Web Edition Full printed version available from British Waterways Scotland
FOR TH & CLYDE AND UNION C AN AL S
skipper’s guide
V i s i t : w w w. s c o t ti s hca na l s. c o. u k
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)
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.
SHOWERS, TOILETS, WATER, REFUSE POINTS & SHORE POWER
ROUGHCASTLE TUNNEL
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.
As above, but as BW staff are on hand at this location, please accept their verbal instructions.
PUMP OUT FACILITIES
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.
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.
SKIPPER’S GUIDE - NOTE
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
BOWLING INFORMATION
Mud
CAR PA
RKING
Toilets and Showers LEADING LINE - PO S
HITE TOP M
ARKS
e idg
Mud S
Mud TOP MA
RK
RUINED BREAK WATER (PARTIA LLY CO VE
DW
HIT E
RS)
AN
Toilets and Showers
Br
Mud
Office
Mast crane
il Ra
TS AND W
ed us Dis
OB N ST UM RU E KE CT RO EP ION US OU S W H A T! ES ZAR T O DO F T US HI SL IN E
Sea Lock Tel: 01369 877969
• 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.
Bascule Bridge (3.0m+ when closed)
sed Unu k Loc
- PO STS
ESTUARY INFORMATION
LEA DIN GL INE
• 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.
Fl G 2s No 45
Former Shipyard Dunglass Fl R 2s
Fl R 2s No 78
Training dy ke
(partially co vers)
Fl G 2s Longhaugh
Bowling Breakwater Fl R 4s
Fl G 5s No 43 CAUTION: These chartlets are for guidance - do not scale or use for navigation.
Fl G 2s No 45
Spring 2004
N
FORTH AND CLYDE CANAL RIVER CARRON NAVIGATION
Depth/air gauge for Kerse Bridge
Refuge mooring piles
Sea Lock Tel: 01324 483034
SLOW
SLOW
High level o/h power lines
Man oeuv er
Y WA TOR MO
ing A
DGE BRI
GE RID EB PIP
DGE BRI D OA ER
Depth/air gauge (for Kerse Bridge)
S
KER
Waiting anchorages (dependant on depth) ’S VIE JAR Y QUA
Depth/air gauge for Kerse Bridge
SEA LOCK (2) Pontoons outside sealock
Depth/air gauge for Kerse Bridge
NEL e HAN ours s) NO C am c shallow e r t Ups oiding (av
= Coloured Piles
New canal section
EL
ANN
H NO C lows
l line
l cana
a Origin
EL
ANN
Shal
LOCK 3
H NO C NEL
AN
H NO C
KERSE BRIDGE CHANNEL MARKINGS
PILOTAGE NOTES • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Carron Approach Fl(4)R 12s
DGE BRI E PIP
rea
LOCK 4 (approx 1 km)
Grangemouth YC
Depth/air gauge for Kerse Bridge
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).
Carron Beacon Fl G 5s
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.
MUD FLATS
MUD FLATS
BREAKWATER / TRAINING BANK W
NS CO A E B AND RDS A L OL IT H B
GRANGEMOUTH DOCKS CAUTION: These chartlets are for guidance - do not scale or use for navigation.
Pass all Port and Starboard buoys close on proper hand
GRANGEMOUTH DOCKS
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.
Culross
Longannet Power Station
FIRTH OF FORTH
Hen & Chickens
Crombie Pier
Torry
Charlestown Grangemouth Docks
SMALL CRAFT SUGGESTED TRACKS
Limekilns Carriden Beacon
Rosyth
Bo’ness
Blackness Castle
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 tideChimney is 4.15m Longannet (185m) above Chart Datum (CD), but to simplify matters depth and air draft gauges have Power been installed at various points on the river. Station 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 generalL 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.
Port Edgar
FORTH AND CLYDE CANAL APPROACHES TO GRANGEMOUTH AND THE RIVER CARRON
SMALL CRAFT ANCHORAGE
Grangemouth NW Fl Y 2s
L CR SMAL AFT RECOMM ENDED
Hen & Chickens
TRACKS
Grangemouth NE Fl Y 5s Diffusers Carron Approach Fl(4)R 12s
Western Jetty
T KEEP OU AREA – G N I R E OEUV Grangemouth SW MAN SHIP Fl(2)R 5s
No 5 Fl R 2s
Keep close when passing to N
No 2 Fl G 5s SHIP MANO EU
VERING AR
CA
CAUTION: These chartlets are for guidance - do not scale or use for navigation.
