Edinburgh to Falkirk Wheel

Nope. We had a rental car. After the wheel we drove the short distance over to the Kelpies. Hopefully it will be easy. I found the wheel to be a very interesting curiosity.

Went by train from Waverly to Camelon earlier this year. Comfortable walk of about 1 1/4 miles, 1/2 on walking paths through open areas. We are in late 60s, no issues. Use a layered view on Google Maps to show you the paths.

Yes, I took the train and then a cab from the train station to Falkirk Wheel. On the way back, we took the local bus to the train station. It was quite convenient. We started from Sterling so I can’t give you time to Edinburgh.

I really enjoyed the Falkirk Wheel, it is worth the small amount of effort to get there.

Hi, Shelley,

You have several choices if you go by train. As previously noted, you can travel from Waverley (Edinburgh) to Falkirk Camelon. Camelon is one of three train stations which serve Falkirk. You should only travel to the Camelon station if you're planning to walk to the Wheel, as the chances of finding a taxi at the Camelon station are pretty slim.

The easiest walking route is to take Redbrae Road (where the train station is located) south to the Glasgow Road. Cross over Glasgow Road at the traffic light, then turn left. Take the first right on Hamilton Street, and follow it to Brown Street. Turn left on Brown Street, and follow it to where it ends at Mansionhouse Road. Turn right on Mansionhouse Road and follow it to where it ends, then turn right on the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath. Follow the towpath to the Wheel.

If you don't fancy walking that far, you could take the train to Falkirk High train station, then take a taxi to the Wheel. The trains run very frequently, and the journey is about 40 to 45 minutes.

If you wanted to check out the Kelpies while you're in Falkirk, the number 3 bus runs relatively frequently between the two locations.

If you do take the train to Falkirk High, you should take the time to visit Callendar House, which is nearby. The Antonine Wall runs through part of Callendar Park.

There are excellent cafes at the Falkirk Wheel and Callendar House.

Have an enjoyable time in Falkirk!

Mike (Auchterless)

p.s.: If you decide to overnight in Falkirk, the Premier Inn Falkirk Central is clean, comfortable, and economical, and is right on the Forth & Clyde Canal, with easy access to the towpath.

We took the bus to Falkirk Wheel form Edinburgh. Don't remember any details other than getting let off right at the Wheel. There is a really interesting park for kids with all kinds of educational features. Good for seniors too! We walked to the Kelpies, not our best idea, there is bus. Then bussed back to Edinburgh.

We went by bus (in June). I cannot remember the routes, but I remember that Google Maps would have let us astray. We got good advice from the tourist information on the Royal Mile.

Let's try this again... If you took the train...where did you get off. If you took the bus and got off right at the Wheel what bus did you take? From Edinburgh...not anywhere else. Won't really help us out. Thanks

Hi, Shelley,

The McGill's number 6 bus goes directly to the Falkirk Wheel car park. However, it is about a seven minute walk to the nearest bus stop for the number six from Falkirk Grahamston train station, and about 12 minutes from Falkirk High. The bus takes a cashless fare, so you can use your credit card. Once you find the bus stop, it would be about 15 minutes from Falkirk High, and about 25 minutes from Grahamston. The destination board will read Tamfourhill

However, I'd recommend taking a taxi from Falkirk High. It would be a lot more convenient, and faster.

Good luck!

Mike (Auchterless)

p.s.: If you're planning to visit the Kelpies, the number 2 bus leaves from near Falkirk High (Slamman Street). However, it drops you off about a 12 to 15 minute walk from the Kelpies. The number 3 bus no longer travels between the Wheel and the Kelpies. I wonder if anyone living near Falkirk could let us know if McGill's changed the schedules when they took over the service last year.

This is the link for the timetables etc for McGills East Scotland services- not only around Falkirk, but into Stirlingshire and as far as Tyndrum on the West Highland Railway line (from Stirling)-
https://www.mcgillsscotlandeast.co.uk/services

Thank you Mike, and Posted by isn31c I can work with this information. Appreciate your responses