FORTH & CLYDE AND UNION CANALS - Scottish Canals

FOR TH & CLY D E AND UNION C A N A L S
skipper’s guide
Web Edition
Full printed version available
from British Waterways Scotland
V isi t : www . s c o t t ish c a n als . c o .uk

GENERAL INFORMATION
BOATERS HANDBOOK
All licence holders are entitled to a free copy of our Boaters Handbook. Keep
it on board the boat and encourage all crew members to follow it. Please ask
for a copy at the sea lock or at the waterway office. The handbook contains
information common to inland waterways generally, not locally specific
information.
OPERATING TIMES
Opening times can vary throughout the season. For all the latest operating
times go to www.scottishcanals.co.uk or call 0141 332 6936. Last lockings are
half an hour before closing; late locking can be arranged for a fee.
MAXIMUM CHANNEL DIMENSIONS
All measured from the water surface. Add 10cm (4inches) to your sea water
draught to compensate for reduced buoyancy in fresh water, and allow for the
weight of extra equipment, fuel and water which may increase your draught.
Leave a safety margin for underkeel clearance and for fluctuating water levels,
which may effect channel depth and headroom. The headroom at the railway
bridge below Lock 9, and at Merer’s Bridge between Locks 7 & 8, may be
reduced due to increases in water flows from locks in operation upstream.
Forth & Clyde:
Max. Boat Length: 19.20m (63ft)
Width / Beam: 6.00m (19ft 8in)
Channel Depth: 1.83m (6ft)
Maximum Headroom 3.00m (9ft 10in)
* Slightly longer vessels, depending on their hull shape, may be accommodated.
Contact 0845 676 6000 when planning passage.
Forth & Clyde Canal, Glasgow Branch:
Max. Boat Length: 24.2m (79ft)
Width / Beam: 5.02m (16ft 6in)
Channel Depth: 1.4m (4ft 6in)
Maximum Headroom: 3.00m (9ft 10in)
Union Canal & The Falkirk Wheel:
Lock Length: 21.3m (70ft)
Width: 3.5m (11ft 6in)
Channel Depth: 1.07m (3ft 6in)
Maximum Headroom: 2.7m (8ft 11in)
The Falkirk Wheel Locks
Channel Depth 1.5m (5ft)
Maximum Headroom: 2.74m (8ft 10in)
Golden Jubilee Lock: (Lock 3: F&C into basin)
Length: 21.30m (70ft)
Width / Beam: 3.83m (12ft 6in)
Channel Depth: 1.50m (5ft)
Max headroom: 2.74m (9ft)
SHOWERS, TOILETS, WATER, REFUSE POINTS & SHORE POWER
Available at locations throughout the waterway. Please refer to canal facilities
grids. Access is via a British Waterways passkey, which is available from the
Waterway Office or the sea locks. A refundable deposit is required.
PUMP OUT FACILITIES
The use of sea toilets within the waterway is prohibited. Vessels with holding
tanks can use the pump-out facilities (chargeable) located throughout the
waterway. Please refer to canal facilities information.
FUEL
Marine diesel is available at Bowling, Auchinstarry, Lock 2, the Falkirk Wheel (on
F&C) and at Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow and Edinburgh Quay.
Petrol & Derv can be obtained from local garages.
We would remind owners to exercise care during refuelling to avoid risk of fire or
pollution.
CANAL LICENCES
All craft using the canals must have an up to date licence on display at all times.
For more information please contact the BWS office 0141 332 6936.
PASSAGE TIMES – A GUIDE
The Forth & Clyde Canal is 56km (31 nautical miles, 34.5 statute miles) from
the River Carron Sea Lock on the Firth of Forth, to Bowling on the Firth of Clyde,
and there are 39 locks to negotiate.
Skippers should allow a minimum of 21 hours underway, divided approximately
as follows (east to west):
Carron Sea Lock (no 2) to Lock 16 6 hours
Lock 16 to Auchinstarry Basin 3 hours
Auchinstarry Basin to Lock 27 6 hours
Lock 27 to Bowling Sea lock 6 hours
Sufficient time should be allowed for passage from Port Edgar and negotiation of
the River Carron to the Sea Lock.
The Union Canal
This canal is 51km long (31.5 nautical miles, 35 statute miles) from Lochrin
Basin in Edinburgh to just above The Falkirk Wheel. It is a contour canal with
only one moving structure – Leamington Lift Bridge in Edinburgh. This can be
negotiated by prior arrangement with the Waterway Office.
Skippers should allow a minimum of 12 hours under way,
divided as follows:
Lochrin Basin to Ratho Br (15) 2 hours
Ratho Br to Almond Aqueduct (18) 1/2 hour
Almond Aqueduct to Craigton Br (35) 2 hours
Craigton Br to Linlithgow 2 hours
Linlithgow to Brightons Br (54) 2 hours
Brightons Br to Falkirk Wheel 2 hours
CREWING REQUIREMENTS
British Waterways staff will be on hand to assist at all locks and bridges on the
Forth & Clyde Canal, but craft must have sufficient crew to assist staff with
lockings. Faster progress will be made if each craft has more than one spare
person available to work ashore. No singlehanded sailing through the locks.
If you require further information on the working and manning of locks,
please contact the Waterway Office. See the Bowling and River Carron sailing
Instructions for further information on assistance in the approaches to the
canal and in the Sea Locks.
DALMUIR DROP LOCK
This lock is situated near the western end of the canal at Dalmuir, and provides
passage below Dumbarton Road. The lock is situated on a sharp bend on the
canal and care should be taken whilst approaching from either direction. Moor
outside the lock to await instructions from British Waterways staff. Minimum
locking time is 40 minutes.
FALKIRK TUNNEL
The tunnel is narrow with room for one way traffic only. Please comply with the
safety information displayed on the signs located at the tunnel entrances, and
with the light signals.
You must not stop in the tunnel, and unpowered craft may not navigate the
tunnel.
Please consult the diagram and notes in this Guide.
ROUGHCASTLE TUNNEL
As above, but as BW staff are on hand at this location, please accept their verbal
instructions.
SKIPPER’S GUIDE - NOTE
This document is for the general guidance of waterway users, and should not be
treated as Navigation Rules or Bye-laws. General or local instructions published
by BW, and directions given by BW staff, should be followed.
Publication date: January 2011

SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERAL CREW SAFETY
Canals are potentially hazardous environments, care should be exercised at
all times. Skippers should maintain safety awareness in the canal, just as they
would at sea. The ideal procedure is for life jackets to be worn at all times by all
persons. No solo sailing through the locks is permitted at any time.
BOAT SAFETY SCHEME
All long term users of the waterway must have an up to date Boat Safety
Certificate and provide evidence of insurance for £1,000,000 (one million
Pounds Sterling) Third Party Liability.
An information pack is available from the Waterway Office, Sea Locks or from the
Boat Safety Scheme web site: www.boatsafetyscheme.com
Craft entering the system by sea and berthing for no more than 28 consecutive
days do not require a Boat Safety Certificate. Instead, they may be subject to a
Dangerous Boat Check of gas and fuel systems, and will be required to complete
a boat condition declaration.
SWIMMING
Although the canal may look inviting, please do not swim in it, as there may be
underwater obstructions, and the banks can be steep.
VHF
Sea Locks: VHF Channel 16 / 74.
Call signs “Bowling Basin” and “Carron Sea Lock”.
VHF coverage on inland reaches is not consistent.
RADAR
Skippers must ensure that radar scanners are switched off while craft are in the
canal, and when entering sea locks.
SPEED LIMIT
All craft must observe the 4mph speed limit on the waterway to avoid bank
erosion by excessive wash.
Please minimise disturbance to others by passing moored craft at DEAD SLOW
speed.
CAUTION – MAST PROJECTION
Skippers of sailing craft are reminded that most masts will project beyond bow
and stern. Care should be taken to leave side decks as clear of spreaders and
shrouds as possible to facilitate handling warps. Please take extra care at bends
whilst on passage.
LOCKS and BRIDGES
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL
All inland locks are operated by British Waterways staff, and/or licensed users.
Sufficient boat crew is required to provide assistance.
MAIN OPENING BRIDGES
Erskine Ferry, Sylvannia Way footbridge, Old Basin Bascule Bridge, Hillhead,
Twechar and Bonnybridge bridges are hydraulically actuated, and operated by
British Waterways staff. Bridge openings will not take place during peak road
traffic times on week days. Automated road bridge operation is expected to take
in the region of 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the number of vessels.
UNION CANAL LOCKS AND BRIDGES
British Waterways staff will operate the two locks above The Falkirk Wheel.
Contact number 01324 676912. Mooring ropes must be used in both locks.
Leamington Lift Bridge near Lochrin Basin, Edinburgh. British Waterways staff
will operate this bridge by prior arrangement – see diagram.
USE OF LOCKS BY PORTABLE CRAFT
When unpowered and portable craft are considered too large to portage round
locks they may transit through the locks. They must be warped through on
ropes with no-one on board. Whenever possible such craft will be encouraged to
portage round locks for safety and water economy reasons.
THE ENVIRONMENT
British Waterways operates a Port Waste Management Plan, agreed with the
Maritime Coastguard Agency and SEPA.
Please help us to keep the Lowland Canals tidy by disposing of rubbish in a
thoughtful manner. In particular, plastic bags thrown overboard could block
water intakes, or foul propellers.
It is an offence to discharge oil, or oily bilge water, into the canal, or its adjacent
waters. Any contravention of this rule will be reported to the Marine Coastguard
Agency. If you require to empty bilges please contact British Waterways, who
may be able to arrange for specialist contractors (at additional cost).
EMERGENCIES
In the event of an emergency summon assistance by whatever means is
available – such as mobile ‘phone, public telephone, or by enlisting the help of
others.
EMERGENCY AND ACCESS NUMBERS
Emergency Number (inc Coastguard) 999
BW Emerg. (non office hours) 0800 47 999 47
Other Useful Numbers:
Lowland Canals Waterway Office 0141 332 6936
Falkirk Wheel Basin Controller 01324 676912
Falkirk Wheel Visitor Centre 01324 619888
DO NOT PHONE THESE NUMBERS FOR ASSISTED PASSAGE
ROWING
Rowing clubs use the section of Union Canal from Slateford (Prince Charlie)
Aqueduct to Harrison Park (between Ashley Terrace Bridge and Harrison Park
Bridge). Signs cautioning boaters have been erected 500 metres E & W of this
section. Please refer to the diagram and procedure detailed overleaf.
SAFETY AT GRANGEMOUTH
The River Carron comes within the safety zone for the Grangemouth Petroleum
and Chemical Complex.
In the event of a major escape of toxic gas public warning sirens will be
sounded, as follows:
The Alert Siren will have a two-tone sound operating continuously for 5 minutes,
followed by 1 minute off. This alert cycle will be repeated for as long as it is
considered necessary.
The All Clear will be a Single Tone Sound and will last for 5 minutes.
Anyone hearing the sirens, or without warning is affected to the point of
discomfort by any gas, should immediately extinguish all naked lights and go
inside shutting all doors, windows and vents.
If you are under way on the River Carron, proceed to the nearest mooring point
(see sailing instructions) and then follow the above procedure.
The Skipper has sole responsibility for the safe navigation of the
vessel in his or her charge through the canal. Specifically, the skipper
is responsible for the safe passage of the vessel under bridges, and
through tunnels and locks. No warranty, assurance, undertaking or
representation is given or made by or on behalf of the Board regarding
the safe passage of a vessel through the canal. This does not affect
your statutory or common law rights.
A large print version of this Guide is available
for visually impaired users on application to the
Lowland Canals Office.

