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.
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 online price calculator
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.
'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