing and smiling faces on either side. The Laughin face looks east where the canal builders had a relatively easy time on level ground to Edinburgh. By contrast, the Greetin' or crying face looks west where the long tunnel had to be dug through the hillside and then 11 locks were required to join the canal to the Forth & Clyde Canal.

Stage 4

After this bridge take the first path heading steeply away from the canal, cross the road and head across the playing field. At the far end bear left on a path signed for Falkirk High Station, turn right after a hedge and follow the path to a road. Cross and carry straight on along a path between trees. This soon reaches playing fields. Keep to the left and soon cross to a surfaced path and continue ahead downhill, passing a playgroup building. Follow the road downhill to reach Slamannan Road. Cross and turn left along the road for a short distance before turning right down a signed path which returns to Union Canal. At the canal bear right to retrace your steps under the railway and back to the car park or railway station.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.