ratho barge trip

Edinburgh-Glasgow Union Canal: Seagull Trust Cruises from Ratho

Seagull Trust Cruises is a Scottish charity, running barges on the Scottish canals, offering free canal cruises for the elderly and people with special needs. It has been in operation since 1979 and started in Ratho. This website gives a photograph supported commentary on our cruises from the branch at Ratho on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Not everything shown in photographs will be visible from a barge. It is more of a background to what is nearby that the crew can tell you about.

Although this was created to support the Trust cruises, it is equally applicable to people who just want to walk along the towpath. Indeed walkers can divert to see things just away from the canal.

Cruises West from Ratho

Our cruise west from ratho has 3 options:, ratho to wilkies basin and return taking about 90 minutes: stage 1 below., ratho to almondell and return taking about 150 minutes: stages 1 and 2 below., ratho to m8 motorway and return taking about 210 minutes: stages 1, 2 and 3 below., it is also possible to do a one way trip ratho to almondell in either direction..

Approximate Map Scale: Ratho to Bonnington Aqueduct is approx 2.5 kilometres along the canal.

Cruises travel right to left on the map for the outward journey

Click on a button to see a description of each stage:

Cruise east from ratho.

This cruise has no options. The possible barge turning points are all close to the Scott Russell Aqueduct.

Approximate Map Scale: Ratho to the Scott Russell Aqueduct is approx 5 kilometres along the canal.

This cruise travels from left to right on the map for the outward journey.

Click below to see a description of this cruise:

Cruise East from Ratho to the Scott Russell Aqueduct across the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass

About Seagull Trust Cruises Ratho Branch

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Canal Holidays Guide to the Edinburgh to Glasgow Canal

This pleasant and leisurely cruise covers the Union and the Forth and Clyde canals between Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland.

The route includes canal transfer between the canals using the 115 foot high Falkirk Wheel.

Cruising the Scottish Canals

Cruise out of Edinburgh over the Slateford Aqueduct, through the Wester Hailes Linear Park to Ratho (home of Edinburgh Canal Centre). The magnificent Almond Aqueduct takes you to Linlithgow. From the canal basin there are panoramic views over the town, its Palace, Loch and the hills behond. The Union Canal passes high above the town of Falkirk as you approach the Falkirk Interchange. The breathtaking Falkirk Wheel takes us down to join the Forth & Clyde Canal.

Falkirk provides countless areas of interest to visit. Scotland's Roman heritage is never far away as the Forth & Clyde Canal carries the boats through splendid scenery to Kirkintilloch, then on to Cadder Village and into Glasgow. The Arm to Port Dundas affords us views over the city and features many historic buildings, including those of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

The Falkirk Wheel is 115 foot high - the equivalent of eight double-decker buses. It is 115 feet wide and 100 feet long. The wheel will lift loads of 600 tonnes (300 at each end) - the approximate weight of 100 adult African elephants. The structure stands in a 330 foot wide circular basin with moorings for over 20 boats.

The first wheel-based boat lift was proposed by a German engineer at the beginning of the last century though it was never built. The Falkirk Wheel is the world's first rotating boat lift and the first boat lift to be built in Britain since the Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire which dates from 1875. The total project cost was approximately £17 million and work took 22 months. The wheel is designed to last for at least the next 120 years.

Please Note

When cruising from Falkirk a rover ticket will be charged by Scottish Canals for use of the canals. The cost is £15 for up to three nights and £25 for any holiday over three nights. This ticket will be administered by Scottish Canals through their website and office. This payment will be taken on the first day of your holiday on arrival at the office at the Falkirk base.

Distance, Time, and Locks

• Usually covered in a week.
• Short breaks available from Falkirk to Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Narrowboat bases on the Edinburgh to Glasgow Canal

Click on a boat base below for more information and possible routes from that base.

Places of Interest

Lochrin Basin Ratho (Edinburgh Canal Centre) Almond Aqueduct Niddry Castle Linlithgow Palace and Loch Avon Aqueduct Falkirk Wheel, old locks and tunnel Rough Castle (Roman Fort) Banknock Auchinstarry Twechar Cadder Church Possil Loch Nature Reserve Port Dundas (Glasgow) The Union Inn

Canal Holidays, Bowers Wharf, Skipton, BD23 2PD, United Kingdom

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Seagull Trust Ratho

Boat tour provided by a 3rd party company.

Seagull Trust Cruises charity offers free cruises on Scotland’s canals for people with special needs. Based near the Bridge Inn in Ratho. Most of our passengers come from Edinburgh and its surroundings as well as from the Borders.

These tours are operated by the Seagull Trust Ratho

Further information

Opening hours.

Est: 1978 Royal Patron HRH The Princess Royal

Seagull Trust Cruises

Free Canal Cruising in Scotland for People with Special Needs

Ratho Branch

For people with special needs.

Falkirk Branch

Kirkintilloch Branch

Highland Branch

Volunteer with us

Seagull Trust Cruises is a charitable organisation, wholly run by unpaid volunteers, that provides free barge trips for people with special needs.

We provide canal cruises for anyone with special needs and elderly people.

We offer fully accessible boats suitable wheelchairs users.

