Canals Across Scotland: Walking, Cycling, Boating, Visiting

This entertaining and informative book will be of practical benefit to all who discover the historic Union Canal and the Forth & Clyde Canal, whether walking, cycling, boating or visiting the Falkirk Wheel or the Kelpies. The canals are for fun, whether on the water, on the towpath, walking or cycling or just visiting. The canals can be enjoyed at any season. In winter, with the trees leafless, the views are more extensive and there is less traffic on towpath or waterway. In high summer the green world of trees is almost overwhelming, the banks crowded with sweet reed grass, meadow sweet, willowherbs, vetches and many spreads of yellow waterlily, a real Wind in the Willows world. In autumn there are brambles to be eaten, in spring the returning wildlife spree, with swans nesting and swallows swooping. The canals are a scenic treat and will repay many visits or a dedicated holiday challenge. Canals Across Scotland provides detailed towpath information, suggests what to see and do along the way and in the towns passed. The book is full of fascinating historical background, knowledgeable descriptions, practical information, good stories and is beautifully illustrated. Side trips to the Antonine Wall, which stretches from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde, country parks or to towns like Linlithgow, Falkirk, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch, often by circular walks, are also described. The canals are for leisurely, timeless exploring and this updated guide will be an essential companion.

Reviews of Canals Across Scotland: Walking, Cycling, Boating, Visiting

'…a useful guide…but it's also an enjoyable read. …the author entertains readers with fascinating snippets of local history… The 2015 edition brings the story up to date'. Canal Boat ——————– 'One of the great strengths of the book is that eight of these chapters explore the towns, countryside and Antonine Wall along the route of the canals. … Hamish gives us many insights into local heritage'. Canal News ——————– 'This excellent book, written passionately, entertainingly and informatively by Scottish canals expert, Hamish Brown, is a must for visitors to the Union and Forth and Clyde Canals. …a very readable and lively text which captures the atmosphere of the canals perfectly…' Towpath Talk ——————– '…an easy read… It is beautiful illustrated with both modern and historical photos, with appendices offering practical information. …is also well suited for boaters wanting to explore away from tiller'. Waterways World ——————– '…this welcome book brings it all up to date'. Canoeist ——————– '…this excellent guidebook will be invaluable to canal users'. People's Friend ——————- '…a perfect companion to the canals, allowing visits to be planned and to be enjoyed to the full. …the book is full of fascinating historical background, descriptions, stories, and practical information. It is copiously and beautifully illustrated… an ideal book for anyone who likes their walks (or cycle rides) flat rather than hilly!' Undiscovered Scotland