The Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel and Callendar Park
Date: 24 May 2025
Leader: Idris
Grade: C+
Number on walk: 13
Length 17 km. Ascent 137 m.
Hills climbed: None.
Click here for GPX track of the walk
Our walk started near the Kelpies visitor centre
These equine sculptures were completed in October 2013, with an official unveiling in April 2014, and are the largest in the world. The name "Kelpies" comes from Scottish folklore, where kelpies are mythical water spirits that often take the form of horses.
Leaving the Kelpies behind we walked alongside the Forth & Clyde Canal through an industrial estate
The canal links the River Clyde at Bowling with the River Carron and the Forth Estuary. Construction started in1768 and was completed in 1790. The canal was closed in 1963 but re-opened between 1999 and 2002.
We were greeted by a cohort of Roman Legionnaires at the Falkirk Wheel
Unbeknown to us we arrived during the “Revolution Festival 2025”. A celebration to mark the Falkirk Wheel's birthday 23 years ago. The event featured live music, interactive performances and character meet-and-greets, alongside the usual attractions like e-boat rides, crazy golf, and archery.
The Boat Lift (Falkirk Wheel)
Designed as a replacement for the disused and infilled locks at Camelon it was opened in 2002 and re-established the connection between the Edinburgh & Glasgow Union Canal and the Forth & Clyde Canal.
We left the noise and jollity behind and passed through Rough Castle Tunnel
This is a modern canal tunnel 180 meters long created to avoid damaging the Antonine Wall under which it passes. It opened in 2002 and features dynamic lighting, creating an immersive experience for visitors.
A rural stretch of the newly (2002) constructed section of canal between Tamfourhill and the Falkirk Wheel
We had lunch at the top of the Camelon flight of locks
The disused and infilled flight of eleven locks dropped the Edinburgh & Glasgow Union Canal 110 feet to the Forth & Clyde Canal at Lock 16 half a mile away.
Our afternoon break was in Callendar Park at Callendar House
Originally a 14th-century tower house, the building was redesigned and extended in the 19th century to resemble a French Renaissance château with Scottish baronial elements. It features a 300-foot frontage and is protected as a Category A listed building. It is now in the care of Falkirk Council and visitors can explore permanent exhibitions on the Antonine Wall, the industrial revolution in Falkirk, and the history of Callendar House.