The Canal Between Worlds
A GPS-guided journey through Falkirk’s canal heritage, waterways, wildlife and hidden stories
Price
£4.95
Duration
2-3 hours
Distance
10.45km
Style
Family
Your adventure begins here
Ready to step into the story?
Start when you are at the route, keep location access on, and let each checkpoint unlock as you reach it.
Four passes with 20% off the normal total price. After payment, four linked access codes are issued for your group.
The experience
Step into the story of the Union Canal on a long-distance walking adventure from Falkirk High towards the magnificent Avon Aqueduct. Discover the remarkable engineering behind the canal, the people who built it, the industries it powered, the rise of the railways, and the surprising wildlife that now calls this historic waterway home. Along the way, you'll explore old bridges, aqueducts, industrial landscapes and hidden pieces of local history, while keeping your eyes open for birds, squirrels, waterlife and other wildlife. This is a journey through more than 200 years of history, where engineering and nature now exist side by side. Wildlife Watch: Keep your eyes open throughout the journey. Red squirrels, herons, swans, kingfishers and other wildlife may be encountered along the canal. An exceptionally unusual white squirrel has even been reported in the area, so you never quite know what you might discover.
The trail
See the route before you go
Starting point
Begin near Falkirk High and follow the Union Canal west towards the Avon Aqueduct. Make sure you're ready for a long countryside walk before starting.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, drinking water, snacks and a fully charged phone. Binoculars are optional but recommended for wildlife spotting. Bring a camera if you'd like to record interesting wildlife or historic features along the route.
Terrain & accessibility
This is a long-distance countryside walk following the Union Canal towpath. Much of the route is relatively level, but surfaces can be uneven, muddy or wet depending on weather conditions. Expect sections of stone, gravel, grass and rough towpath. Allow plenty of time and take care around water, bridges and uneven ground. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so please observe animals quietly and from a safe distance.
Safety
Stay on the designated towpath and public paths throughout the adventure. Take particular care near the canal edge, bridges, aqueducts and uneven or slippery surfaces. Keep children and dogs under close supervision around water. Weather can change quickly, and sections of the route may become muddy or wet. Do not enter restricted areas or climb on historic structures. If you see wildlife, observe it quietly from a safe distance and never feed or approach animals.
Important information
This adventure takes place along public paths and a historic canal corridor. Conditions can change due to weather, maintenance, seasonal vegetation and other factors. GPS positioning may vary and checkpoints should be approached using the route, signs and your surroundings as well as your device. Historical information is provided for interest and exploration and may simplify complex local history. Please use your own judgement throughout the walk and follow any local signs or access restrictions.
Finish reward
Falkirk Aqueduct Explorer
Discover the waterways, woodland and wildlife of Falkirk, crossing the remarkable aqueduct above the Falkirk Wheel and following the historic route towards the Union Canal.
Open Adventure Passport