From Kelpie to Canal Swimming

My great-great-grandfather was caretaker of the Queen’s Swans on the Forth and Clyde.

So with such joy, my partner and I were invited to take a short break in Falkirk.

The Falkirk Wheel and the world famous kelpies were an important part of what we wanted to do.

And what better way to explore the canal than on bikes rented and moored on the banks of the canal.

The wider Falkirk area may seem like an industrial area to the passer-by on the A9, but stop for a moment and you’ll find it’s a force to be reckoned with for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

It’s a place where I fit in, like visiting a beloved relative.

However, due to inclement weather, our first stop at Pineapple had to be quickly rethought. And our picnic, bought from Matheson’s bakers, was eaten in the front seat of a car overlooking the River Forth.

Despite the weather, “Pineapple” is a testament that Falkirk Barnes can achieve what others tell them they cannot.

Pineapple, now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, was built in 1761 by the Earl of Dunmore as a summer house where he could grow exotic fruits.

It’s quite amazing, as are the forests surrounding the property near the village of Airt.

Many, many moons ago, when there were rumors that there would be Scotland’s largest public art project at the mouth of the Union Canal at Grangemouth, people laughed. An echo of the same laughter that the Count had at one time.

But, as our wonderful guide and local Kirsty Connell explained, standing inside the kelpies, perseverance and perseverance won out.

A tribute to so many unfinished parts of Scotland’s cultural and industrial history, these “bad boys” as my father, the truly great man Danny, describe them, rise out of the water to remind us that anything can happen if we can only think about it.

Irn-Bru is also from Falkirk – his factory once stood on the edge of the canal.

You can take a taxi from Kelpie to the Falkirk Wheel for about £10, two former Australian travelers told us.

They’ve been wanting to visit both sites ever since they saw them in a VisitScotland ad campaign.

They traveled half the world, although I’m ashamed to admit that I never found the time to get a close-up look at the bad guys or go on a canal cruise.

The principle of operation of the Falkirk wheel is based on the screw of Archimedes.

Powered by the energy needed to boil a kettle eight times, the wheel drives the tourist barge along the Scottish Canal, along with other pleasure boat barges, at a maximum speed of four miles per hour along the Union route to the Forth and Clyde canals. .

She remembers my grandmother’s days when the great Clydesdales pulled barges across the water.

We met a family from Mississippi who came to the Falkirk Wheel as part of a package tour.

When asked why they came to this part of Scotland, they also replied that the canal was an important part of their journey.

And they really enjoyed being there. They laughed at every gentle joke as we raced along the canal and through one of its famous tunnels, looking out over the surrounding Trossach hills.

A short cycle along the canal will take you into the peaceful countryside.

The bikes are great. We are not small in height or girth, and we plowed off the road – and these strong bikes were simply unbeatable.

After our events, we enjoyed Irn-Bru chicken wings and other exceptionally delicious Scottish tapas at the excellent Christie’s on Vicar Street. Not only excellent food and drinks but also great staff.

It was a place of passion.

As well as Klondyke Garden Center for breakfast and Milk Bar for afternoon tea.

We also enjoyed burgers and ice cream at Behind the Wall before a good dig at the independent shops in downtown Falkirk.

Before the kelpies brushed us off after our short stay, we touched their manes, wanting to stay longer to explore more.

TRAVEL FACTS

Christie’sVicar Street, Falkirk, £90 for a meal for three, a generous platter for two with drinks, cheese board and coffee.

Behind the wall13 Melville Street, Falkirk, £45 for hamburgers with side dishes and drinks for two.

Fort Bikes, £25 deposit which is refundable. Trips: Three hours for £7.20, ride charge £2.40 for 30 minutes, monthly membership £12 – includes the first 45 minutes of each ride.

Milk barn, Shieldhill, ice cream and coffee £12 for two.

Zetland Park, free.

Wall of Antoninus, various locations for free.

Pineapple, Dunmore near Earth. Free entrance to the territory.