Hen & Chickens Fl(3)G 20s CAUTION: SHIP COURSES ARE CONSTRAINED BY DEPTH
OUT
No 1 Fl(3)R 20s
R RIV E
EA – KEEP
No 3 Fl R 5s
RR ON
Carron Beacon Fl G 5s
No 4 Fl G 2s
Grangemouth W QG
Wyndford (L20)
Underwood (L17)
Bonnybridge
Falkirk Wheel
Camelon (L16)
Bainsford (L5)
Grangemouth (L2)
3
14 15 16 21 22 25 27 29 31 32 33 35
Clydebank
Craigmarloch
0
Auchinstarry
2
Kirkintilloch
3
Glasgow Rd Br
4
Spiers Wharf
6
Applecross St
8
Stockinfield Junct
21 20 19 14 13 10
Temple Locks
32 30 27 25 27 28
Dalmuir
[Distances are approximate, to nearest mile]
Bowling
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL FACILITIES AND DISTANCES
Southbank Marina *
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL
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
35 0
5
8
10 12 13
*not operated by BW
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL INFORMATION CASH POINTS, POST OFFICES, SHOPS Within 10 minutes walk: Drop Lock - east on Dumbarton Road Argyle Road Bridge, Clydebank (shopping complex) Lock 32 - Canalside shop Bard Ave Bascule Br - Canalside shop Lock 27 - S along Crow Rd to Morrisons and other shops Applecross St - 15 mins walk to Glasgow centre Kirkintilloch - 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 813708 Canalside Diesel - Bowling; Auchinstarry; F&C at Falkirk Wheel; Grangemouth
CANALSIDE PUB RESTAURANTS Clydebank: McMonagle’s Sail Thru’ Fish & Chips (advance orders 0141 951 2444). Pizza Hut / MacDonalds within Clydebank Retail Park. Temple: Lock 27 Glasgow Road Bridge: The Stables Auchinstarry Marina: The Boathouse Lock 20: Glenskirlie House Hotel Lock 17 - Bar 17 & Underwood Lock House Bonnybridge: Cornhill Inn; Royal Hotel (5mins N of bridge) The Falkirk Wheel: Visitor Centre Café & Wheelhouse Lock 16: The Union Inn Lock 15: The Canal Inn Lock 11: The Rosebank Beefeater Lock 5: Bar & Restaurant Note: Please ask BW staff for advice on all local facilities. PUBS WITHIN A FEW MINUTES WALK Bowling: The Railway Inn & The Littlemill Inn Applecross St: 15 mins walk to Glasgow centre Kirkintilloch: Bar Bliss; The Kirky Puffer
BOAT REPAIRS AND SERVICES CHANDLERS Hulley Marine, Dumbarton 01389 742438 Duncan Yacht Chandlers, Glasgow 0141 429 6044. Side Hatch, Auchinstarry. 01236 826080 ENGINE REPAIRS J N Macdonald & Co. 0141 810 3400 Forth Yacht Marina, Grangemouth. 01324 665071 Kelvin Marine, Grangemouth. 01324 471535 & 07833 953288 Douglas & Thorburn, Larbert. 01324 551166 & 0784 0 969120 VISITOR MOORINGS See facilities grid and chart
N
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL
KEY BW operated opening bridge Fixed footbridge
Rail Station Visitor Mooring Winding Hole with length
40
Pub / Restaurant Slipway
Bowling Old Railway Bridge Bowling Basin & Sealock
Bowling Ferrydyke Bascule Bridge
Bowling Bascule Bridge
M8
Lock 38
Erskine Bridge
ASSISTANCE Assistance through locks and bridges 0845 676 6000
Old Kilpatrick Kilbowie Road Bridge
Ferry Road Bridge Dalmuir Drop Lock
Lock 37 Farm Road Bascule Bridge
Dalmuir Trafalgar Street Pedestrian Bridge
Sylvania Way Footbridges (2) Argyll Road Bridge
Bearsden Lock 32 Footbridge Linnvale Bascule Bridge
Cloberhill Locks 28-32
