United Kingdom - Scotland - Falkirk

Falkirk lies between its more famous neighbors, Edinburgh and Glasgow. We spent a week here and had a really nice AirBnB. So nice, that we wanted to extend another two weeks. Unfortunately, it was booked. Our apartment was also located between two awesome landmarks: The Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies.

What did we do?

The Falkirk Wheel -- This iconic wheel is a marvel of modern engineering and the only one like it in the world. This unique boat lift connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, allowing vessels to move seamlessly between the two. Watching this rotating structure in action is a sight to behold, and you can even take a boat trip to experience it up close. Which we did!

We're going on a boat ride

Safety first

Going Up

We made it to the top

Another boat waiting their 
turn to go down

Entering Roughcastle Tunnel

Leaving Roughcastle Tunnel

Turning around

Our view from the top

Going Down

We're Back

After the boat ride we watched the Wheel some more and then explored the area.

Not really sure what
this was about

This time we walked through
Roughcastle Tunnel

Union Canal

A boat in the lock

Searching for Antonine's Wall
and Sharon fit perfectly under
this branch

Swing Bridge Video

The Kelpies -- This was an awe-inspiring spectacle. These colossal stainless steel horse head sculptures stand at 30 meters tall and pay homage to Scotland's industrial heritage. At night, they are illuminated with a light display.

Based on two Clydesdale 
Duke (head down) &
Baron (head up)

Inside Duke's head.

Yes, she layed on the floor with
white shorts on

It was worth it

Duke's Horseshoe
Have to rub for good luck

Pretty big shoe

35,566 individual pieces

Callendar House -- For history enthusiasts, a visit to Callendar House is a must. This elegant mansion dates back to the 14th century and has been beautifully preserved. Inside, you can explore its fascinating history, including its connection to Mary, Queen of Scots. The surrounding Callendar Park was a great place for a leisurely stroll.

Main Hall

Monk

Georgian Kitchen

Falkirk Pot

Due to damage, the original
ceiling was removed. 
 A reproduction was completed by
Fife artist William Kay  

Pieces of the original ceiling

Strutting the Red Carpet

Stop, Turn, & Pose

Tea Room

Barometer
Made by John Russell of 
Falkirk 

The Lady's Book of Music

The Victorian Library where the
Falkirk Archives are kept 

The Antonine Wall -- A UNESCO World Heritage Site that once marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire over 1800 years ago. The wall extended from coast to coast. We explored several areas where the wall was located and most was just mounds of dirt.

 

Falkirk Canal Tunnel -- Work began on the tunnel in March of 1818 and took four years to complete.  Supposedly two notorious mass murderers, William Burke and William Hare, worked as navvies to help build the tunnell. They murdered people to sell their bodies to an anatomy school and disposed the victims clothing in the canal. The tunnell was the only surviving canal tunnell in Scotland until they built the Millennium Link where the Falkirk Wheel is located.

We made it to the other side

Time to head back the
way we came

A boat incoming

Dollar Park was just a small park near our apartment.

War Memorial

Peter Pan

The John Muir Way -- The John Muir Way is a long-distance trail that stretches across Scotland, from the west coast to the east coast. Needless to say, we only did a few small portions of it. You can walk or bike rides through woodlands, canals, and historic sites.

Random pics

Falkirk 1298 Memorial Cairn

Wheatsheaf Inn oldest Pub in Falkirk

The Mystery Machine and they left
Scooby-Doo inside

Old fountain 

We did a puzzle and Sharon
left me the last piece

Creative way to cover these posts around town.

Front

Back

Where did we eat? 

Our AirBnB was not ready when we arrived so we stopped at Central Perk Falkirk (like Friends!) coffee shop.

Macchiato 

Cappuccino 

Chocolate Eclair

It was that good

Always smart to stand up when
your full backpack is on the chair

We found this awesome Italian deli, Buon Appetito.  

Buffalo Mozzarella 

Medium Antipasti 
Meats, cheese, marinated onions,
olives, bread twists

1/2 of the Lasagna 

Olives & Marinated Onions
We liked the onions so much 
Sharon asked how they made them:
Wide pearled onions pickled in 
Balsamic vinegar, sugar & bay leaves.

We decided to try New Market Bar instead of the local Wetherspoon's. It was okay. Sharon did like her fish but the fries were just okay.

Chicken Tikka Masala 

Fish & Chips

Home

Smoked fish with cream cheese, onions & 
capers. Cheese, crackers & olives.

Salad with fresh mozzarella 

Spaghetti with meat sauce & fresh mozzarella 

Salami, Parma, Ham, & Cheese
Panini from Buon Appetito 

Parma, Ham, Roasted Peppers & Homemade
Ricotta Spread Panini from Buon Appetito

Fresh picked

Blackberries 

Where did we stay? We stayed at an AirBnB, the "Canal View Apartment" hosted by Kerry.  A ground floor 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment located on the Forthe and Clyde Canal. We even had a balcony but the traffic was too loud (my only complaint). Almost what we would like to have when we grow up.  

Bedroom 1

Bathroom 1

Bedroom 2 (Master)

Bathroom 2

Oatmeal, cereal, caramel wafer biscuits, 
Milk chocolate mallow deliciousness

Sharon liked the strainer

How did we get there? Scotrail from Arbroath.

When did we visit? September 6 through 13, 2023

Falkirk was a great non-touristy city to visit -- from its innovative engineering feats to historical sites and natural beauty. We were so glad we were able to spend a week here.

"You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe. Trust. Let go. And see what happens."