Falkirk (ABC Boat Hire)

Falkirk Canal (ABC Boat Hire)
Falkirk Base
FK1 4RS
SCOTLAND

Phone: +44(0)1324 627212
E-mail: holidayboats@scottishcanals.co.uk

Area description

Practical information

Local attractions

Attractions in the area

Check-in
The boat is ready for takeover between 14-17

Late arrival
In case of late arrival, the base must be notified.

Check-out
The boat must be in port the night before check-out. The boat must be left and handed in no later than 09.00 on the day of check-out.

Transport by train
Find train departures here.

Book a taxi
Bruce’s Taxis: +44(0)1324 636000
Express Taxis: +44(0)1324 638000

Distance to the nearest airports
Landing at either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport you can take a bus to the city centre and then a train as above. From Edinbugh airport a taxi directly to Falkirk takes about 30 minutes.

Parking at the base
It is possible to purchase parking through Seatravel.

Groceries
There is a large convenience store in Camelon (3minutes by car), two Tesco stores and one Asda store in Falkirk (7 minutes by car).

IMPORTANT!
It is imperative you bring a mobile phone and a 3-pin plug charger. You will need to contact the Falkirk Wheel staff to arrange passage through the wheel and to contact other Scottish Canals Boat Movements staff if and when required. If you do not have a phone, you can rent one from the Falkirk Base at a nominal charge. Locks and bridges on the Forth and Clyde Canal are also currently operated by Scottish Canals’ staff and a phone will allow you to contact them and arrange passage at your convenience.

If you wish to cruise west on the Forth and Clyde Canal or Easttowards the Kelpies, a week before your departure date you MUST phone Scottish Canals Boat Movements on 07810 794467 and tell them what time you intend to be at Bonnybridge lift bridge (lock 16).
If possible try to be at the base by 1.30pm, thus giving enough time for check-in/handover and cruising out to Bonnybridge - usual bridge booking 4pm.

Ruter

Featured Routes - 7+ nights

Edinburgh & Glasgow

7 nights • 14 locks (Twice via the wheel) • Cruising time per day: 6 hrs • Total: 39 hrs

Complete the width of Scotland, and back, visiting both cities in a one week holiday.
You will cruise the Union Canal to Edinburgh Quay, over aqueducts, through tunnels and past tranquil scenery as well as the Forth and Clyde Canal to Glasgow.

NB: If you are choosing to go this route you will probably need to contribute more for fuel than the deposit amount.

Bowling & Return

7 nights • 44 locks • Cruising time per day: 6 hrs • Total: 33 hrs

The Forth & Clyde Canal follows the Clyde Estuary all the way down to the old shipbuilding village of Bowling - a pleasant boating haven.
The route has a rich mix of industry old and new, stunning views of the Clyde and relics of the shipbuilding era.

Short Breaks - 3/4 nights

Glasgow & Return

3 nights • 8 locks • Cruising time per day: 6.5-10 hrs • Total: 18 hrs

Four evenly spaced locks after Bonnybridge take the canal up to the broad, straight section before Auchinstarry. The majestic Campsie Fells rise from the valley that the canal shares with the River Kelvin and the scenery is superb as the canal then follows contours for the rest of its journey to Glasgow. The canal arm south towards Applecross Street Basin in Glasgow looks down to where the River Kelvin winds from the university past the museums and botanical gardens. A major port with a shipping history back to the 18th century, Glasgow has a wealth of museums and collections. The art galleries and museums of Glasgow are never without examples by Charles Rennie Mackintosh - there is even a church designed by him in the city.

Edinburgh & Return

4 nights • 6 locks • Cruising time per day: 6-10 hrs • Total: 22 hrs

This cruise starts via the Falkirk Wheel and the new Rough Castle Tunnel, two new locks and a mile of new canal to join the original canal at the site of the summit of the flight of 11 locks that used to join the two canals. The stalactites and rock-hewn sections of the Falkirk tunnel, a treat for the budding geologist. Amongst the numerous minor aqueducts en route, three to note are the 12 arches, 85ft Avon Aqueduct and the Almond and Slateford Aqueducts, both at 75ft high. Beecraigs Country Park and the beautifully preserved remains of Linlithgow Palace on the shore of Linlithgow Loch are within easy reach of the canal.