Caledonian Canal, Inverness
This walk, beginning in the west end of Inverness, is one of the more accessible, and provides wonderful views of the River Ness.
Starting at Whin Park car park, walk up some wooden steps to join the towpath of the Caledonian Canal and turn left. After three miles, you’ll reach the historic locks at Dochgarroch. Cross over the locks to the north side of the canal. Don’t take the main path – stick to the smaller path along the canal-side. Cross the Tomnahurich swing bridge then turn right down a small road (not the towpath) back to the car park.
The large cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are on opposite sides of Scotland but connected by various routes across the ‘Central Belt’. These routes are all different – and so were the reasons for building them – but many pass through Falkirk. This walk, starting at the Falkirk Wheel
Visitor Centre explores why. Along this short but picturesque ramble you can marvel at the skill of Roman surveyors who built the Antonine Wall. Find out why two canals snake across the landscape here. Discover why so many railways and roads run via Falkirk and keep an eye out for boats as they pass through the Wheel (above).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
■ England and Wales: canalrivertrust.org.uk or 0303 040 4040
■ Scotland: www.scottishcanals.co.uk or 0141 332 6936
Walk the Swansea Canal from Clydach to Pontardawe to enjoy a pretty walking route at the bottom of the steep-sided Swansea Valley. Nature has reclaimed many parts of the canal which are now habitats for eels and water birds. Starting from Hebron Road, Clydach this walk will take you down a level towpath surrounded by beautiful scenery. Check out the Lower Clydach Aqueduct and see where the canal joins with the Lower Clydach River and the River Tawe.