We provide tea/coffee and biscuits.

We are a charity funded solely by donations and grants.

We operate with crews of trained volunteers. Our barges are restricted to a maximum of 12 passengers, including helpers, and the bookings are allocated on a first come first serve basis.

It is the responsibility of the group to ensure that the ratio of helpers (Min 2) to disabled people is adequate.

Click here for a History of Seagull Trust Cruises

To enquire about cruises, go to the branches pages above or contact us here.

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Due to the ongoing Coronavirus Covid19 pandemic, Seagull Trust Cruises (STC) have unfortunately suspended all cruising until further notice. All existing bookings have been cancelled. STC hope that all our passenger client groups are coping well in this unfortunate situation and we look forward to welcoming you back amongst us as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. STC will post updates on this web site and will contact existing groups as appropriate in due course. In the meantime, please take care and stay safe.

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Falkirk Base – Glasgow & Edinburgh Scottish Boating Holidays

Falkirk base glasgow to edinburgh canal boat holiday.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery | Scottish Exhibition Centre

Possil Loch Nature Reserve

Cadder Church

Auchinstarry

Rough Castle (Roman Fort)

The Kelpies

Falkirk Wheel, Locks & Tunnel

The Union Inn

Avon Aqueduct

Linlithgow Palace and Loch

Niddry Castle (Privately owned)

Almond Aqueduct

Ratho (Edinburgh Canal Centre)

Edinburgh Quay

136 Miles | 14 Locks | 1 Week Cruise | 6 hours per day

Our stunning Glasgow canals and Edinburgh canal boat holiday cruise begins at the Falkirk Wheel, one of the most stunning backdrops to any canal in the UK. The Wheel, around the height of eight double decker, is the world’s first rotating boat lift.

Upon leaving Falkirk Wheel you cruise along the Union Canal, one of the most famous of Scotland’s canals, and over the magnificent Almond Aqueduct, which is 420 feet long and carries the canal 76 feet above the River Almond.

Next, head through Linlithgow and stop off to see Linlithgow Palace, arguably Scotland’s finest surviving medieval building and birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The palace grounds house a beautiful public park known as The Peel, which is perfect for picnics.

Just down the water is Ratho, home to Edinburgh Canal Centre, and then the capital city itself. Edinburgh offers a mixture of beautiful iconic landmarks and symbols of contemporary British culture. Be sure to see the stunning Edinburgh Castle, walk and cycle along the Royal Mile and visit the Scotch Whisky Experience to try the ‘water of life’!

Once you have finished sightseeing in Edinburgh, head back towards Falkirk and descend the Wheel to join the Forth and Clyde Canal, which is another of the best-known canals in Scotland. This will take you through splendid scenery and villages such as Auchinstarry – the site of a Roman fort, and Kirkintilloch, which dates back to the 13th century. Finally, you will pass through the picturesque Cadder Village and on to Glasgow canal.

Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, is a stylish centre for a canal holiday with great shopping, nightlife and world-famous art collections. Buchanan Street is one of Britain’s finest for high-street and designer fashions and leads to the Gallery of Modern Art on Royal Exchange Square – an oasis of calm after a retail overload.

There are several magnificent museums and galleries in Glasgow to enjoy on your boating holiday in Scotland, including the School of Art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the People’s Palace – plenty to keep you going!

Book our Edinburgh and Glasgow return canal boat holiday by using our online Availability Search, or by calling Black Prince on 01527 575 115 for more route info.

ROVER TICKET

If traveling from Falkirk a rover ticket will be charged by Scottish Canals for use of the canals. This will be a flat charge of £25 for any holiday over three nights. Use up to three days will be charged at £15. This ticket will be administered by Scottish Canals through their website and office. Payment will be taken on the first day of the Glasgow and Edinburgh holiday at the office in Falkirk.

Other routes from this base

Glasgow & Edinburgh canal boat holiday

Edinburgh and return canal boat holiday hire

Falkirk Short Route

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EDINBURGH AND RETURN FROM FALKIRK

Route Info | Boats | Map overview of route | Cruising Notes | Maps & Guides | Links | Pub Guide

You can do this route from : Falkirk Wharf.

Falkirk Wharf

Stirlingshire

Recommended Holiday Duration : 4 nights.

Total Cruising Days : 4.00 to 4.00 (Partial or full days)

Total Cruising Time : 26.00 hours

Total Distance : 64.00 miles

Number of Locks : 4

Number of Tunnels : 4

Number of Aqueducts : 10

Read our cruising notes to help you plan your canal boat holiday

Cruising Notes

NB: This route has been provided as a guide only. Information may become inaccurate or out of date. You should always check with the marina that the route is possible within your time frame, current weather conditions and canal stoppages etc.

Maps and Guides

Useful links, pubs available on this canal route:-.

NB: Distances are as the crow flies and will vary for actual canal boating travel distance.

The information above is provided in good faith to assist you with planning your canal boat holiday. Information accuracy cannot be guaranteed, however, if you do see something that needs updating, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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Supporting Independent Living

0131 664 7424

[email protected], mon-fri: 8am-4pm, barge trips.

