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GOOD THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN FALKIRK
CALLENDAR PARK
There are a number of reasons to visit this park. One, it's often nice to escape from traffic and people and immerse yourself in something green. Two, the main house of this old estate is now a museum. As well as displays on how Falkirk came to be, the house's massive kitchen is in working order and you may find a woman sweating over a huge cauldron of soup. Three, the remains of the Antonine Wall can be seen in the park (near the road), and while much eroded, they give a seriously good idea of the abilities and dedication of our Roman invaders.
There are a number of reasons to visit this park. One, it's often nice to escape from traffic and people and immerse yourself in something green. Two, the main house of this old estate is now a museum. As well as displays on how Falkirk came to be, the house's massive kitchen is in working order and you may find a woman sweating over a huge cauldron of soup. Three, the remains of the Antonine Wall can be seen in the park (near the road), and while much eroded, they give a seriously good idea of the abilities and dedication of our Roman invaders.
OLD PARISH CHURCH, HIGH STREET
Hidden in the church yard, if you look real carefully, you will find the unassuming tomb of Sir John de Graham, a knight who fought with Sir William Wallace and died at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. The remains of his sword once sat on top of the tomb, but have now been removed for safekeeping. Pause here awhile and give thanks to men like this who fought and died for this country.
Hidden in the church yard, if you look real carefully, you will find the unassuming tomb of Sir John de Graham, a knight who fought with Sir William Wallace and died at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. The remains of his sword once sat on top of the tomb, but have now been removed for safekeeping. Pause here awhile and give thanks to men like this who fought and died for this country.
THE TUNNEL (woooowaaaaaaggghhhhh!)
Not strictly a tourist attraction, but a lot of fun nonetheless. If it'll make you feel any better, let me know when you're planning the descent, and I'll stand at the entrance handing out little pink perforated tickets (I jest.) The tunnel is in fact a good example of obstinacy in the face of progress. It was built to avoid the Callendar Park estate because the owner did not want the Union Canal to pass through his property. Or something like that. The result is a long dark dangerous tunnel where walkers must at all costs carry a torch and take great care to avoid slipping and falling into the adjacent canal waters. Be especially careful if there has been a lot of rain as great waterfalls can exist, and the path becomes more dangerous, wet and slippery than normal. Every time I walk through I start off feeling quite excited, but usually about halfway through, when each end is but a pin-prick of light, my mind wanders to thoughts of slimy creatures slithering from the murky aqueous depths and hauling me in. The walk's worth doing for the immense sense of relief one experiences at still being alive at the other side. (Access on the canal footpath, not far from Falkirk High railway station. There are signs pointing to it at the railway station. Distance from Falkirk High station to Polmont station is about 3 miles.)
Not strictly a tourist attraction, but a lot of fun nonetheless. If it'll make you feel any better, let me know when you're planning the descent, and I'll stand at the entrance handing out little pink perforated tickets (I jest.) The tunnel is in fact a good example of obstinacy in the face of progress. It was built to avoid the Callendar Park estate because the owner did not want the Union Canal to pass through his property. Or something like that. The result is a long dark dangerous tunnel where walkers must at all costs carry a torch and take great care to avoid slipping and falling into the adjacent canal waters. Be especially careful if there has been a lot of rain as great waterfalls can exist, and the path becomes more dangerous, wet and slippery than normal. Every time I walk through I start off feeling quite excited, but usually about halfway through, when each end is but a pin-prick of light, my mind wanders to thoughts of slimy creatures slithering from the murky aqueous depths and hauling me in. The walk's worth doing for the immense sense of relief one experiences at still being alive at the other side. (Access on the canal footpath, not far from Falkirk High railway station. There are signs pointing to it at the railway station. Distance from Falkirk High station to Polmont station is about 3 miles.)
