Scotland’s Union Canal
Dear Diary,
I fondly remember my first flat in Edinburgh.
It was located in a nice neighbourhood, central and not far from my uni. When people asked where I was staying, I told them at the end of the canal.
In fact, the Union Canal was my second home. It was perfect for a nice walk, calm, not too many people, well, ok, the cyclists were a bit annoying at times. It offered the ideal stroll to sort my thoughts before tackling the next essay.
The best part, though, is that you could keep on walking and walking and walking forever.
Years later, I found out that the Union Canal would eventually take you to the Falkirk Wheel.
That’s 51 km long, starting from Lochrin Basin and ending in Falkirk. Maybe a bit too long for a walk… Unless you fancy a challenge.
The history of the Union Canal
The history of the Union Canal goes back to 1793, when people from Edinburgh used it for commercial purposes to access coal from the west. The canal was later connected to the Forth & Clyde Canal.
It was a very popular trade route over the centuries, until 1942 when the railway linked Edinburgh to Glasgow, which made the canal trade obsolete.
So, in 1965, the Union Canal was eventually closed to traffic, also due to its poor condition.
It took until 2001 to restore the canal, which was the largest canal restoration in Britain.
Nature and wildlife
The canal is not only a testament to clever engineering but also offers a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna.
You can spot all kinds of birds, from swans to colourful kingfishers and grey herons.
If you’re lucky, you can even spot otters and beavers!
Alongside the water, you’ll find all sorts of wildflowers and poppies that attract bees and butterflies.
You can also watch the canal change through the seasons. It occasionally freezes in winter.
And not to forget all the canal boats and rowers that use the canal regularly.
The Falkirk Wheel
At the end of the canal, you’ll come across the Falkirk Wheel, which is the world’s only rotating boat lift, and it's pretty spectacular.
It connects the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal.
The wheel opened in 2002 and replaced a flight of eleven locks that used to step the Union Canal down to the level of the Forth & Clyde Canal, which is more than 100 feet below.
This whole process took a while. With the new wheel, it only takes a couple of minutes.
Visit the Union Canal
You can start your walk from any spot along the canal, depending on whether you want to simply enjoy nature or discover the gigantic wheels.
It works fine for a short stroll or a longer distance, whatever you are in the mood for, but it definitely never gets boring.
I personally like to start at the Lochrin Basin, for old times’ sake, but I also quite like the area around Linlithgow.
Every summer, the Edinburgh Canal Festival takes place. Featuring local businesses, live music, competitions on the water and much more. Worth a visit.
