Canal Boat trip to Falkirk Wheel

Fancy a wee leisurely cruise on the canal with the Seagull Trust. This all day cruise leaves from the Boathouse in Falkirk (FK1 5EF) and travels along the canal with a trip on the Falkirk Wheel before returning to the Boathouse. The trip takes around 5 hours, which includes a stop at the visitor centre next to the Falkirk Wheel.

Bring along a packed lunch to enjoy during the cruise because although the boats stop at the visitor centre for around 45 minutes and we’ll be able to get off the boats, the cafe can be very busy, which doesn’t leave a lot of time to wait in queues. I enquired about the possibility of ordering fish suppers like we did at the Kirkintilloch cruise, but was advised that previous groups had tried this without success as there aren’t any chippy's close enough to the Wheel and the food was quite cold by the time it arrived.

These cruises are operated by the Seagull Trust, a charitable organisation, funded solely by donations and grants and wholly run by unpaid volunteers. They have two boats at Falkirk, the Govan Seagull and the Barr Seagull. Each boat can accommodate a maximum of 12 people. I have reserved both of them for our sole use. Both are fully accessible with lifts to accommodate those with mobility problems or in wheelchairs. Each has a wheelchair friendly toilet and a galley. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.

I am asking for £6 to cover a donation of £5 per person to the Seagull Trust and your £1 group fee. Please pay by Friday the 11th of September. If payment hasn’t been received by then your RSVP will be cancelled so that someone on the waitlist has the opportunity to go.

If driving, the Boathouse is located just off Gartcows Road under the railway bridge in Bantaskine Park, Falkirk. If using Satnav use the postcode FK1 5EF. This takes you to houses on Gartcows Road. On the opposite side of the road there is a grass bank with a narrow tarmac road cutting across it. This leads up under a railway bridge up to the side of the canal. Across another bridge and you will see the Boathouse. There is plenty of parking next to the Boathouse.

If travelling by public transport, from Falkirk High train station, you can walk to the Boathouse in around 10 minutes. I’ve added several photos of various routes below.