Falkirk Base – Edinburgh and return

Falkirk Base, Edinburgh and return canal boat holiday hire

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The journey begins at the Falkirk Wheel, situated halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow and the Forth and Clyde canal which is one of the most stunning backdrops to any canal in the UK. The Wheel is the world’s first rotating boat lift, cost £17million and is the height of eight double-decker buses, 115 feet wide and 100 feet long.

After leaving the Falkirk Wheel you will travel down the Union Canal, which was originally used as a commercial waterway to transport coal before its closure in 1930. Your cruise will then take you over the magnificent Almond Aqueduct, which is 420 feet long and carries the Union Canal 76 feet above the River Almond.

Your boat hire journey lets you explore Scotland’s villages of Linlithgow and Ratho. Linlithgow is an ancient royal burgh, which lies south of two famous landmarks, Linlithgow Palace and Linlithgow Loch.

Linlithgow Palace is arguably Scotland’s finest surviving late medieval building and was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The grounds are home to a beautiful public park known as The Peel, which is perfect for picnics.

Linlithgow lock is popular for water sports and is also a notable spot for bird watching. It is three-quarters of a mile long and contains a fishery.

Your next destination is Ratho, which is home to the Edinburgh Canal Centre. This popular stop has two restaurant boats and the much-loved Bridge Inn.

Then heading into Edinburgh there are many incredible attractions to seek out. The most famous of these is the stunning Edinburgh Castle which overlooks the Royal Mile, the oldest section of Edinburgh and home to a number of important landmarks, tourist shops and lots of ghostly tours. If you have time, tour the Scotch Whisky Experience as part of your Edinburgh canal boat hire and enjoy the amazing optical illusions that are a feature of Camera Obscura – both attractions are close to the castle.

A short list of other popular landmarks to visit on boat trips includes the National Monument of Scotland on Calton Hill, the Scott Monument at the Prince Street Gardens and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Book our Edinburgh and return canal boat holiday by using our online Availability Search, or by calling Black Prince on 01527 575 115.

ROVER TICKET

If traveling from Falkirk a rover ticket will be charged by Scottish Canals for use of the canals. This will be a flat charge of £25 for any holiday over three nights. Use up to three days will be charged at £15. This ticket will be administered by Scottish Canals through their website and office. Payment will be taken on the first day of the holiday at the office in Falkirk.