Starting in Lochrin Basin at Fountainbridge (just behind Cargo Bar and Tesco express) and…read morestretching all the way to Falkirk and on to Glasgow, the Union Canal is a hive of activity. The canal itself is used by canal boats, rowers, kayakers and fishermen/women as well as ducks, swamp hens, geese, swans and seagulls of course! The tow path is a popular commuter route for cyclists, and is used by walkers, joggers, parents with strollers and dog-walkers alike. Solar powered lights have just been installed on the towpath from Lochrin Basin to south-western end of Harrison Park). For tourists, this makes a good stroll away from the city centre, with the opportunity to see plenty of wildlife (birds mostly, including ducklings, goslings and cygnets in spring) and flora. There are a number of good pubs and parks close to the canal, so it may be a nice way to combine a pub lunch or picnic with a scenic walk. YOu can connect from the meadows via Bruntsfield Links and Leamington Terrace or Viewforth. The canal and towpath are kept reasonably clean these days (except perhaps in one small area near Longstone where the rubbish bin seems to be rarely emptied). I've been a cycle commuter on this route for a couple of weeks now (through the summer) and have not had any real issues. There are stretches of cobbles (mainly under bridges where the path narrows and across the viaduct by the Water of Leith visitor centre), so the ride can be a bit bumpy, and there a few blind spots as you pass under bridges, so a bell is a necessity. Bridges make a good place to shelter if you're caught out in unexpected rain, and it often leads to some enjoyable social banter with other cyclists and pedestrians also waiting out the shower! You do not need a cycle permit to use the canal tow path in Scotland. I have used this route often as a runner and highly recommend it -- A good 10 km loop can be made by starting and finishing at Fountainbridge/Lochrin Basin, following the canal to where it meets the Water of Leith and the following the Water of Leith to Murrayfield/Roseburn, along the road to Haymarket and back to Foutnainbridge... though it is perhaps best to wait till the cycle commuter rush hour is over. The tow path surface is in various places asphalt/tarmac, concrete, cobbles and shingle/loose metal, but is generally smooth so suitable for sturdy strollers. Near Lochrin Basin the surface is very good, so would be fine for wheelchairs. Be prepared for a few midges, small green flies etc. Access to the canal is at a number of points, generally at most road bridges that cross the canal (except at Yeaman Place in Polwarth, there is no access from there).

Landscapes featuring water are always tranquil. So imagine the degree of tranquillity when the…read morewater stretches for nearly 32 miles? The Union Canal, one of Scotland's two Lowland canals, took 4 years to construct, and is now popular with everyone from walkers, joggers, cyclists and canoeists, to diners on floating restaurants! It meanders from central Edinburgh all the way to the Falkirk Wheel. 240 feet above sea-level it follows the natural lie of the land there are no locks. This flatness makes for an excellent cycle run and is easy on anyone pushing younger sightseers in a buggy. Along the way there are Scotland's only canal tunnels, all manner of backdrops from woods to railways lines to bridges, and furtive wildlife ducks, herons, water voles. The canal begins at Lochrin Basin, a stone's throw from the Grove Street tenements where a certain Sean Connery was brought up. This whole area is undergoing complete re-development as property once owned by Scottish and Newcastle Brewers and the North British Rubber Company make way for the housing and commercial premises of Edinburgh Quay. Strolling along you'll pass the waterfront that will make a wonderful location for dining by Spring 2008. Further along there is the Zazou a unique restaurant hosted on a barge. Quarter of an hour's walk from here you'll come across 2 aqueducts, the Prince Charlie, and the larger Slateford Aqueduct rising 600 feet above the Water of Leith. Here you can step down to the Water of Leith heritage centre, or cross over Slateford Road to the Tickled Trout for great pub grub. Back up on the canal there are many other landmarks to encounter, including a 12-foot sculpture of Burke and Hare. These were the Irish navvies who helped build the canal, but became more widely known for providing fresh corpses for dissection to unscrupulous 19th century anatomists. The canal runs past Wester Hailes to the city boundary, and eventually to Ratho, site of an impressive climbing centre. This walkway provides a gentle stroll through the heart of Scotland's capital. Whether you're walking, biking , canoing or dining, the drifting currents will soon put you at ease.

