Leaving Falkirk on the Union Canal
I recently carried out two days consultancy work for Scottish Canals as they prepared a funding bid to the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN). The bid for CSGN support to develop a Glasgow to Edinburgh Canoe Trail has now been submitted and is in the hands of the assessors. This has the potential to be a really great project, so I hope that it wins CSGN backing.
My first ever paddle strokes were on a canal, back in 1973, so I have always had a feel for the peace and tranquility of paddling on canals. That was on the Pocklington Canal in East Yorkshire, and it’s where I learned to appreciate the scenery and landscape of canals, as well as learning all my basic paddling skills.
Having paddled the Glasgow to Edinburgh race last October I would love to see the route promoted as a canoe trail and for more people to enjoy the pleasures to be found on the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals.
A Glasgow to Edinburgh Canoe Trail has the potential to be a great adventure tourist attraction, as well as a terrific way of encouraging young people from the local areas to get out on the water to enjoy open air recreation right on their doorsteps. If the bid to CSGN is successful, then the Trail could be a reality by spring 2014.