Tag: Falkirk

  • The Wheel – Forth and Clyde Canal (Falkirk)

    The Wheel – Forth and Clyde Canal (Falkirk)

    Glasgow-Falkirk (The Wheel) – Glasgow – 72 km

    The Wheel is a remarkable engineering feat that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. It is the world’s only rotating boat lift, and it can lift boats up to 24 metres in height. The Wheel was opened in 2002, and it has become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Scotland’s industrial heritage. The Forth and Clyde Canal was built in the 18th century, and it was the first canal in Britain to cross from coast to coast. It allowed trade and transport between the east and west of Scotland, and it also linked with the Union Canal, which ran to Edinburgh. However, the canals fell into decline in the 20th century, and they were closed in 1963. The Wheel was part of a project to restore the canals and reconnect them, and it has revived their use for leisure and recreation.

  • The Kelpies, Scotland

    The Kelpies, Scotland

    82 km cycling trip from Glasgow to Falkirk along the Forth and Clyde Ship Canal.

    The Kelpies are two monumental sculptures of horse heads, located in Falkirk, Scotland. They were designed by artist Andy Scott and completed in 2013. The sculptures are inspired by the mythological creatures of the same name, which were said to inhabit the lochs and rivers of Scotland. The Kelpies are made of stainless steel and stand 30 meters tall, weighing 300 tonnes each. They are the largest equine sculptures in the world and a symbol of Scotland’s industrial and agricultural heritage.

    International historic civil engineering landmark Forth & Clyde Ship Canal was constructed from Grangemouth to Glasgow in the years 1768-1777 and the section Glasgow to Bowling in 1785-1790. The canal was closed due to the poor technical condition and the fact that shipping was stopped in 1963. The Canal was reopened in 2001 after modernization coast, re-vitalization and deep cleaning.
    The canal. which in addition to inland traffic, accommodated full-masted coastal ships between The North and Irish Seas, represents a world landmark in canal engineering development. The project significantly advanced the industrial revolution in Scotland, and its organization proved the model for civil engineering work down to the present.

  • Bike trip along the Forth and Clyde Canal

    Bike trip along the Forth and Clyde Canal

    One of the first longer routes I have cycled back and forth in one day. The length of the road is approximately 52 km, starting from Glasgow to Bowling via National Cycle Route No 7. One-way travel is mostly by the banks of the Fourth & Clyde Canal. Return along the Clyde River through Clydebank, Yoker, Whiteinch and the cycle path through Green Park, Alexandra Parade to Riddrie.

    One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the scenic landscapes of Scotland is to take a bike trip along the Forth and Clyde Canal. This historic waterway connects the east and west coasts of the country, passing through many towns, villages and attractions along the way. You can cycle the entire length of the canal, which is about 56 miles, or choose a shorter section that suits your fitness level and time availability. The canal path is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. You will also find plenty of places to stop for refreshments, rest or sightseeing, such as the Falkirk Wheel, the Kelpies, the Antonine Wall and the Glasgow Science Centre. A bike trip along the Forth and Clyde Canal is a great way to experience the history, culture and nature of Scotland in a fun and active way.