FORTH AND CLYDE CANAL
BOWLING HARBOUR NAVIGATION
Sea Lock Tel: 01369 877969
Fl G 2s
No 45
KEEP OUT!
NUMEROUS HAZARDOUS
OBSTRUCTIONS WEST OF THIS LINE
LEADING LINE - POSTS AND WHITE TOPMARKS
Training dyke (partially covers)
Mud
Fl R 2s
No 78
LEADING LINE - POSTS AND WHITE TOPMARKS
Mud
RUINED BREAKWATER (PARTIALLY COVERS)
Fl G 2s
Longhaugh
CAR PARKING
Mud
Mud
Mast
crane
Toilets and Showers
Unused
Lock
Dunglass
Fl R 2s
Fl G 5s
No 43
BOWLING INFORMATION
• Radio: VHF Ch 16/74 “Bowling Basin” during sealock opening hours 2h–HW–2h only. Otherwise
telephone: 01389 877969. Locking should be booked in advance.
• The western part of Bowling harbour is hazardous due to a large number of unmarked wrecks.
The eastern part has been cleared (see diagram).
• Follow lock keepers instructions when entering lock, normally mooring on the port side. Two long
warps and 3–4 fenders will be needed. A canvas sheet between the fenders and the hull will
help reduce scuffing. BW staff will operate the lock.
• BW operated mast crane available at Bowling. Boat crew must carry out all mast work.
• Boat Safety Checks will be carried out at the Sea Lock prior to entry.
• Canal Licences can be purchased at the Sea Lock.
• For further details see General Information Card.
Office
Disused Rail Bridge
Former
Shipyard
Bascule Bridge
(3.0m+ when closed)
ESTUARY INFORMATION
• Vessels intending to proceed to or from Bowling Harbour via the River Clyde are required to
contact Estuary Control (VHF Ch 12 or 01475 726221).
• Clydeport’s Marine Leisure Guide (free from marinas etc) contains comprehensive
information.
Arriving from seaward: Contact Estuary Control (EC) prior to arrival at No 1 River Buoy off
Greenock Container Terminal.
Arriving from any other location on the River Clyde east of No 1 buoy (ie between Greenock
and Glasgow): Contact EC before leaving your berth or before entering the River Clyde
Channel.
Departing Bowling Harbour: Contact EC prior to departure.
• Keep to the buoyed Clyde navigation channel, and maintain a look-out for shipping.
• Monitor VHF Ch12.
• Charts: Admiralty Chart 2007 and/or Imray Chart C63. Pilots: CCC Firth of Clyde Sailing
Directions; Imray Yachtsman’s Pilot - Clyde to Colonsay.
Bowling Breakwater Fl R 4s
CAUTION: These chartlets are for guidance - do not scale or use for navigation.
Fl G 2s
No 45
Toilets and Showers
Spring 2004

High level o/h
power lines
Manoeuvering Area
Depth/air gauge (for
Kerse Bridge)
SEA LOCK (2)
LOCK 4 (approx 1 km)
FORTH AND CLYDE CANAL
RIVER CARRON NAVIGATION
LOCK 3
Sea Lock Tel: 01324 483034
New
canal
section
Pontoons
outside
sealock
MOTORWAY BRIDGE
PIPE BRIDGE
Original canal line
Depth/air gauge
for Kerse Bridge
KERSE ROAD BRIDGE
NO CHANNEL
Shallows
Depth/air gauge
for Kerse Bridge
= Coloured Piles
NO CHANNEL
PILOTAGE NOTES
• Passage must be booked in advance.
• Sea Lock - 4 hrs before to 1h30 after HW, 0800-2000 and daylight hours.
• Craft on passage can call the Sea Lock on VHF Ch 74, callsign “Carron Sea Lock”.
• Consult the Carron Tidal Information page before planning your passage up or downstream.
• Masts should be unstepped before navigating upstream of Jarvie’s Quay.
• The Kerse Road Bridge has approx 5.0 metres (16.5ft) from river bed to bridge underside, and the
highest point of the river bed is at +2.3CD. It is the critical point in the navigation.
• Tide and headroom gauges in the R Carron refer to the Kerse Road Bridge. Their tops are level with the
underside of the Kerse Road Bridge.
• The Carron dries at LW. The bed is flat gravel, the banks are steep, soft mud.
• Temporary berthing at Grangemouth YC (only by arrangement), or at the refuge posts nearby.
• BW staff will be available to assist and direct craft on passage.
• Boat Safety Checks will be carried out at the Sea Lock pontoon prior to entry.
• Canal Licences can be purchased at the Sea Lock.
• For further details see General Information (below).
PIPE BRIDGE
NO CHANNEL
Upstream course
(avoiding shallows)
NO CHANNEL
N
Depth/air gauge
for Kerse Bridge
MUD FLATS
JARVIE’S
QUAY
KERSE BRIDGE
CHANNEL MARKINGS
Depth/air gauge
for Kerse Bridge
SLOW
Grangemouth
YC
MAST CRANE PONTOON
• The de-masting pontoon in the River
Carron is privately operated and
must be booked in advance; before
1600 on Friday for weekends. Tel:
07833 953288.
• If you cannot keep your
appointment, please ’phone to
advise.
• Skippers are responsible for all
rigging operations on their vessel.
• The crane must not be used by any
unauthorised person.
• If mooring alongside check that the
pontoon will not be required by other
vessels.
• The pontoon is not suitable for an
overnight stay.
BREAKWATER / TRAINING BANK WITH BOLLARDS AND BEACONS
CAUTION: These chartlets are for guidance - do not scale or use for navigation.
GRANGEMOUTH DOCKS
Refuge mooring piles
MUD FLATS
SLOW
Waiting anchorages
(dependant on depth)
Carron Beacon
Fl G 5s
Pass all Port and
Starboard buoys close
on proper hand
GRANGEMOUTH
DOCKS
Carron
Approach
Fl(4)R 12s

