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. You can join a cruise along the canal or even dine
in a restaurant boat.
Check our Canal Works &
Boater's Updates page for details of current works along the
Union Canal.
The improvement works to Leamington Lift Bridge have now been
completed and the bridge is operational again for boat traffic.
Skippers Guide
The Skipper's Guide to the Forth & Clyde and Union
canals provides essential information including canal maps,
facilities matrices, locking operations, canal regulations and
chart information. It is also provided free of charge on entry to
the canal or you can download a printable version on the right hand
side of this page
Get the licence
Use the Boat Transit Ready Reckoner
to calculate the cost of your trip or download the Transit
& Short Term Licences document.
Passages through the Falkirk Wheel to/from the Forth & Clyde
Canal are free to Scottish Canals licence holders. Book at least 24
hours in advance. Call the Basin Controller on 01324 676912.
Watch those oars!
Some navigation restrictions apply September to June between
Harrison Park and Slateford Aqueduct to ensure safe shared use by
both powered and unpowered craft on this popular stretch of the
canal. Full details can be found within the rowers section on the
Lowland canals skipper's guide.
Boaters feedback forum!
Spotted any weed or have had any navigation issues? Please tells
us on the new Boaters feedback forum.
We need your help - Non Native Species
'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. Find out more or download the
official poster.
Forth & Clyde and Union Canals Opening Hours
The Summer opening hours on the Lowland canals will be;
April to October: 8:00am - 6:00pm. (8:00am - 8:00pm at Bowling and Carron Sea Locks.)
Leamington Lift Bridge (Edinburgh): 8:00am – 7:30pm.
The Falkirk Wheel: 9:00am – 6.00pm.
Road Bridges (Bonnybridge etc): 9:00am – 5:30pm
Later openings between Lock 17 - Lock 20 and at The Falkirk Wheel may be possible subject to availability of staff and sufficient notice.
Please note opening restrictions apply to the road bridges during periods of heavy road traffic. Earlier operation from 8:00am may be possible by prior agreement.
Download the full opening hours information