Since significant sections of the canals are now reopened, I have put together this page of general advice to those wishing to get out onto the waters of the Scottish lowland canals. This page will explain some of the things you need to know, for example, what the dimensions of the canals are. I will also list the best sections of canals for boating. I'd like to thank John Walker of British Waterways for providing me with most of this information.

First of all, you will need a license from British Waterways, the organisation which owns the canals. Their address is:

British Waterways are also the people to speak to about availability of moorings, and any other general enquiries.

As with any waterways, there are restrictions on the size of craft which can navigate them. These are given on the table below:

The speed limit on these canals is 4mph.

The whole of the Forth and Clyde Canal is now navigable, from Bowling to Grangemouth and a branch into the centre of Glasgow. Most of the Union Canal is also available already - the 20 mile section from Wester Hailes to the A801 road is navigable, and the rest should be completed in a few months' time. For more information on these routes, see the online guide on this website, and the official Scottish canals website.

This map shows the sections of canal which are available for boating at present (29/5/2001):

The whole lowland canal system will be opened early in 2002. Keep checking this website, and the Millennium Link Website for details of how this is progressing.

to the main canal page