PILOTAGE NOTES
• Passage from the River Carron entrance to the Forth & Clyde Canal Sea Lock is
restricted by depth and overhead obstructions. Consult the Tides and Currents
Information below, and the Tidal Predictions for Carron Sea Lock.
• Once the Carron access time window has been established, allow sufficient
time for the passage (10 miles from Forth Road Bridge/ Port Edgar) to the river
mouth, and then to the Sea Lock (a further 2.5 miles).
• Passage from Port Edgar/ Forth Bridges to the Torry Beacon may be made either
on the north or south side of the main shipping channel.
• West of the Hen & Chickens the N side must be used.
• Vessels should monitor Grangemouth Docks on VHF Ch 14, but do not need to
report, except in case of emergency or difficulty.
• Ships may cross the mouth of the River Carron on their approach to the Western
Jetty.
• If tugs are waitng in the fairway, a large vessel may be due. Keep well clear and
beware of wash.
• Small craft may anchor in the positions shown, or in the mouth of the River
Carron as depth permits, to await the tide.
• Charts: Admiralty Chart 737 and/or Imray Chart C27. Pilot: Forth Yacht Clubs’
Association Pilot Handbook.
RIVER CARRON TIDES
At spring tides the mid-tide level is rising at around 1.6m per hour and on the ebb will
fall at up to 2.0m per hour. The combination of rapidly changing levels and strong
currents makes accurate timing of your passage, especially during spring tides,
important. At neap tides the pattern is similar, but the range is less and one will be
navigating near High Water (HW) rather than at half tide, the problem is much less
acute. In general this is the easiest and safest time to make the passage.
The current in the river may be up to 2 knots on a spring flood and more, depending
on river conditions, on the ebb.
HEIGHT AND DEPTH LIMITS
Navigation is constrained by the headroom under the 4 fixed bridges over the River
Carron, and by the depth at shallow points between the sea and the sea lock.
There is approximately 1.8m depth and 3.0m air draft (headroom) under the Kerse
Road bridge - these being the canal dimensions - when the rise of tide Chimney is 4.15m
above Chart Datum (CD), but to simplify matters depth and air draft gauges (185m) have
been installed at various points on the river.
GOING UPSTREAM
NEAP TIDES (less than 5.0m, HW around 0900/2100 UT)
The optimum tide level will probably occur between 1.5 and 2.5 hours before HW,
and again approximately 1.0 hour after HW. Tidal current will be slight. As a general
L Fl G 10s
rule skippers should begin the up river passage on a flood tide as soon as they
consider that there is sufficient depth.
SPRING TIDES (more than 5.0m, HW occurring around 0300/1500 UT)
The optimum tide level will probably occur between 3.0 and 3.5 hours before HW,
and again approximately 2.0 hours after HW. Tidal current will be strong.
For more information consult the LOWLAND CANALS TIDE TABLES (£1), available from
Lowland Canals office and sea-locks.
Carron Beacon
Fl G 5s
RIVER
CARRON
Diffusers
Carron Approach
Fl(4)R 12s
Western
Jetty
Longannet
Power
Station
Longannet
Power Station
Grangemouth
Docks
SMALL CRAFT ANCHORAGE
Culross
Hen &
Chickens
FORTH AND CLYDE CANAL
APPROACHES TO GRANGEMOUTH
AND THE RIVER CARRON
Grangemouth W
QG
Grangemouth SW
Fl(2)R 5s
SHIP MANOEUVERING AREA – KEEP OUT
Bo’ness
Grangemouth NW
Fl Y 2s
No 4
Fl G 2s
No 5
Fl R 2s
Torry
SMALL CRAFT RECOMMENDED TRACKS
Grangemouth NE
Fl Y 5s
No 3
Fl R 5s
Carriden
Beacon
No 2
Fl G 5s
Crombie
Pier
CAUTION: These chartlets are for guidance - do not scale or use for navigation.
FIRTH OF FORTH
Charlestown
Blackness
Castle
SHIP MANOEUVERING AREA – KEEP OUT
Limekilns
Keep close when
passing to N
No 1
Fl(3)R 20s
Rosyth
SMALL CRAFT
SUGGESTED TRACKS
Port Edgar
Hen & Chickens
Hen & Chickens
Fl(3)G 20s
CAUTION:
SHIP COURSES ARE
CONSTRAINED BY DEPTH