THE FALKIRK WHEEL (on
the canal near Camelon)
Falkirk's got a wheel. Took them a while to catch up with the rest of the world on the inventions front, and they only had enough resources for the one, but what the heck, it's a start. Maybe by this time next year they'll have another, then a burst of activity might see them churning out another two, and before you know it they'll have THE FALKIRK WAGON. Joking aside, this is an utterly astonishing piece of modern engineering. It allows boats and barges to pass between the Union Canal and the Forth & Clyde Canal. On approaching it it is hard not to feel a serious bout of excitement coming on. It's worth a visit, even if just to remind yourself that we are still capable of knocking out big things with Meccano. There are a number of ways to get to the Falkirk Wheel. By far the best and most exciting way is to follow the 'LITTLE WALK' that I have outlined below. Alternatively, it's about a mile from Camelon Railway Station.
Falkirk's got a wheel. Took them a while to catch up with the rest of the world on the inventions front, and they only had enough resources for the one, but what the heck, it's a start. Maybe by this time next year they'll have another, then a burst of activity might see them churning out another two, and before you know it they'll have THE FALKIRK WAGON. Joking aside, this is an utterly astonishing piece of modern engineering. It allows boats and barges to pass between the Union Canal and the Forth & Clyde Canal. On approaching it it is hard not to feel a serious bout of excitement coming on. It's worth a visit, even if just to remind yourself that we are still capable of knocking out big things with Meccano. There are a number of ways to get to the Falkirk Wheel. By far the best and most exciting way is to follow the 'LITTLE WALK' that I have outlined below. Alternatively, it's about a mile from Camelon Railway Station.
A LITTLE WALK
This walk is almost 5 miles long. The walk itself would take you almost two hours, but given that you will want to stop and look at things, visit attractions and watering-holes, then it could take half a day. Or longer - there's no rush folks, so just relax. While well signposted and easy to follow, I always maintain that you should carry a map. The map you should carry is the Ordnance Survey Landranger sheet 65, 'Falkirk & Linlithgow', 1:50000 scale, or one-and-a-quarter inches to a mile.
We start at Falkirk High railway station. You'll see signs pointing towards the Union Canal. Head for the Union Canal and follow signs pointing to the Falkirk Wheel. The canal path will lead you towards some locks, through Roughcastle Tunnel, and arrive at the Falkirk Wheel. Feel free to phew and gasp aloud at the wonderful structure that sits before you. Heck, pop in and pay it a visit. There's no rush.
When you're ready, leave the Falkirk Wheel and follow the Forth & Clyde Canal path in the direction of Falkirk (again, signposting is good). You'll soon see the Union Inn, and a short distance after that you'll pass the Canal Inn. Both are glorious old inns that are worthy of a look. You may rest your legs and wet your whistle.
Not long after the Canal Inn the canal path reaches a roundabout and some roads. You'll see a tall red brick chimney. Leave the canal here and follow signs leading you along a road to Falkirk. If you haven't had fun then I would advise seeing your doctor as you may well be suffering from a small dose of death.
This walk is almost 5 miles long. The walk itself would take you almost two hours, but given that you will want to stop and look at things, visit attractions and watering-holes, then it could take half a day. Or longer - there's no rush folks, so just relax. While well signposted and easy to follow, I always maintain that you should carry a map. The map you should carry is the Ordnance Survey Landranger sheet 65, 'Falkirk & Linlithgow', 1:50000 scale, or one-and-a-quarter inches to a mile.
We start at Falkirk High railway station. You'll see signs pointing towards the Union Canal. Head for the Union Canal and follow signs pointing to the Falkirk Wheel. The canal path will lead you towards some locks, through Roughcastle Tunnel, and arrive at the Falkirk Wheel. Feel free to phew and gasp aloud at the wonderful structure that sits before you. Heck, pop in and pay it a visit. There's no rush.
When you're ready, leave the Falkirk Wheel and follow the Forth & Clyde Canal path in the direction of Falkirk (again, signposting is good). You'll soon see the Union Inn, and a short distance after that you'll pass the Canal Inn. Both are glorious old inns that are worthy of a look. You may rest your legs and wet your whistle.
Not long after the Canal Inn the canal path reaches a roundabout and some roads. You'll see a tall red brick chimney. Leave the canal here and follow signs leading you along a road to Falkirk. If you haven't had fun then I would advise seeing your doctor as you may well be suffering from a small dose of death.
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