The Kelpies are two huge equine sculptures by Andy Scott, and have rapidly become an icon of Scotland. They are the centrepiece of the Helix, a community project regenerating a large old industrial area between Falkirk and Grangemouth into parkland and space for recreation.
Bog Factor
Good paths throughout.
Helix car park, NS904814.
Bus no.5 comes closest to the Helix.
NS904814
The Kelpies can be quickly visited by a short stroll from the signed Kelpies car park; this route is for those who wish to exercise their legs a little more and explore more of the Helix site. Park at the Helix car park, on the left side a short distance along the roadway towards the Kelpies from the roundabout on the A9. Cross the entrance road to pick up the path on the far side, turning left along the wooden walkway to pass through an area restored as a wetland habitat.
Soon the path recrosses the road; head up onto the banks of the Forth and Clyde canal, turning right along the towpath. The Kelpies now dominate the view ahead, but note the poem by Jim Carruth on a pavement. Continue along the towpath to reach the great sculptures, which a new section of canal passes between. There is a visitor centre and cafe over to the right.
The Kelpies are 30m high and each weighs over 300 tonnes. Constructed from structural steel with a skin made of hundreds of pieces, they reflect the light of both day and night, and became an instant iconic sight when they opened in 2014. Be sure to walk right around the Kelpies to enjoy them from all viewpoints. At the far side there is a cafe and toilets; pass around these, and then cross the top of the lock behind them to reach the huts.
Pass the front of the huts to reach a path junction - turn right here, signed for Helix North and Love and Kisses. The path passes the sewage works and then continues alongside the River Carron.
Eventually the path curves left and then right, reaching a cross-roads of paths opposite a 'human sun-clock' sculpture, created by Helen Coffey. Turn right here to follow a surfaced path through the woods and marshland.
Eventually the path curves left and reaches a junction with a HArTT sign. Turn left here onto a tarmac path, soon leading past Love and Kisses, another sculpture created by Jephson Robb. Continue along the path to the cross-paths junction reached earlier, and this time turn right.
Follow the path and straight ahead onto a wider path at the next junction (ignoring the sign to the right for Langlees Health walk). At the next junction with a minor road turn right along the road, reaching a roundabout on the main A9. Turn left along the pavement beside this, until a cycle path eventually cuts off sharply left. This leads down to the canal towpath. Follow this to return to the lock above the Kelpies car park; cross here. Now either turn right to follow the canal back to the car park, or retrace your steps along the outward path through the wetland on the boardwalk to return to the start.
When at the path junction opposite the car park, you could extend the walk slightly by detouring to visit the lagoon and its cafe kiosk. To do this, simply continue along the main path, ignoring branches off right and passing to the left of the Lawn performance space. As the lagoon lake is reached bear right along it to visit the small cafe by the water. From here you can return to the car park using a path that leads back along the other side of the Lawn.
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