Take a shortcut from the North Sea to the Irish Sea. The Forth
& Clyde Canal opens up fabulous opportunities to take sea-going
craft across the country - or hire a canal boat for the day and
explore central Scotland from an entirely new perspective.
Whichever you decide you must make a stop at the Falkirk Wheel.
Skippers' Guide
The Skipper's Guide for the Forth & Clyde Canal
is the complete reference guide to boating on this unique
canal.
Get the licence
Use our online price calculator
to calculate the cost of your journey or download the Transit & Short Term Licences
information.
Book your passage
You must book assisted passages through the locks and
swingbridges between Falkirk and Kirkintilloch, and between
Maryhill and Bowling. Call Scottish Canals on 0845 676 6000.
Passages through the Falkirk Wheel to the Union Canal are free
to Scottish Canals licence holders. Book at least 24 hours in
advance. Call the Basin Controller on 01324 676912.
Need a Canalside Chandlery?
SideHatch Chandlery - Find equipment and accessories for all
types of canal boats as well as gifts at the new shop in
Auchinstarry Marina. Find out more.
'CHECK-CLEAN DRY' - 3 simple steps of a campaign to encourage all water users to help stop the spread of invasive aquatic species. Invasive species including zebra mussel, New Zealand Pigmyweed and Killer shrimp can affect fish and other wildlife, restrict navigation, clog up propellers and are costly to manage.
Download the official poster