A82
Great Western Rd Bridge
Clydebank
Duntreath Avenue Bridge
Boghouse Locks 33-36 Footbridges Boghouse Locks 33-36 & Footbridges
Netherton Swingbridge Westerton Footbridge
Bard Avenue Bridge
Temple Rd Br
Spencer Street Bridge
Anniesland Lock 27
Footbridge
A8 14
Temple Locks 26-27
N
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL
KEY BW operated opening bridge Fixed footbridge
Rail Station Visitor Mooring Winding Hole with length
40
CAUTION Southbank Marina. DEAD SLOW
Pub / Restaurant Slipway Townhead Bridge
Nicholson Bridge
Hillhead Bridge
Pipe bridge
Torrance A8 Cadder Bridge
A879
Hungryside Bridge Balmuildy Bridge
Kelvin Aqueduct Cleveden Road Bridge
Stockingfield Junction
Bishopbriggs Lambhill Bridge
Maryhill Maryhill Locks 21-25
Lambhill
Ruchill
Ruchill Street Bridge Murano Street Footbridge Firhill Road (Nolly) Bridge
(Glasgow Branch: depth 1.4m)
GLASGOW
Old Basin Bascule Bridge and BW Scotland HQ
03
Glasgow Road Bridge
Southbank Marina
Kirkintilloch
Seagull Trust Base
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL CAUTION DEAD SLOW when crossing Red Burn aqueduct Possible Underwater Obstruction
CAUTION DEAD SLOW when passing Auchinstarry Marina
Wyndford Bridge
Craigmarloch Bridge
Kilsyth
A803 lv R Ke
in Twechar Bridge
Twechar
Auchinstarry Marina Strone Point Croy
King’s Seat
N
KEY BW operated opening bridge Fixed footbridge
Rail Station Visitor Mooring Winding Hole with length Pub / Restaurant Slipway
sh Mar
I - SSS
Wyndford Lock 20 Castlecary Bridge
A80
Shirva Stables (derelict) Tintock (white cottages)
Banknock
Kel vinhead
atur Dull
Auchinstarry Bridge
A80 Bridge
40
Castlecary Locks 18-19
CAUTION DEAD SLOW when passing Falkirk Wheel Footbridge
er Wat y n Bon Underwood Lock 17 & Footbridge
Bonnybridge
13 12 16 15 14
The Falkirk Wheel Lock 3 to Union Canal Depth 1.5m
ASSISTANCE Assistance through locks and bridges 0845 676 6000
M90
Falkirk Flight Locks 6–16
Camelon
M80
Carron Cut Lock 3
Bainsford Bridge & Lock 5
R Carron
Bonnybridge Lifting Bridge
Castlecary Locks 18-19
Sea Lock 2 Larbert
Lock 16 Roadbridge
11
10
9
8
7
6
Railway Bridge Camelon Bridge
Lock 14 Footbridge
Abbotshaugh Lock 4 & Footbridge Merers Bridge
Orchardhall Bridge
Falkirk
N
KEY BW operated opening bridge Fixed footbridge
Rail Station Visitor Mooring Winding Hole with length Pub / Restaurant Slipway
FORTH & CLYDE CANAL
40
Roughcastle Tunnel (150m) leading to: Locks 1 & 2; South Basin 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.
Falkirk Wheel Aqueduct
North Basin
Gondola in upper position
VISITOR CENTRE (01324 619888) Tourist Information Office Information Desk Exhibition Area Shop Café Ticket Office Toilets Slip Jetty
Basin Control Office Toilets & Showers New Port Downie 01324 671217
Waiting berths
Slipway
Gondola in lower position Finger Jetty
Gondola entry when ascending
FALKIRK WHEEL BASIN Overnight moorings subject to availability.
Lock 3 The Golden Jubilee Lock (Fixed 2.74m (9ft) footbridge at N end)
Forth & Clyde Canal
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.
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.
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.