FORTH & CLYDE CANAL
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL
FACILITIES AND
DISTANCES
[Dis tances are
approximate,
to neare s t mile]
Visitor Mooring
Water
Shorepower
Refuse disposal
Parking
Toilets
Shower
Elsan Disposal
Pump-out
Slipway
Fuel (diesel)
Information
Pub (nearby)
Restaurant
Boat hire
Places of Interest
Miles to
Grangemouth
Bowling
Dalmuir
Clydebank
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL INFORMATION
CASH POINTS, POST OFFICES, SHOPS
Within 10 minutes walk:Drop Lock - east on
Dumbarton RoadArgyle Road Bridge, Clydebank
(shopping complex)Lock 32 - Canalside shopBard
Ave Bascule Br - Canalside shopLock 27 - S along
Crow Rd to Morrisons and other shopsApplecross
St - 15 mins walk to Glasgow centreKirkintilloch - all
main street shops adjacent to canal
Auchinstarry Basin - in Kilsyth (20 min walk)
Bonnybridge - N on A803
Lock 16 - Nearby, and N on Camelon Main Street
Lock 5 - S into Falkirk town centre
Lock 2 - service station shop at M9 junction 6
FUEL ADJACENT TO CANAL
Service stations near Dalmuir Lock and Lock 27
Bonnybridge - N on A803 - 01324 813708Canalside
Diesel - Bowling; Auchinstarry; F&C at Falkirk Wheel;
Grangemouth
Temple Locks
Stockinfield Junct
Applecross St
Spiers Wharf
Glasgow Rd Br
Southbank Marina *
Kirkintilloch
35 32 30 27 25 27 28 21 20 19 14 13 10 8 6 4 3 2 0
0 3 5 8 10 12 13 14 15 16 21 22 25 27 29 31 32 33 35
*not operated by BW
CANALSIDE PUB RESTAURANTS
Clydebank: McMonagle’s Sail Thru’ Fish & Chips
(advance orders 0141 951 2444). Pizza Hut /
MacDonalds within Clydebank Retail Park.Temple:
Lock 27Glasgow Road Bridge: The Stables
Auchinstarry Marina: The Boathouse
Lock 20: Glenskirlie House HotelLock 17 - Bar 17 &
Underwood Lock HouseBonnybridge: Cornhill Inn;
Royal Hotel (5mins N of bridge)The Falkirk Wheel:
Visitor Centre Café & Wheelhouse
Lock 16: The Union InnLock 15: The Canal InnLock
11: The Rosebank BeefeaterLock 5: Bar &
RestaurantNote: Please ask BW staff for advice on
all local facilities.
PUBS WITHIN A FEW MINUTES WALK
Bowling: The Railway Inn & The Littlemill
InnApplecross St: 15 mins walk to Glasgow
centreKirkintilloch: Bar Bliss; The Kirky Puffer
Auchinstarry
Craigmarloch
Wyndford (L20)
Underwood (L17)
Bonnybridge
Falkirk Wheel
Camelon (L16)
Bainsford (L5)
Grangemouth (L2)
BOAT REPAIRS AND SERVICES
CHANDLERS
Hulley Marine, Dumbarton 01389 742438
Duncan Yacht Chandlers, Glasgow 0141 429 6044.
Side Hatch, Auchinstarry. 01236 826080ENGINE
REPAIRS
J N Macdonald & Co. 0141 810 3400
Forth Yacht Marina, Grangemouth. 01324
665071Kelvin Marine, Grangemouth. 01324 471535
& 07833 953288
Douglas & Thorburn, Larbert. 01324 551166 & 0784
0 969120
VISITOR MOORINGS
See facilities grid and chart

M8
KEY
N
BW operated opening bridge
Fixed footbridge
Rail Station
Visitor Mooring
Winding Hole with length
Pub / Restaurant
Slipway
Bowling Old Railway Bridge
Bowling
Basin &
Sealock
Ferrydyke
Bascule
Bridge
Bowling
Bascule
Bridge Lock 38
Ferry
Erskine
Bridge
Lock 37
Road
Bridge
Dalmuir
Drop Lock
40
Bowling
Farm Road
Bascule Bridge
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL
ASSISTANCE
Assistance through locks and bridges
0845 676 6000
Old Kilpatrick
Dalmuir
Trafalgar Street
Pedestrian Bridge
Kilbowie
Road
Bridge
Sylvania
Way Footbridges
(2)
Argyll
Road
Bridge
Clydebank
Duntreath
Avenue
Bridge
Linnvale
Bascule
Bridge
Lock 32
Footbridge
A82
Boghouse
Locks 33-36
Footbridges
Boghouse
Locks 33-36
& Footbridges
Cloberhill
Locks
28-32
Bard
Avenue
Bridge
A814
Bearsden
Great Western
Rd Bridge
Anniesland
Netherton
Swingbridge
Westerton
Footbridge
Spencer
Street
Bridge
Temple
Rd Br
Lock 27
Footbridge
Temple
Locks
26-27

KEY
Cleveden
Road Bridge
Maryhill
Maryhill
Locks
21-25
Kelvin
Aqueduct
A879
(Glasgow Branch:
depth 1.4m)
N
BW operated opening bridge
Fixed footbridge
Rail Station
Visitor Mooring
Winding Hole with length
Pub / Restaurant
Slipway
Stockingfield
Junction
Lambhill
Bridge
GLASGOW
Ruchill
40
Lambhill
Balmuildy
Bridge
Bishopbriggs
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL
Cadder
Bridge
Ruchill
Street
Bridge
Torrance
Murano Street
Footbridge
Firhill Road
(Nolly) Bridge
Townhead
Bridge
Hungryside
Bridge
Old Basin Bascule Bridge
and BW Scotland HQ
CAUTION
Southbank Marina.
DEAD SLOW
Nicholson
Bridge
A803
Glasgow
Road
Bridge
Hillhead
Bridge
Southbank Marina
Kirkintilloch
Pipe bridge
Seagull
Trust
Base

