Union Canal

Take to the waters of the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals and explore Central Scotland from a new perspective.

Following the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals from Pinkston Watersports in Glasgow City Centre across the Central Belt to the heart of Edinburgh, the Glasgow to Edinburgh Canoe Trail is a fantastic trail suitable for paddlers of all abilities.

The Union Canal provides a great route in and out of Edinburgh, ideal if you commute by bike, but also great for an excursion or to keep fit.

Whether you are looking for a pleasant place for a short stroll, a more energetic walk or even a long distance challenge, the Forth & Clyde and Union Canal towpaths offer a great choice of canal walks.

From undertaking an adventure along one of our nation's breathtaking long-distance routes, or paddling in the shadow of some of Scotland's natural and man-made and marvels, our incredible canal network has no shortage of wonders to explore. What will you discover by boot, paddle or pedal?

Head along the Forth and Clyde or Union Canal for some canal fishing. Species include roach, bream, rudd, gudgeon, carp and particularly tench. Perch, pike, trout and eels are also present.

A canal holiday allows you to journey through the country, taking in the landscape and hearing some of the stories of Scotland's past as you go. Or you might choose a canalside cottage as a base for exploring the canals on foot or by bike.

Discover the story of this great contour canal - with its trailblazing engineering solutions to link Edinburgh to the Forth & Clyde Canal, it was one of the last great feats of the canal-building era.

Discover a rich abundance of flora and fauna as you explore the Scottish canals. Here's our top flora and fauna to keep an eye out for on your travels.

Scottish Canals are carrying out a study to identify opportunities to improve the towpath along the Union Canal from Lochrin Basin to the Almond Aqueduct in Edinburgh.

Find out how we're breathing new life into communities from the water to the banks and beyond - creating places and spaces that people want to visit, live and work in.

Living on Water is part of an overall strategy to deliver sustainable development and improvements to Scotland’s canals and towpaths.