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Report on Forth & Clyde Canal cycle
17 April 2011
Today's Craggys were - Maureen, Gail, Irene, Richard, Michael B and Michael N.
Today's cycle was organised by Maureen and Richard. We parked on Lochburn Road off Maryhill Road which was only a few yards from the Clyde & Forth Canal towpath. We headed along the towpath passing through Glasgow and out into the country. We passed Cadder, Kirkintilloch, Twechar, Auchinstarry, Banknock, Bonnybridge and to our destination The Falkirk Wheel which was 22 miles from the start. The canal is widely used with barges and we saw 2 marinas for berthing. There were numerous people fishing, walking and cycling along the towpaths and it was good to see so many folk out in the fresh air. At Banknock we watched the lock keepers open and close the locks to allow a barge to pass through. These men are employed by British Waterways and were very helpful answering my numerous questions.
We spent some time at the Falkirk Wheel watching this amazing piece of engineering lift barges to and from the Union Canal to the Forth & Clyde Canal. This is worth a visit and next time I would like to be on one of those barges being lifted by The Wheel.
We headed back 3 miles along the path to a pub for our lunch outdoors in the sun. After a couple of drinks we got back on our bikes rather hesitantly and knowing we had a long cycle ahead against a head wind.
Eventually after 44 miles we were back at the cars. A great day out and a route that I would certainly recommend to others.
Irene Cahill
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