A803
R Kel v i n
Tintock
(white cottages)
Twechar
Twechar
Bridge
Shirva Stables
(derelict)
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL
CAUTION
DEAD SLOW when passing
Auchinstarry Marina
Kilsyth
Auchinstarry
Bridge
Auchinstarry
Marina
Strone Point
Croy
KEY
N
BW operated opening bridge
Fixed footbridge
Rail Station
Visitor Mooring
Winding Hole with length
Pub / Restaurant
Slipway
Craigmarloch
Bridge
Kel vinhead
Dullatur Marsh - SSSI
King’s Seat
40
CAUTION
DEAD SLOW when crossing
Red Burn aqueduct
Possible Underwater
Obstruction
A80
Bridge
Wyndford
Bridge Banknock
A80
Wyndford
Lock 20
Castlecary
Bridge
Castlecary
Locks 18-19

M80
Castlecary
Locks 18-19
Bonnybridge
Lifting
Bridge
Bonny Water
Underwood
Lock 17
& Footbridge
CAUTION
DEAD SLOW when passing
Falkirk Wheel
Bonnybridge
R Carron
The
Falkirk
Wheel
Lock 3 to
Union Canal
Depth 1.5m
Footbridge
ASSISTANCE
Assistance through locks and bridges
0845 676 6000
Falkirk Flight
Locks 6–16
Camelon
Lock 16
Roadbridge
Larbert
16
14
15
Lock 14
Footbridge
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL
Bainsford
Bridge &
Lock 5
8
9
10
11
13
12
Camelon
Bridge
KEY
7
Railway
Bridge
6
Sea Lock 2
Carron Cut
Lock 3
Abbotshaugh
Lock 4 &
Footbridge
Merers
Bridge
Falkirk
N
BW operated opening bridge
Fixed footbridge
Rail Station
Visitor Mooring
Winding Hole with length
Pub / Restaurant
Slipway
Orchardhall
Bridge
40
M90

VOYAGING THROUGH THE FALKIRK WHEEL
1] There is no extra charge for BW licence holders who wish
to take their craft through the Wheel.
2] You should contact the Basin Controller on 01324 676912
up to 24 hours in advance to book your time. Giving us
notice will speed your transit.
3] Skippers approaching on the Union Canal should ‘phone
01324 676912 to re-confirm when exiting the Falkirk Tunnel,
and indicate if continuing E or W on the F&C Canal. This will
enable Locks 1 & 2 to be prepared.
4] Skippers approaching from the F&C Canal should ‘phone
to re-confirm when leaving Lock 16 (westbound) or
Bonnybridge (eastbound).
5] Pre booked transits of the Falkirk Wheel are available.
Please check opening times as these vary throughout the
year.
ROUTE OPTIONS FOR LICENCE HOLDERS
These are from one canal to the other either direction.
Basin Control Office
Toilets & Showers
New Port Downie
01324 671217
Forth &
Clyde
Canal
Lock 3
The Golden Jubilee Lock
(Fixed 2.74m (9ft) footbridge at N end)
VISITOR CENTRE
(01324 619888)
Tourist Information Office
Information Desk
Exhibition Area
Shop
Café
Ticket Office
Toilets
Slipway
Slip Jetty
Gondola in
upper
position
Gondola entry
when ascending
MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS
GOLDEN JUBILEE LOCK 3
(From Forth & Clyde Canal to Basin)
Length: 22.05m (73ft)
Width: 3.8m (12ft 2ins)
Depth: 1.28m (4ft 1in) Headroom: 2.74m (9ft)
Water levels fluctuate – allow adequate draft tolerance.
FALKIRK WHEEL BASIN
Overnight moorings subject to availability.
Gondola in
lower
position
Falkirk Wheel
Aqueduct
Finger Jetty
MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS
UNION CANAL AND FALKIRK WHEEL
Length: 21.3m (70ft)
Width: 3.5m (11ft 6ins)
Union Canal Depth: 1.0m (3ft)
Wheel & Roughcastle Tunnel Depth: 1.5m (5ft)
Water levels fluctuate – allow adequate draft tolerance.
Roughcastle Tunnel (150m) leading to:
Locks 1 & 2; South Basin
Waiting berths
North Basin
OPERATIONS AND SAFETY
For your own safety you must obey the instructions given by
the BW staff who manage the site equipped with CCTV, traffic
lights, radio and PA systems to help them.
The locks and swing bridge are normally operated by BW staff
and will be locked when unattended. Staff will guide users into
the Gondolas and during the 15-minute rotation you must not
leave the vessel.
Assistance may be available from BW staff.
POINTS TO NOTE
• Each Gondola is controlled by an operator, whose instructions
must be followed.
• The operator will select vessels to make optimum use of
Gondola capacity.
• Have your stern and bow lines ready to control the vessel in
the Gondola.
• Do not allow anyone near the bow or stern when these are
adjacent to the north end of the Gondola.
• Do not leave the vessel except if directed, or in an emergency.

