| Route Name | Photo | Distance | Description |
| Forth and Clyde Canal |  | 35 miles (56 km) | Follow the towpath of the Forth and Clyde Canal from Bowling to Falkirk on this super cycling and walking route. The route follows National Cycle Network Routes 7 and 754 so is well signed throughout. At Falkirk you can link up with the Union Canal which will take you into Edinburgh. As such you can cross central Scotland from Glasgow to Edinburgh on traffic free canalside paths.
You start off at the Bowling Basin near to Bowling train station on the Glasgow suburban line. The path then heads through Clydebank and the outskirts of Glasgow, crossing the four-arched 120 metre long Kelvin Aqueduct and the Kelvin Walkway as you go. From the Aqueduct you continue to the town of Kirkintilloch passing Cadder, Bishopbriggs, a Roman Fort and the pretty Possil Loch on the way.
From Kirkintilloch you continue to the nearby town of Kilsyth, passing along the River Kelvin and Dumbreck Nature Reserve.
The final leg runs from Kilsyth to Falkirk, passing Bonnybridge and the Antonine Wall - a Roman turf and stone fortification bisecting Scotland. On the outskirts of Falkirk you'll come to the Falkirk Wheel - this rotating boat lift connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal lifting boats from the basin to the aqueduct 24 metres above. See the video below for a full description of this fascinating tourist attraction.
After the Falkirk Wheel you complete the trip by passing along the canal into Falkirk and finishing at Falkirk train station. View Full Details>> |
| Union Canal |  | 31 miles (50 km) | Follow the Union Canal towpath from Falkirk to Edinburgh on this super, waterside cycling and walking route. The route follows National Cycle Network Routes 75 and 754 so is well signed throughout. At Falkirk you can link up with the Forth and Clyde Canal which will take you into Glasgow.
The route starts at Falkirk near the train station and follows the canal to Linlithgow, passing Polmont and Muiravonside Country Park. Here you will find 170 acres of woodland and parkland with views of the River Avon. Also in Linlithgow you'll pass the splendid Beecraigs Country Park which has miles of woodland cycling and walking trails. You can also enjoy a stroll around Linlithgow Loch.
The next section runs from Linlithgow to Ratho, passing farmland, woodland and the settlements of Broxburn, Winchburgh and Philpstoun. You also pass the Almond Aqueduct which carries the canal 23 metres above the wooded River Almond gorge. Not far from here you will find the pretty Almondell and Calderwood Country Park with peaceful woodland and a lovely waterside trail running along the River Almond.
The final section takes you from Ratho in Edinburgh. The first few miles take you through farmland before entering the suburbs of Edinburgh. You soon come to Slateford Aqueduct which carries the canal over the Water of Leith. It is the second largest aqueduct in Scotland at 180 metres long and 18 metres tall. The route ends at Lochrin Basin in the city centre of Edinburgh. View Full Details>> |
| Plean Country Park |  | 2 miles (4 km) | Enjoy peaceful walking and cycling trails in this large country park in Stirling. In the park you will find woodlands, flower meadows, ponds, streams and the ruined 18th century Plean Country House. There are several waymarked trails to follow including a nature trail where you can look out for a variety of wildlife including birds, squirrels, rabbits and dragonflies.
The park is located just a few miles from Stirling and Falkirk. View Full Details>> |
| Muiravonside Country Park |  | 3 miles (4.5 km) | Explore 170 acres of woodland and parkland in this park near Grangemouth. There are a network of paths taking you around the woodland, parkland, gardens and riverside. Highlights in the park include the River Avon, a spectacular river gorge and the historic Avon Aqueduct.
The park contains an excellent visitor centre in the old farmhouse. Muiravonside is located just a couple of miles from Linlithgow and about five miles from Falkirk. One good option is to follow the Union Canal from the centre of Linlithgow to the park - a walk of about 2.5 miles. You could then visit Linlithgow Loch and enjoy more waterside walking. Also nearby is the splendid Beecraigs Country Park. View Full Details>> |
| Palacerigg Country Park |  | 4 miles (6 km) | Enjoy miles of walking and cycling trails through this large country park in Cumbernauld. This previously uninspiring area has been transformed with the planting of thousands of native trees and shrubs. The park is now a haven for wildlife attracting roe deer, badger, fox and hare. Birdwatchers should look out for sparrowhawk, kestrel, long-eared and short-eared owl.
Palacerigg also has a collection of rare breed animals including Eriskay ponies, North Ronaldsay sheep, Shetland cattle, Guernsey goats and Tamworth pigs.
In the park you can follow 10km of nature trails which will take you through the grassland, moorland and woodland of the park. There are also water features to enjoy with several ponds and Fannyside Lochs. You can find out more about the trails and guided walks at the countryside ranger service within the park. Other facilities include a field archery course, golf course, children's play area, gift shop, cafe and picnic sites.
Palacerigg is located less than half an hour's drive from Glasgow, Motherwell, Stirling or Falkirk View Full Details>> |
| Glasgow to Edinburgh |  | 66 miles (106 km) | This is the complete route from Glasgow to Edinburgh along the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. The route follows National Cycle Network Routes 7, 75 and 754 so is well signed throughout. It follows the towpath of these two major canals and is traffic free for the duration.
You start at the Bowling Basin and head through Clydebank, Kirkintilloch, Falkirk and Linlithgow to the finish point in the centre of Edinburgh.
There's beautiful countryside, nature reserves, country parks, rivers and spectacular aqueducts to enjoy as you make your way across central Scotland. View Full Details>> |