Canal Revisited - Part #2

Canniesburn Locks

Walking on thin ice - a pair of moorhens. It has been unusually cold for this early in the winter and there was a thin layer of ice on much of the canal.

Reflections - Boghouse Lochs

The canal runs from sea level to sea level and rises to a height of about 200 feet. When you think about it, it has to be topped up to prevent to water draining away. 

This stream near Dullatur runs from Banton Loch which was built to supply water for the canal.

Craigmarloch Stables. In times past this housed the horses that pull the barges on the canal.

The Union is an old pub beside the canal in Falkirk.

Also in Falkirk is another pub/restaurant. It was once the Rosebank whisky distillery.

Dramatic sky in Grangemoth

The Kelpies sculpture at the start of the canal in Grangemouth. On my original journey these were 1:10 scale models.

 

Canal Revisited - Part #1

Throughout this month we've had some cold conditions - sometimes the frost has persisted all day. So it's good that I have the CBF back on the road. Light weight and mild power are perfect for these conditions. The cold has prevented me from going any distance but I have been out and about.

Eight years ago I did a trip along the Forth & Clyde canal (see here) and I thought I'd revisit it and find some bits that I missed.

The west end of the canal at Bowling where it enters the Firth of Clyde

Boats in Bowling basin

Autumn colours, Clydebank

Cycle sculpture, Clydebank. The canal provides a safe route for cyclist.

Maryhill locks, Glasgow

The canal passes an old industrial building in Ruchill Road

Spears Wharf. These buildings were used for grain storage and later converted into flats

Featured Bike - Yamaha Tenere 700

I took a run to my local Yamaha dealer (MCS in Kilmarnock) and had a sit on the new Yamaha Tenere 700. 

The Tenere 700 is an adventure bike using the same twin cylinder engines as the MT-07 (FZ-07) naked roadster and the Tracer 700 sports tourer. The bike has received praise for its off-road ability. The bike will go up against the KTM 790 Adventure and the BMW F 850 GS in the middleweight adventure class.

The seat height will be an issue for many. I'm 5' 10" (1.78m) and I was on both tip toes. I could ride one but it's way too tall for me. It is light and slim, however. For me a Tracer 700 would make a lot more sense.  

Down at the dealers

Tenere at speed

Tracer 700

KTM 790 Adventure

BMW F 850 GS

Autumn Colour

At this time of year I try to find some autumn colour. I don't have much but here's a couple.    

Dumbarton Road, Clydebank

Forth & Clyde Canal, Kirkintilloch.

Clydeside Murals

I noticed that some colourful murals had been painted on the railway arches adjacent to the Clydeside Expressway and went to explore today. These seem to be associated with the SWG3 Arts Venue and there more murals on the walls of their car park and adjacent buildings.  

My favourite - a savage critique of modern society……or maybe just a burger van.

The CBF gleams in the weak Scottish sun