UNION CANAL
UNION CANAL
FACILITIES AND
UNION CANAL
DISTANCES
FACILITIES AND
[Dis tances are
Wheel
DISTANCES
approximate,
to [Dis neare tances s t mile] are
Falkirk Wheel
approximate,
Visitor to neare Mooring s t mile] Falkirk
Water Visitor Mooring
Shorepower
Water
Refuse Shorepower disposal
Parking Refuse disposal
Toilets Parking
Shower
Toilets
Shower
Elsan Disposal
Elsan Disposal
Pump-out
Pump-out
Slipway
Slipway
Fuel (diesel)
Fuel (diesel)
Information
Information
Pub (nearby)
Pub (nearby)
Restaurant
Restaurant
Boat Boat hire hire
Places Places of of Interest Interest
Miles Miles to to Edinburgh
Miles Miles to to Falkirk
Greenbank Greenbank
UNION CANAL INFORMATION
CASH POINTS, POST OFFICES, SHOPS Within 10 minutes walk.Falkirk Town Centre
- 1.2km from Walkers Bridge (62), or bus from Falkirk Wheel
Tesco: E of Bridge 55
Brightons - S of Bridge 54
Linlithgow - N of Manse Rd BasinWinchburgh High St (N of Br 32)
Port Buchan (S of Br)
RathoWester Hailes Shell Garage S of Br 7
N of Ashley Terrace Bridge
CANAL SIDE SHOPLinlithgow Union Canal Society (LUCS): Tearoom, Gift Shop and
Museum at Manse Road Basin. (open 7 days July & August; otherwise 2–5pm
Sats & Suns). 01506 842559
VISITOR MOORINGS
See facilities grid and chart
PUBS/RESTAURANTS WITHIN 10 MINS WALKFalkirk: Many pubs, cafés and
restaurants in town centre
Linlithgow Linlithgow Basin Basin
LUCS LUCS * *
Park Park Farm Farm
Winchburgh Winchburgh
Port Buchan Port Buchan
Drumshoreland
Drumshoreland
Ratho Basin
Ratho Basin
Harrison Park
Harrison Park
Edinburgh Quay
Edinburgh Quay
34 33 22 22 16 15 15 13 13 12 12 88 1 1 0 0
0 1 12 12 18 19
21 21 22 22 26 26 33 33 34 34
*not operated by by BW BW
Polmont & Brightons: Cadgers Brae; The Black BullLinlithgow: The Star & Garter
Hotel; The Auld Hole I’ The Wa’; The Four Marys; other cafés & restaurants
nearbyWinchburgh: Tally Ho Inn
Port Buchan: The Grenadier Bar.
Ratho: The Bridge Inn
Edinburgh Quay: short walk or bus trip to city centre
BOAT REPAIRS AND SERVICESForth Yacht Marina, Grangemouth. 01324
665071Kelvin Marine, Grangemouth. 01324 471535 & 07833 953288
Douglas & Thorburn, Larbert. 01324 551166 & 0784 0 969120LUCS, Linlithgow.
See above
The Bosun’s Locker, Port Edgar 0131 331 4496
Sea Span, Granton 0131 552 2224

Falkirk
Interchange
Lock and
Footbridges
KEY
The
Falkirk
Wheel
Falkirk
Wheel
Top Locks
1 & 2
Station
House
Bridge
Greenbank
Aqueduct
Camelon
18
Larbert
Seagull
Trust
Base
62 Walkers
Bridge
Falkirk
Tunnel
61 Glen High
(Laughin’/Greetin’)
Bridge
River Carron
40
Falkirk
60 Glen Low
B8028
Bridge
59 Huts
Bridge
Callendar
Park
58 & 57
Easter & Wester
Purliehill Bridges
56 Redding
Bridge
(perm open)
Grangemouth
M9
A803
54 Brightons
Bridge
55 Blairlodge
Bridge
This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery
Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. British Waterways,
100019843, 2006.
N
BW operated opening bridge
Fixed footbridge
Rail Station
Visitor Mooring
Winding Hole with length
Pub / Restaurant
Slipway
40
27
22
28
46
UNION CANAL
19
Polmont
22
53 Battock
Bridge
Brightons
WINDING HOLES
Turning places on the Union Canal are
shown by a white circle with the
available length indicated in metres: 17

The Falkirk Tunnel is a narrow tunnel with room for one
way traffic only.
Please comply with the safety information signs and the
light signals displayed at each end of the tunnel.
PREPARATION
Switch on your headlight, navigation lights and some
interior lights.
Whoever is steering should have a waterproof torch, and
put on some waterproof clothing.
TRAFFIC LIGHTS
FIXED RED = Tunnel clear of traffic. Proceed towards the
entrance with caution.
The light will change to FIXED GREEN as you pass the
sensor, confirming that you are clear to proceed.
FLASHING RED = Boat, or several boats, approaching in the
tunnel. Wait, (moored) clear of the entrance. The light will
turn to FIXED GREEN when the opposing traffic has
cleared the tunnel.
When entering the tunnel always check that it is clear,
and that no other vessels, particularly small craft, have
come through against the signals.
APPROACH
Approach slowly on the towpath side.
If you have to wait your turn, stay well clear of the
entrance.
As you go in, sound one long blast on your horn.
IN TRANSIT
Steer by looking at one side of the tunnel only and keep to
a moderate speed. Move the tiller or wheel as little as
possible – it’s a common illusion to feel that the boat is
being pulled to the side.
Keep at least 2 minutes (at normal cruising speed), or
about 160m, behind any boat in front of you.
You must not stop in the tunnel.
B 803
Princes Park
DEAD SLOW
SOUND HORN!
FALKIRK TUNNEL
Falkirk Tunnel – 633 metres
Sports
Ground
DEAD SLOW
SOUND HORN!
Falkirk High
Station & Car Park
Recreation
Ground

52a Lathallan
(A801) Bridge
51 Vellore
Road Bridge
50 Crownerland
Bridge
KEY
N
BW operated opening bridge
Fixed footbridge
Rail Station
Visitor Mooring
Winding Hole with length
Pub / Restaurant
Slipway
Kirk
Bridge
49 Causewayend
Bridge
Avon
Aqueduct
18
48 Woodcockdale
(A706) Bridge
CAUTION:
Causewayend Basin Entrance
DEAD SLOW
47 Kettilstoun
Bridge
40
Linlithgow
46
Holemill
Bridge
Manse Road Basin
(Linlithgow Canal Centre)
R AvonM9
16
16
45
Preston
Road
Bridge
17
43 Manse
Road
Bridge
44 Friars Brae
Bridge
42 Wilcoxsholm
Bridge
17
41 Park Farm
Bridge
UNION CANAL
Philpstoun
40 Queensferry
Road
Bridge
WINDING HOLES
Turning places on the Union Canal are
shown by a white circle with the
available length indicated in metres: 17
17
39 Fairniehill
Bridge

