Forth and Clyde Canal: Kilsyth to Falkirk

An accessible, easy walk with excellent transport links along the Forth & Clyde Canal towpath before ascending alongside the spectacular Falkirk Wheel and following the first stretch of the Union Canal.

Terrain

Variable grade surfaced towpath

Public Transport

Bus to Kilsyth near the start, or rail station 2km away at Croy. The stage ends by Falkirk High rail station.

Start

Auchinstarry Marina, Kilsyth. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Currently 2.67/5

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 18km / 11.25 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 51m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS720769

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

This stage of the walk begins from Auchinstarry Marina, a short walk south from Kilsyth (buses) or 2km north from Croy Rail Station. From Auchinstarry head along the towpath on the north side of the canal, which runs wide and straight for some distance as it cuts through the Dullater Marsh SSSI - a particularly remote section of the canal. Leaving this beautifully desolate wilderness at Wyndford Lock the canal bends to the right before being confronted by the busy A80 bridge. The construction of this road led to the closure of the canal to traffic in 1960s to prevent the need to install a bridge, but has recently had to be raised in order to reopen the waterway at huge cost. There now follows a smaller road bridge, then a flight of three locks down to Underwood.

Stage 2

The canal follows the course of the Antonine Wall - a Roman turf and stone fortification bisecting Scotland - on the southern bank, and it is possible to visit the ruins and fort with a short detour at this stage. The canal passes through Bonnybridge, with an interesting vertical lift road bridge, and along a featureless section of canal to arrive at the Falkirk Wheel basin and visitor centre by Camelon on the outskirts of Falkirk.

Stage 3

The route leaves the course of the Forth & Clyde canal at this point - the canal continues east to eventually reach the Forth estuary via a sealock into the Rover Carron. Instead cross the footbridge towards the visitor centre and marvel at the Falkirk Wheel - a huge, elegant boatlift that slowly and gracefully lifts boats from the basin to the aqueduct 24 metres above. The height difference was once overcome by a flight of 11 locks, but these were filled in and built upon in the 1930s when the canal was closed.

Stage 4

Follow the cycle route signs uphill east of the visitor centre along the surfaced path to reach the level of the aqueduct immediately before the canal enters Rough Castle Tunnel, a new 150 metre tunnel constructed to protect the archaeological remains of the Antonine Wall above. Follow the towpath through the tunnel to emerge beneath a lock required to lift the canal to the original height of the Union Canal.

Stage 5

Continue along to Port Maxwell, the original terminus of the canal above the buried lock flight down to the Forth & Clyde canal. The tow path continues above Falkirk - an easy stroll along recently modelled banks. Just before arriving at the mouth of a lengthy tunnel a path off to the left leads under the railway to reach Drossie Road car park and the adjacent Falkirk High railway station - the end of this stage. Alternatively, the walk continues along the towpath through the tunnel.

Next stage: Falkirk to Linlithgow

Route: Phil Turner

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