Edinburgh Quay
Edinburgh Quay
Harrison Park
Harrison Park
Ratho Basin
Ratho Basin
Drumshoreland
Drumshoreland
Port Buchan Port Buchan
Winchburgh Winchburgh
Park Park FarmFarm
LUCSLUCS * *
approximate, to nearest mile] Visitor Mooring
Linlithgow BasinBasin Linlithgow
[Distances are DISTANCES approximate, are to [Distances nearest mile]
Greenbank Greenbank
UNION CANAL FACILITIES AND UNION CANAL DISTANCES FACILITIES AND
Falkirk Falkirk WheelWheel
UNION CANAL
Visitor Mooring Water Water Shorepower Shorepower Refuse disposal Refuse disposal Parking Parking Toilets Toilets Shower
Shower
Elsan Disposal
Elsan Disposal
Pump-out
Pump-out
Slipway
Slipway
Fuel (diesel)
Fuel (diesel)
Information
Information
Pub (nearby)
Pub (nearby)
Restaurant Restaurant Boat hire Boat hire
Places ofofInterest Places Interest Miles totoEdinburgh Miles Edinburgh Miles totoFalkirk Miles Falkirk
15 13 34 22 16 16 15 13 1212 8 8 1 1 0 0 34 33 33 22 22 22 00 11 12 12 19 21 12 18 18 19 21 22 22 2626 3333 3434 *notoperated operatedbyby *not BWBW
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 Basin Winchburgh High St (N of Br 32) Port Buchan (S of Br) Ratho Wester Hailes Shell Garage S of Br 7 N of Ashley Terrace Bridge CANAL SIDE SHOP Linlithgow 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 WALK Falkirk: Many pubs, cafés and restaurants in town centre
Polmont & Brightons: Cadgers Brae; The Black Bull Linlithgow: The Star & Garter Hotel; The Auld Hole I’ The Wa’; The Four Marys; other cafés & restaurants nearby Winchburgh: 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 SERVICES Forth Yacht Marina, Grangemouth. 01324 665071 Kelvin Marine, Grangemouth. 01324 471535 & 07833 953288 Douglas & Thorburn, Larbert. 01324 551166 & 0784 0 969120 LUCS, Linlithgow. See above The Bosun’s Locker, Port Edgar 0131 331 4496 Sea Span, Granton 0131 552 2224
Falkirk Interchange Lock and Footbridges
Larbert
ron r Car e v i R
Grangemouth
M9
Camelon The Falkirk Wheel
Falkirk
18
Falkirk Wheel Top Locks 1&2
Station House Bridge
Seagull Trust Base
A803
Polmont
Falkirk Tunnel 62 Walkers Bridge
Greenbank Aqueduct
Callendar Park
40
27
22
46
28
19
53 Battock Bridge
22
Brightons
61 Glen High (Laughin’/Greetin’) Bridge
59 Huts Bridge 60 Glen Low B8028 Bridge
56 Redding Bridge (perm open) 58 & 57 Easter & Wester Purliehill Bridges
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
KEY BW operated opening bridge Fixed footbridge
Rail Station
UNION CANAL
Visitor Mooring Winding Hole with length Pub / Restaurant Slipway
40
WINDING HOLES Turning places on the Union Canal are shown by a white circle with the available length indicated in metres:
17
B 803
Princes Park
Sports Ground
FALKIRK TUNNEL i Falk s etre 33 m l–6 nne
rk Tu
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.
Falkirk High Station & Car Park
DEAD SLOW SOUND HORN!
DEAD SLOW SOUND HORN! Recreation Ground
R Avon
52a Lathallan (A801) Bridge Kirk Bridge
Manse Road Basin (Linlithgow Canal Centre)
M9
Linlithgow
42 Wilcoxsholm Bridge
17
17
Philpstoun 17
16
43 Manse Road Bridge
16
51 Vellore Road Bridge
18
50 Crownerland Bridge Avon Aqueduct
47 Kettilstoun Bridge 48 Woodcockdale (A706) Bridge
49 Causewayend Bridge
45 Preston Road Bridge
44 Friars Brae Bridge
40 Queensferry Road Bridge 41 Park Farm Bridge
39 Fairniehill Bridge
46 Holemill Bridge
CAUTION: Causewayend Basin Entrance DEAD SLOW
N
KEY BW operated opening bridge Fixed footbridge
Rail Station
UNION CANAL
Visitor Mooring Winding Hole with length Pub / Restaurant Slipway
40
WINDING HOLES Turning places on the Union Canal are shown by a white circle with the available length indicated in metres:
17
KEY BW operated opening bridge
N
Fixed footbridge
Rail Station Visitor Mooring Winding Hole with length
40
Pub / Restaurant Slipway 38 Fawns Park Bridge
UNION CANAL
37 Wester Cockmuir Bridge 36 Easter Cockmuir Bridge
WINDING HOLES Turning places on the Union Canal are shown by a white circle with the available length indicated in metres:
35 Craigton Bridge
A904 16
17
34 Auldcathie Br 16
33 Myre Bridge
Jet Garage (visible from Canal)
16
32 Winchburgh Bridge
Winchburgh
31 Bells Mill Bridge
21
30 Niddrie Bridge
Shale Bings
R Almond
27 Greendykes Road Bridge
29 Eastermains Bridge 27
Port Buchan Basin
Edinburgh Airport
24
28 Widewater Bridge
Broxburn
Bonnington Aqueduct
25 Miss Margaret’s Bridge
26 Broxburn Bridge
23 Drumshoreland Bridge
Broxburn Rd Br
Edinburgh Canal Centre
28
24 Ryal Bridge 22 Learielaw Bridge 21a 21 Kilpunt Bridge M8 Bridge Bathgate Railway Bridge 20 Muirend Bridge 19 Broomflats Bridge
14 Gogar Moor Bridge
36
15 22
16 Nelfield Bridge 17 Clifton Bridge 18 Clifton Hall Bridge
Almond Aqueduct
Hermis
25
Ratho Wilkies Basin: (obey signage)
13 Jaw Bridge
15 Ratho Bridge Seagull Trust Base
National Rock Climbing Centre accessible from tow-path
KEY BW operated opening bridge
N
Fixed footbridge
Rail Station Visitor Mooring Winding Hole with length
40
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:
10A Gogar Station Road Bridge South Gyle
Scott Russell Aqueduct
Shell Garage (visible from Canal)
Prince Charlie Aqueduct
Esso Garage (visible from Canal)
17
Water of Leith
Lochrin Basin
EDINBURGH
Slateford Aqueduct
Edinburgh Quay Harrison Park
Leamington Lift Bridge Viewforth Bridge 1 Yeaman Place Bridge
0 A72
Murrayburn Footbridge 8a Ford Bridge
ston 25
Greenways Footbridge
23
2 Harrison Park Bridge
23
3 Ashley Terrace Bridge
Walkers Footbridge 5a Hailes Bridge
4A Meggetland New Bridge 4 Meggetland Old Bridge
23
Longstone
25 26
12 West Hermiston Bridge 11 Long Hermiston Bridge
Slateford
Allanpark Footbridge Redhall Footbridge
23
Kingsknowe Rail Bridge Wester Hailes
7 Westerhailes Road Bridge 6c Murrayburn Road Bridge
5 Kingsknowe Road Bridge 5aa Dumbryden Road Bridge 6 Hailesland Park Bridge
6a Walkers Access Road Bridge 10 Hermiston 6b Clovenstone Road Bridge Bridge 9 Easter Westburn Footbridge Hermiston A71 Road Bridge Bridge 8 Old Glasgow Road Bridge
EDINBURGH QUAY
Leamington Lift Bridge is BW operated by prior arrangement. Call 0845 676 6000.
Leamington Lift Bridge
Facilities & Fuel
EDINBURGH ROWING SECTION Slateford (Bonnie Prince Charlie) Aqueduct
From Slateford Aqueduct to Harrison Park
mit
Ro w
ing Row
li tion Sec
i ng S ec tion lim it
Meggetland Playing Fields
Winding Hole
Harrison Park
Ashley Terrace Bridge No 3
Allan Park Foot Bridge
Winding Hole Meggetland Bridge No 4
Meggetland New Bridge
Note: Not to Scale
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.
FOR TH & CLYDE AND UNION C AN AL S B r i t i s h Wa t e r w a y s S c o t l a n d Canal House, A pplecross Street Glasgow G4 9SP Te l : 0141 3 32 6 9 3 6 Fa x : 0141 3 31 16 8 8 E-mail: enquiries.sc otland@british water ways.c o.uk To p 5 t i p s w h e n u s i n g t h e
C al l 0 845 676 6 0 0 0 fo r a ss i ste d p a ssa g e A l way s k no w h o w l o ng y o u r p la n n e d j o u r n e y w i l l ta k e N e e d fo r s u ffi c i e nt c r e w to tra n s it A l way s sti c k to th e c e ntr e o f th e c ha n n e l w h e r e p o ss i bl e L ast l o c k i ng o r br idg e m o v e m e nt ha l f h o u r b e fo r e c l o s i ng
V i s i t : w w w. s c o t ti s hca na l s. c o. u k