Falkirk Canal, Scotland

Discover the hidden delights of the Scotland lowlands on a dog-friendly canal boat cruise beginning at Falkirk. Together with your best furry friend, meander along the gentle waterways on a comfortable berth packed with modern amenities through routes around the Scottish countryside. Stop off for some fabulous walking opportunities and make sure to visit fido-friendly sights along your route starting in Falkirk. With easy cruising and very few locks, experience the incredible Falkirk Wheel seamlessly linking together the Union Canal and the Forth and Clyde Canal. All ABC Boat Hire canal boats at Falkirk Canal berth two to eight and come equipped with all you need to swap the hustle and bustle of life in the city for an idyllic boating escape with your canine companion.

Begin your boating adventure for the first time or as a more experienced crew member with full tuition provided at the start of every journey. A handover ensures you are comfortable operating the canal boat and includes where you can moor and how to operate locks, lifts and swing bridges. Most visitor moorings on canals and rivers are governed by the Canal & River Trust and are free of charge, meaning your boat will be permitted to moor anywhere on the towpath side of the canal as long as no obstruction is being caused. An overnight fee may be charged for overnight moorings at a select number of privately owned sites.

A suggested journey for those wanting a longer escape is the Edinburgh and Glasgow route from Falkirk Canal, a dramatic boating holiday offering the opportunity to cruise the full width of Scotland and into the heart of both of its major cities. This route from Falkirk Marina includes 14 locks and can be completed in seven nights. Next to the hireboat base, make sure to experience The Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first and only rotating Boat Lift before heading through Falkirk tunnel where it is worth a visit to Callendar House set in the landscaped Callendar Park, perfect for a scenic walk with your canine companion. As your journey takes you into the very heart of Glasgow, moor at Spiers Wharf and venture to the dog-friendly Inn Deep where you and your furry friend can relax and enjoy a dip in the river which flows past it. With Glasgow having some of the finest parks in the UK, also make sure to pay a visit to Kelvingrove in the West End and Glasgow Green to the East of the City Centre. 

If you’re looking for a shorter break, Edinburgh & return passes through six locks and can be completed in four nights with the tranquil cruise mixing nature and wildlife with castles and the demise of a monarch. As the canal swoops into Linlithgow, make time to visit the dramatic ruins of Linlithgow Palace overlooking Linlithgow Loch for a stunning walk or treat your furry friend to a roam around Beecraigs Country Park in the hills just south of Linlithgow. When meandering through central Edinburgh, moor up to enjoy a delicious meal at dog-welcoming Brewhemia with your canine companion by your side or visit the dog-friendly shops House of Hound or Harry’s Treats dedicated to retail therapy just for doggy guests.

All dog-friendly canal boats are available from April to November. Arrive on Friday, Saturday or Monday for a 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 or 14 night stay. Please note that each route has individual changeover dates. In a canal boat berthing 4, enjoy a 3 night stay from £999 or 7 night stay from £1,399 in the low season, excluding fuel supplement. Supplements apply on summer dates and larger boats.