The Union Canal stretches for 31 miles between Edinburgh and Falkirk. Once part of the main route between Edinburgh and Glasgow, the waterway was closed and became derelict during the 1960s, but since then has been brought back into use as a leisure facility. Trip boats operate from many places along the canal, and the towpath is ideal for walking, cycling or just relaxing. There are now also holiday hire boats available.

The Union Canal is probably best known for its remarkable engineering works. It runs on a contour for its whole length - not a single lock on its 31 miles (although some are under construction on the approach to the Falkirk Wheel) - and it also boasts Scotland's longest (and until recently only) canal tunnel, through Prospect Hill on the outskirts of Falkirk. But most spectacular are Scotland's three largest aqueducts, all now restored, which carry the canal over the rivers Avon and Almond and the Water of Leith.

Although work is still ongoing to reconnect the canal to the Forth and Clyde Canal and provide a proper terminus in Edinburgh, the rest of the waterway reopened in August 2001 and makes a very rewarding walk or cruise. Keep checking the Millennium Link Page for more information on how the rest of the work is progressing.

If you are interested in boating on the canal, have a look at my boating page for some general advice.

For more information on any section of the canal, click on it on the map below:

For information on getting to the canal by public transport, click here

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