31st August 2022 By Libertus

Over the past month most of our members have been going to barge trips along the canal, taking with them packed lunches to make a day of it. . I can safely say that the weather has held out, and everyone who has been has really enjoyed the day out on the canal. These barge trips are run by volunteers at the The Seagull trust based at Ratho.

They have three boats at Ratho: St John Edinburgh, St John Crusader II, and Mackay Seagull.

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Restaurant review: Cruising along at Ratho

by Nigel Duncan

It is over 30 years since Pam and I had been on a similar cruise from The Bridge Inn situated in a village on the west side of Edinburgh. That cruise was on Midsummer Night and was also memorable as we were stuck in the mud several times and we arrived home at 2.30am.

On this occasion, the skipper also had problems. He had to back-up and turn on the power to break the ice but it was, once again, something we’ll not forget. The attentive staff made everybody welcome aboard the 36-capacity craft and the Pride of Belhaven chugged its way up the Union Canal. The floodlight on top of the boat lit up the banks and it was somewhat surreal as the ice cracked and the barge slowly made its way up the canal whose banks were covered in thick snow.

Thankfully, it was cosy inside the spacious cabin and the diners who called off because of the inclement weather were the ones who missed out. I had eaten the day before at 125mph on the East Coast main line train returning to Edinburgh from London. This was totally different.

The leisurely pace of the barge, in contrast, allows one to chill out and the smell of the food from the galley increased the experience. Starters were considered as an accordionist played in the background, a nice touch for this Saturday night cruise on the eve of St Andrew’s Day.

Cock a leekie soup, partan bree topped with seared scallops or mini beef and haggis olives with red onion marmalade were the options.

Pam went traditional and the soup proved a winner. Piping hot and full of flavour. Spot on for a cold night. My beef and haggis olives were most enjoyable. The seasoning in the haggis was just right and the cold red onion marmalade added to the dish.

We then had four options for main course. Braised Borders lamb shank stuck out for me as a nap selection. I have savoured this dish at home and abroad and I was keen to see how this would match up.

Pam had more of a selection quandary. The homemade vegetarian haggis and char grilled aubergine parcel, wild mushrooms and tarragon sauce looked mouth-watering. However, it eventually came down to a straight choice between skirlie stuffed chicken supreme with haggis tattie dauphinoise, whisky and Arran mustard cream or trio of Scottish salmon with orange zest and caper crème fraiche.

Pam loathes whisky and was veering towards the salmon but, eventually, chicken won and her fears over the sauce were misplaced. It was mild and added to the overall taste of the dish. My lamb was wonderful. The meat fell off the bone and the red wine and herb sauce was perfect, bringing out the sweetness in the lamb but not overpowering the dish.

We both loathe soggy vegetable and on-board chef Lee Skelton must be complemented in producing broccoli, carrots and green beans which had just the right amount of crunch. Thankfully, the staff gave us time to digest the first two courses before asking for our pudding selection. Wild berry cranachan with shortbread was a possible or trio of Scottish cheeses but we both decided that warm spiced rhubarb strudel with ice cream was ideal for a cold night.

The sharp rhubarb taste was complimented by cinnamon, a brilliant mixture, however the double whammy on the taste buds did tend to negate the flavour of the vanilla ice cream and the pastry was a tad disappointing. Coffee and mints followed. I always feel it is bad policy for a restaurant to just offer one cup. It seems so stingy and we were not disappointed here. A second was offered and it was accepted gratefully as we were about to disembark into the freezing weather.

The cruise took around three hours and I would have no hesitation in recommending it, not just for the experienced but for the food. It cannot be easy cooking in a restricted space and without all the equipment you would have on land.

Take a bow Lee.

Rachel and Graham Bucknall took over at The Bridge Inn earlier in 2010. They have lived in the village for several years and are desperate to see the well-known venue climb up the culinary charts. Long-term plans include turning the clock back with the decor – not before time – to make The Bridge Inn once again a country local.

They also, when possible, use produce from their garden including apples from the orchard for their apple pie and pork from their Saddleback pigs.

Plans are already laid to extend the garden and grow more produce. More power to their elbow. They are working hard to re-launch the venue and their energy is to be commended. So is a night cruising, even in sub-zero temperatures.

Canal cruising From The Bridge Inn 27 Baird Road Ratho EH28 8RA 0131 333 1320 http://www.bridgeinn.com Open seven days

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Hi Nigel An interesting read about the barges out of /bridge Inn at Ratho BUT!

“The Bridge Inn at Ratho near Edinburgh airport is a swish refurbished hotel. BUT! Don’t go near their boat luncheons on the historic Union canal. Don’t touch them with a barge pole! The big yin wearing a “Boss” button is the master of disaster. Our guests for a family reunion luncheon on board a barge travelled from London and all points of Scotland to sit at a mooring eating what can best be described as one star quality food, while the “boss” looked for a wee part to start the engine. All this after 3 months of planning on our part. Wedding planners in particular should look elsewhere or stick to the major cities and give the rural sector a wide berth. Maintenance of their vessels is not their long suit. It would be better if they dropped the motley fleet from the top of the Falkirk Wheel and stick to running a swish pub.”

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