Union Canal

Follow the Union Canal from Edinburgh Quay, over aqueducts, through tunnels and past tranquil scenery till you link with the Forth & Clyde Canal at the Falkirk Wheel.

It's 32 miles along the Union Canal from Edinburgh Quay in the heart of the capital to the Falkirk Wheel, where a massive piece of modern engineering will lift your boat into the Forth & Clyde Canal.

 

 

Millenium Link

Scotland's lowland canal network was restored to celebrate the new millennium in a £32 million project, funded by the National Lottery.  At one end, Edinburgh Quay is taking shape as a thriving canal centre in the heart of Scotland's capital. At the other, an impressive element in the project, the Falkirk Wheel lifts boats from the Union to the Forth & Clyde Canal in the world's only rotating boat lift.

Boating

dog walker and cyclist on towpath passing moored boats on canal

There are plenty of options on the Union canal to hire a boat for the day and take in the sights and sounds of one of Scotland's finest canals.

Paddle sports

5 people in rowing boat on canal

Get active on the Union Canal and enjoy kayaking, canoeing and rowing. There's plenty to get involved in, both in and out of town.

Fishing

man fishing on Scottish canal with urban buildings in background

Get started with a spot of canal fishing. Roach and Perch are the most common species throughout the canal, and can easily be caught using maggots, pinkies, worms or bread as hookbait.

Wildlife

Swan on nest

The Union Canal provides a vital corridor for wildlife of many different sorts, through the city and on out into the countryside.

Cycling

2 cyclists on towpath in urban area of canal

The canal provides a great route in and out of the city, ideal if you commute by bike, but also great for an excursion or to keep fit.

Events

raft race on Scotland's Canals

Join in with great seasonal activities and events along the Union Canal. Bring the family and get involved in activities on and off the water.

Walking

man on bike with 2 dogs feeding ducks on a Scottish canal

Great for local walks, city walks, country walks and long distance walks. The tow path on the Union could be the route to regular exercise or the ideal spot for a gentle stroll in the tranquil surroundings.

History

2 runners on canal towpath passing kayaker paddling on canal

For several decades before the railway was established, the Union Canal provided an important commercial link across central Scotland.

Holidays

Falkirk Wheel

The Union Canal links with the Forth & Clyde Canal at Falkirk, providing a network of holiday opportunities that takes you right across Scotland.

The Falkirk Wheel

person cycling along canal towpath with the Falkirk Wheel in the background

Book now and experience the world's only rotating boat lift from 35 metres in the air! A day at the Falkirk Wheel offers so much; with relaxing boat trips, woodland and canalside walks, fantastic outdoor kids play area, and a stunning visitor centre with fantastic cafe and gift shop.