Tuesday 21 February 2012

Canal Run - Part 3



The Falkirk Wheel. This lifts barges from the Forth & Clyde to the Union canal. It was built in 2002 when the canal was re-opened after closure in 1963. The wheel replaces a series of locks that were abandoned & infilled in the 30's.


The canal takes a similar route to a much older structure - the Antonine Wall. This was built in the 2nd century AD and formed the northern border of the Roman Empire for a short time. It is a turf wall & ditch that has eroded away over the centuries so you'll have to use your imagination.



 An old (1912) Dutch barge at Falkirk



  Approaching the end of the canal.



The east end of the canal at Grangemouth where it joins the muddy River Carron.

I hope you enjoyed my tour of the canal. It was an excuse for me to ride the bike during the winter. All of this in only 35 miles - what a country!

4 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing. Just how easy is it to follow the actual canal itself?

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  2. The canal is not easy to follow. In general there are no roads beside the canal. A bit of route planning using Google Maps was needed.

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  3. Looks like a nice trip. That structure looks like giant overhead cam
    towers. Always find the remnants of the 'Roman Empire' fascinating.
    A German-American I know talks about the bits of Roman architecture that were in her school yard when she was a little girl.

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  4. A good run is along the route of Hadrian's Wall in the north of England. Being of stone it is better preserved.

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