Underground/Overground Canal Circular, Falkirk

Summary

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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.75/5

Rating

Terrain

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

Public Transport

Bus from Falkirk or train to Falkirk High Station.

Start

Falkirk High Station / Drossie Road car park. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

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

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (1)

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 along the towpath 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 - a torch may also be welcome.

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 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 that doubles back sharply left uphill to the road over the bridge. Cross the road and take the path along the left edge of the playing field - signed for Falkirk High Station. At the far end of the field the path swings left, giving a view over the canal from above the tunnel exist. The path then curves right and continues until it reaches a road.

Stage 5

Cross and carry straight on along the signed, winding path. This soon reaches an open area - ignore paths off right and left. Eventually the path descends - with views towards the Ochils ahead - and passes a playgroup building to reach a street. Head down this 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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