Scottish Canals – Kirkintilloch bridgeThe Falkirk Wheel – bargeThe Falkirk Wheel – yacht marinaThe Falkirk Wheel – cascade of waterThe Falkirk Wheel – small food court near machineThe Falkirk Wheel – plays in waterThe Falkirk Wheel – machineThe Falkirk Wheel – panoramaThe Wheel arousing the admiration of the vessel transport engineThe Falkirk Wheel – canalThe Falkirk Wheel – front side
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.
82 km cycling trip from Glasgow to Falkirk along the Forth and Clyde Ship Canal.
Kirkintilloch – entry into the bicycle path length by the Forth and Clyde Canal Ship.Ride bike along the Forth and Clyde Canal to FalkirkThe Kelpies, Falkirk – 2 milesThe Kelpies, Falkirk – the first selfie with sculptures.The Kelpies, Falkirk – entrance to North SeaThe Kelpies – sculptureThe Kelpies – sculptureThe Kelpies, Falkirk – sculptureThe Kelpies – sculptureThe Kelpies – sculptureThe Kelpies – sculptureThe Kelpies – sculptureThe Kelpies, Falkirk – insideThe Kelpies – outside material
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.
Encouraged by the previous trip I decided to take a longer cycling tour. I was riding a bike from Glasgow to Balloch (Loch Lomond) by Dumbarton. During the tour, I stopped over the bay in Dumbarton where I made short a lunch break.
The Forth and Clyde Canal, ScotlandBowling – the river shipyardDumbarton – rock at the entrance to the cityDumbarton – the ruins of an old granaryDumbarton (Scotland) – the marina and the castle hillDumbarton – the marina and the castle hillRiver Leven (Scotland) near DumbartonOld the church – river Leven, ScotlandThe Maid of The Loch, ScotlandThe Maid of The Loch – Balloch, Loch LomondLoch Lomond, Scotland – lake seen from BallochThe Maid of The Loch – Balloch, Loch Lomond
A bike tour from Glasgow to Loch Lomond is a great way to explore the scenic countryside of Scotland. The route is about 40 miles long and follows mostly flat or gently rolling roads, with some optional detours to visit historic sites and natural attractions. You can start from the city centre of Glasgow and cycle along the River Clyde, passing by landmarks such as the Riverside Museum, the Science Centre and the SSE Hydro. Then you can head north-west towards Dumbarton, where you can see the impressive Dumbarton Castle on a rocky outcrop. From there, you can follow the cycle path along the Forth and Clyde Canal, which offers a peaceful and picturesque ride. You can stop at Bowling Harbour to admire the boats and the canal locks, or visit the Auchentoshan Distillery to sample some whisky. The final stretch of the tour takes you to Balloch, the gateway to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. You can enjoy the stunning views of the loch and the surrounding mountains, or take a boat trip to explore the islands. You can also visit the Balloch Castle Country Park, which has a beautiful garden and a historic castle. A bike tour from Glasgow to Loch Lomond is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that will give you a taste of Scotland’s culture and nature.
