A WHEEL OF A TIME
Host of sports and outdoor pastimes make Falkirk ideal for a great day out
THERE are many exhilarating ways to get out and about in the Falkirk area. Why not ramble along sections of the John Muir Way? This coast-to- coast long distance route covers 134 miles of ancient landscape, including iconic landmarks such as the Antonine Wall and The Falkirk Wheel.
Whatever way you choose to explore The Helix visitor attraction, whether you pedal, walk, jog, skate or ride on horseback, there’s an extensive network of pathways which weave through pleasant green spaces.
Rent electric bikes and cycle round the paths, take part in some great activities, such as walking tours or water sports on The Helix Lagoon, or sign up to the Supernova run on November 7 and enjoy an atmospheric night time run around a three-mile route.
You can also soar above the ground on The Falkirk Wheel, a one-of-a-kind rotating boat lift, or step inside the remarkable Kelpies, pictured, on a tour of Andy Scott’s colossal creations before snapping a photo with the famous pair.
Explore the lush woodland and natural conservation areas of Callendar Estate on 12 miles of single track mountain bike trails. You can even pick a route to suit your abilities using the trails’ handy grading system. Take the family on a fun ride along a gentle green trail or test your off-road skills on a challenging red trail.
Kick things up a gear at Xtreme Karting, an incredible 5-star indoor karting centre, and feel the rush of adrenalin as you race round the track in a nippy go-kart, or watch your wee ones having fun in the adventure fun park or indoor play barn at Wellsfield Farm and Activity Centre before treating them to a magical pony ride.
Book year-round skiing or snowboarding l essons on the 100m artificial ski slope at Polmonthill Snowsports Centre and take the wee ones to learn the ropes on the 20m nursery slope. They’ll have a blast skiing or snowboarding down the slopes, or even tubing down in an inflatable doughnut.
Travel back in time on a steam train journey at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway. Feel the heat from the engine’s firebox, smell the smoke, and experience the wind blowing in your hair before visiting Scotland’s largest railway museum, telling the story of the country’s locomotive history. Some of the events coming up include Day out with Thomas (September 12-13), the Steam Gala (September 24-25), Steam ‘N’ Scream (October 31) and the Santa Train (November 28-29).
Visit Blackness Castle, which has the appearance of a stone ship, the unusual Dunmore Pineapple, built in the mid18th century as a garden retreat, or see some of the best renaissance wall paintings in Scotland at Kinneil House and Museum on a free Open Day (August 29, September 19 or October 31).
With many things to see and do, have a great family day out in Falkirk!
Visit www.visitscotland.com/Falkirk for more information.