Kirkintilloch to The Falkirk Wheel

A flat, traffic-free cycle route from the bustling historic town of Kirkintilloch to the iconic 21st century landmark, the Falkirk Wheel. A longer route that is best suited to families with older children or fairly fit cyclists.

Access: The nearest mainline railway station to the start point at Kirkintilloch is Lenzie Railway Station. Or you could travel to Bishopbriggs Railway and join the canal earlier. See www.thetrainline.com. If you are driving, park in Kirkintilloch town or start a little earlier on the canal at The Stables pub.

Start: Cowgate, Kirkintilloch, at the bridge where the road crosses the canal.

Finish: The Falkirk Wheel.

Distance: 23km / 14 miles

Elevation gain: Mostly negligible

Return: Cycle past the Falkirk Wheel and on to the Union Canal, via a long tunnel. You will see a sign for access to Falkirk High station, which is reached only 200m from the towpath. Board the train to Lenzie or Bishopbriggs, changing at Croy station, or to Glasgow.

Terrain: Flat traffic free path along the Forth & Clyde canal; mix of tarmac, gritted tarmac and some rougher trails.

Bikes: Hybrid and mountain bikes.

Highlights

  • Picturesque countryside so close to urban life
  • Canal history and heritage
  • Wealth of wildlife
  • Iconic boatlift, The Falkirk Wheel
  • Easy-to-follow cycling route

Cycling options:

  • Start from a number of other places, such as the Stables Pub or Auchinstarry Marina, near Croy.
  • Extend the bike ride the Falkirk Wheel to Linlithgow or Edinburgh (reverse the Linlithgow to The Falkirk Wheel route)

Facilities:

  • The Kirky Puffer pub, Kirkintilloch
  • The Boathouse Pub Restaurant, Kilsyth
  • The Falkirk Wheel café