This tour of Inchcolm Island and the Firth of Forth is a splendid day out. The boat boards at South…read moreQueensferry, has indoor and outdoor seating, a bar and bathroom facilities. On the way to and from the island the captain went out of his way to point out seals and puffins and get close enough so everyone could see. There is a pre-recorded audio tour playing over the loudspeakers that is informative, but not so loud as to be annoying. The island itself is beautiful with ruins of a 12th century abbey and World War II army structures, both of which you can fully explore, plus a spectacular view of Edinburgh. If you are willing to climb a very narrow, very steep spiral staircase you can go to the top of the abbey. When left on the island you have about 1.5 hours before the boat picks you up, which is a decent amount of time. There are bathrooms, a small gift shop and plenty of places to enjoy a picnic on the island. This is a great outing for families, but not for anyone who has difficulty with climbing or walking on rough surfaces. Many people had taken a bus to the pier and public transportation might be something to consider because parking is scarce. I was lucky to go on a spectacularly clear-skied, sunny day, but even so there were moments when the wind cut through to the bone;dressing in layers is a good idea. Also, there are lots of hotels, pubs and restaurants in picturesque South Queensferry if you want to extend your day out.

In early October, we headed out from Newhaven on the Maid of the Forth to see the abbey ruins at…read moreInchcolm island. The weather was lovely, and the boat ride exhilarating. We had about 1 hour to explore the island, and then we headed back for dry land. On the way, our friendly captain let the boat idle for about 2 minutes while he explained a bit of history associated with an impressive lighthouse, and we were lucky to spy some harbour seals basking in the sun. The Abbey itself was lovely and interesting. Someone has taken great care to place many informative plaques and signs, so the inquisitive mind is able to get a pretty complete history lesson about the location and the ruins. My only complaint about this outing was that it didn't last long enough, and the promotional photos would lead tourists to believe we were going to see a seal 'colony.' To me, this means los of seals, and possibly up close, but no such luck. You will be whisked to the island and backdon't expect much more than a lovely hour exploring an isolated and beautiful place. In sum, I would take this tour again if a friend was desperate to go, but I think cutting the price in half would make it an excursion more accurately priced. Out of 5, this outing gets 3 stars.

I took one of the trips run by Calypso when Cunard's Queen Victoria was visiting the Firth of Forth…read morein July 2010. The boat and equipment were clean and well maintained. Life jackets were provided along with waterproofs if we required them. Stewart was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the area. We were taken at great speed from the jetty at North Queensferry to where the Queen Victoria was anchored, just east of the Forth Bridge. When we reached her, we slowed and were able to view (and photograph) her from the water. It's not every day you get the chance to see a cruise liner, both bridges and wildlife up close from such a unique viewpoint! I can't recommend a trip with Calypso highly enough it will definitely bring a smile to your face and is great value for money. Note: Dress warmly even on the warmest summer day, the Firth of Forth is cold.

THE GOLDENLOCH for FLY FISHING The Goldenloch, is a family…read morefriendly FLY only FISHING LOCH, set in the beautiful countryside of North Fife, Established in 1985, that's 26 years experience looking after anglers of all ages. KY14 6HZ, The Goldenloch can be found of the A91 Edinburgh / Dundee road turning up the B937or beyond Fruchie on the road to Newburgh on the B937, where the big sign says HAVE YOU A PLUCKING PROBLEM just turn in there, after 1 mile we are on the right. Coming from Perth we are after Newburgh 0.5 mls, turn right for Auchtermuchty, then first left into Grange of Lindores following the signs Fly fishing as a sport is one of life's most rewarding experiences; we provide you the perfect opportunity, you only have to bring yourself, and a little bit of patience, with help on hand for the inexperienced, we will soon have you catching fish. Boat or Bank, BBQ area, Toilets, Equipment hire give us a call on 01337840355 or 07968006367 Relax, unwind, laugh, think, and retry, unruffled, patience, practice, gentle, precise, accurate, tidy, have you got what it takes to be an angler, try it, you'll not be disappointed. Contact Details and Prices Goldenloch Fishery, Berryhill Farm,Newburgh on Tay, Fife, KY14 6HZ. Phone either 01337840355 / 07968006367 or email john@goldenloch.co.uk 1/2 day session 2 fish limit £15.00 then C&R up to a Max of 9 Full day session 3 fish limit £20.00 then C&R up to a Max of 9 Catch and Release is £15 Parent and Youth is £25 for 4 fish limit then C&R up to a Max of 9

