Calling all canoeists: paddle your way between Glasgow and Edinburgh on a brand new canal trail
A new canoe trail between Scotland’s two largest cities is set to encourage more people into taking healthy exercise while appreciating two beautiful stretches of historic canals.
The new trail passes through some great scenery
The 92km Glasgow to Edinburgh Canoe Trail, which follows the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals, runs through some of Scotland’s most densely populated communities. Scotland’s canals contribute over £6m of public benefits per year by providing green, clean transport corridors and a space for leisure and recreation and the new canoe trail is expected to attract hundreds of local residents, visitors and tourists each year.
To mark the occasion, local paddlers kayaked up the iconic Falkirk Wheel, which links the Forth & Clyde with the Union Canal some 35 metres higher, for the first time in its 12-year history.
Public Health Minister, Michael Matheson, said: “Taking to Scotland’s waterways is an excellent way of getting exercise and exploring areas that are off the beaten track. In this year of Homecoming, the canoe trail is a great example of how a project can bring direct benefits to local communities along its route as well as enhance the experience for tourists attracted to Scotland’s famous cities and beautiful countryside.”
The new trail links the two city centres from Pinkston Basin in North Glasgow to Edinburgh Quay at Fountainbridge, less than 1km from Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens. It passes through Port Dundas, Falkirk, Polmont, Wester Hailes and Sighthill in Edinburgh.
As part of the project an information video is being created detailing the navigation of lock gates, tunnels and other vessels. It will be hosted on the Scottish Canals’ website and is due to be completed later in the year.
So if you’re thinking of taking up a new sport this summer, why not take to this historic waterway and enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace.
For more information go to www.scottishcanals.co.uk
