Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel

Rick doesn't answer questions here. The community answers questions. The park--Helix Park--is open. So if you can get there on Monday, you can see the Kelpies. Here's the link on the official Visit Scotland page. I finally got the page to open and here's the link that provides public transportation. The plan your visit link will tell you about visiting the Falkirk Wheel.

When you say you'd like to be driven there, where do you want to be picked up and dropped off?

Where is the location that you are starting from? We visited Falkirk Wheel without any tour company. We simply took the train to Falkirk Grahamston Station, walked outside, grabbed a taxi and arrived at the Falkirk wheel. The wheel is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5:30 pm in the summer.

Here is the info from the Scottish Canals website:
There are regular services from Glasgow, Edinburgh Perth and Stirling to Falkirk stations. Visit www.scotrail.com for timetables and tickets.

The Falkirk Wheel is then just a short taxi ride from Falkirk Grahamston, Camelon or Falkirk High Station. You will find taxi ranks at the train stations, or visit www.traintaxi.co.uk for details of taxis available for hire at these locations.

With a daytime frequency of 20 minutes Monday to Saturday and 30 minutes on a Sunday, the First Bus 3/4 service takes you from The Falkirk Wheel to Grangemouth via the Town Centre and The Helix/Kelpies. The 3/4 Service boasts leather seats, luxurious interiors and free WiFi and have the distinctive images of the Kelpies, The Falkirk Wheel and The Steeple on the exterior.

For more information on Service 3/4 and more visit www.firstscotlandeast.com

Thank all for your suggestions. My question concerned the tour companies and their lack of tours on Monday's not how to get to the venue via public transport.

Again thanks again for your help

I hope you find your answer about the tour companies. The reason I gave the answer I did was to give you an alternative if you can't find the way there by tour company.

You should ask the tour companies why they don't offer tours on Mondays.

Don't mean to sound sarcastic, but I just checked the Falkirk Wheel site and it is definitely open on Monday, and as noted, the Kelpies is at a public park, so it's not the venues that are closed. Do you have a reservation at the wheel? if not, you'll only be able to view it from the ground; this would be a pity if you're taking the time to visit. If your schedule permits, visit the Kelpies after sunset (or around sunset) so you can experience the illumination.

Hi, jnorman01,

Unless you're impressed by modern engineering, the Falkirk Wheel is only worth viewing, not riding. For what you get, it's overpriced. Plus, if you're driving in, it costs three pounds just to park. Best thing to do is watch it operate from the ground. If you pay your 14 pounds, you get in to an enclosed extended houseboat, enter the lower part of the wheel, then get carried up to the upper (Union) canal. You are then taken about 1/4 mile up the Union Canal, then back, then down again to the Forth & Clyde.

The whole procedure takes 50 minutes. If you want to have the experience, by all means go for it. Otherwise, watching is just as enjoyable.

If you're not traveling with a group, I'd recommend staying at the Premier Inn in Camelon. It's right on the Forth & Clyde towpath, and is a very easy 20 minute walk to the Wheel. On the way, you can check out the colorful houseboats in the canal. If you're lucky, you will get to see the locks opening to let the houseboats through.

If you're at the Wheel, you can catch the Number 3 bus directly to the Kelpies. Or vice versa. Return fare is about 2 pounds 80 pence.

Happy travels!

Mike (Auchterless)

I have a different opinion on the value of riding the Falkirk Wheel. I really enjoyed the experience and the views. The ride was relaxing, enjoyable, and gives a different perspective about the wheel. It is always interesting to see how the same location or activity can appeal to travelers in different ways.

True dat! The only time that I traveled on the Wheel was in 2003, about a year after it opened. My "voyage" was paid for by friends. It's okay for a one time trip. but I went back this year to show my wife, and it has lost some of the novelty. Perhaps I'm getting jaded in my dotage! :) And speaking of dotage, if you're an OAP (over 60), the ride is 11 pounds 50.

Fortunately, Falkirk has many other wonderful places to visit, including the excellent (and free!) Callendar House.

Mike (Auchterless)