My tour with John and Dave of Arbroath Angling was one of the highlights of my trip to Scotland. My…read moregroup of 3 Yankee tourists chartered a fishing tour on their boat, the Ardent, and came back with a fish tale that is almost unbelievable. Fortunately, we have photo and video proof of our incredible success. John taught us newbies how to use the rods and bait the hooks, and we were soon catching cod as though we had been fishing all our lives. At one point, we were barely able to drop our lines in the water before having to reel in the fish. John and Dave were so busy helping us unhook our fish that they barely had the chance to do any fishing themselves. Halfway through our tour, we had caught so much cod (as well as a few coley and a small mackerel), that we decided to turn around and do a bit of sightseeing along the coast. I highly recommend this charter company, as our group would have enjoyed our excursion even had we not managed to catch anything.

My husband and I had a great time here recently on a lovely sunny day and can heartily recommend…read moreit. Everyone is so friendly as soon as we got out of the car people started chatting to us and answering questions. Colin took us, along with others, for one of the half-hour boat trips and pointed out all the interesting sights along the way. He had a great sense of humour and made us all laugh a lot! The small museum is fascinating and you can buy some small souvenirs and postcards there. We also had some homemade cakes and tea in the adjoining cafe which was really neat and clean the lady serving and the teenage girl who was helping were both welcoming and friendly. The tow path runs in both directions for miles through beautiful lush countryside, following the Union Canal, and we enjoyed a great walk after the boat trip. There are a couple of disabled parking bays right at the end of the cul-de-sac, otherwise you can try to find a gap along the side on your way in, from the entrance beside the bridge. From here you can easily walk into the town via the station subway (just down the hill). There are often special events and 'fun days' here. We shall definitely return for another boat trip the one in the opposite direction which goes over the aqueduct and only runs at the weekend.

A lovely little tearoom located on the banks of the union Canal. Prices are very reasonable and…read moreboats trips are also here.

My wife and I have just completed the 3 day tour of the Highlands and Skye. What an incredible…read moreexperience, our tour guide Gary S. was brilliant, informative and helpful. The Highlands themselves are incredible, the scenery and the history is incredible. The trip on Loch Ness was great. I really cannot recommend this company and the tour enough. Thanks for an amazing time.

Our journey started very early 730 in the morning, and it seems they had enough bookings to fill 2…read morebuses. Starting was not so pleasant, these girls' gang (3 ladies in their 40s), they all took window seats and nowthe guide is asking politely to sit them together so that the other person can board the bus, but no one wanna leave their window, and 3 seats were vacant. Hey, aunties, what about some basic courtesy? Everyone paid the same bucks, so don't act like you own the company Coming to the topic, the guide was witty, knowledgeable, and cool. Yes, I had some difficulty understanding the Scottish accent, but it's okay. The tour started with a quick coffee break at Calendar. Then we stopped at Trossachs Woollen Mill- This is possibly the most easiest way to spot highland cows in Scotland. The second stop was somewhere in the Scottish Highlands: beautiful surroundings, so soothing. Then we stopped at Commando Memorial, Fort Augustus Locks, and Loch Ness View Point, Fort Augustus. Each stop was a 15-45 min stop, depending on how big that attraction was. Loch Ness (Fort Augustus) was 2 hrs+ stop, as a few folks had to go on a boat tour. The bus was comfortable, and the guide kept telling us about stories of the highlands, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and stuff. Overall, it was a tiring but fun day, knowing many facts, stories, and visiting such a beautiful part of the world.