16
N
38 Fawns Park Bridge
37 Wester Cockmuir Bridge
16
27 Greendykes
Road Bridge
Port Buchan
Basin
26 Broxburn
Bridge
Broxburn Rd Br
36 Easter Cockmuir Bridge
35 Craigton Bridge
33 Myre Bridge
34 Auldcathie Br
32 Winchburgh Bridge
31 Bells Mill Bridge
Broxburn
21a 21 Kilpunt Bridge
M8 Bridge
Bathgate Railway Bridge
20 Muirend Bridge
24
24 Ryal Bridge
27
22 Learielaw Bridge
16
A904
Shale
Bings
30 Niddrie Bridge
29 Eastermains Bridge
28 Widewater Bridge
25 Miss Margaret’s Bridge
19 Broomflats Bridge
23 Drumshoreland Bridge
28
Winchburgh
21
15
Jet Garage
(visible from
Canal)
22
Almond
Aqueduct
16 Nelfield
Bridge
Bonnington
Aqueduct
36
17 Clifton Bridge
18 Clifton Hall Bridge
KEY
BW operated opening bridge
Fixed footbridge
Rail Station
Visitor Mooring
Winding Hole with length
Pub / Restaurant
Slipway
UNION CANAL
WINDING HOLES
Turning places on the Union Canal are
shown by a white circle with the
available length indicated in metres: 17
R Almond
Wilkies
Basin:
(obey
signage)
Edinburgh
Canal Centre
Ratho
25
National Rock Climbing Centre
accessible from tow-path
Edinburgh
Airport
15 Ratho
Bridge
Seagull
Trust
Base
40
14 Gogar
Moor
Bridge
13 Jaw
Bridge
Hermis

ton
25
10A Gogar
Station
Road
Bridge
23
South
Gyle
A720
25
N
Scott
Russell
Aqueduct
8a Ford
Bridge
Shell Garage
(visible from
Canal)
26
Murrayburn Footbridge
23
Slateford
Aqueduct
Prince
Charlie
Aqueduct
Greenways Footbridge
Walkers Footbridge
5a Hailes Bridge
Longstone
Esso Garage
(visible from
Canal)
Harrison
Park
Slateford
Lochrin
Basin
KEY
BW operated opening bridge
Fixed footbridge
Rail Station
Visitor Mooring
Winding Hole with length
Pub / Restaurant
Slipway
UNION CANAL
WINDING HOLES
Turning places on the Union Canal are
shown by a white circle with the
available length indicated in metres: 17
Water
of Leith
Edinburgh
Quay
Leamington Lift Bridge
40
4 Meggetland Old Bridge
Allanpark Footbridge
Redhall Footbridge
12 West
Hermiston
Bridge
11 Long
Hermiston Bridge
Wester Hailes
7 Westerhailes Road Bridge
6c Murrayburn Road Bridge
Kingsknowe Rail Bridge
5 Kingsknowe Road Bridge
5aa Dumbryden Road Bridge
6 Hailesland Park Bridge
6a Walkers Access Road Bridge
10 Hermiston
Bridge
9 Easter
Hermiston
Bridge
6b Clovenstone Road Bridge
Westburn Footbridge
A71 Road Bridge
8 Old Glasgow Road Bridge
23
23
EDINBURGH
3 Ashley Terrace Bridge
Viewforth Bridge
1 Yeaman Place Bridge
2 Harrison Park Bridge
4A Meggetland New Bridge

EDINBURGH QUAY
Leamington Lift Bridge is BW operated by prior
arrangement. Call 0845 676 6000.
Leamington Lift Bridge
Winding Hole
Note: Not to Scale
Slateford (Bonnie Prince Charlie)
Aqueduct
Rowing Section limit
Allan Park
Foot Bridge
Facilities & Fuel
EDINBURGH ROWING SECTION
From Slateford Aqueduct to Harrison Park
Meggetland
Playing
Fields
Meggetland
Bridge No 4
Ashley Terrace Bridge No 3
Meggetland
New Bridge
Rowing Section limit
Harrison
Park
Rowing clubs use the canal between Slateford (Prince Charlie) Aqueduct and Harrison Park Bridge. There are caution signs 500m E & W of this section.
Craft can transit this section of the canal except between 3.15pm and 5.15pm, September to June, Monday to Friday. No restrictions during July and August.
Commercial craft, or pleasure craft whose passage is urgent, can arrange to transit the rowing section during rowing times, but must telephone 0845 676 6000 in
advance.
Winding
Hole

FOR TH & CLY D E AND UNION C A N A L S
B r i t ish Wa t e r w ays S c otl and
C a n al H ouse ,
A p plecr o s s St reet
G l asgow G4 9SP
Tel: 0141 3 32 6 936 Fa x: 0141 3 31 16 8 8
E - m ail: enquirie s.sc otl and@bri t ish w a t e r w ays.c o .uk
Top 5 tips when using the
C all 0845 676 6000 for assisted passage
A lways know how long your planned journey will take
N eed for sufficient crew to transit
A lways stick to the centre of the channel where possible
L ast locking or bridge movement half hour before closing
V isi t : www . s c o t t ish c a n als . c o .uk