Cycling along the canal

Hop on your bike and cycle through miles of beautiful countryside alongside the canal.

Cycle routes

35 miles of towpath has been restored providing a safe, traffic-free, pollution-free route for cyclists of all levels. Cycle to work or cycle for fun; whichever you choose the Forth & Clyde canal towpath has never been easier or safer. It is the perfect activity for the whole family to keep fit and healthy.

Safe cycling

  • Please alert walkers by ringing your bell and always give way to walkers.
  • The towpath is often only 1m wide, and can be wet and uneven. Take extra care. It is being upgraded and widened in sections
  • Dismount at all road crossings, bridges, aqueducts and blind bends and at canal weirs, including cobbled weirs.
  • Do not speed, speed causes accidents!

 Which route?

Sustrans Route 754 follows the canal towpath from Bowling to Edinburgh, so you can cycle across Scotland. The towpath betweeb Dalmuir and Bowling forms part of the the scenic Glasgow to Loch Lomond cycleway.

Top tips

  • Can I hire a bike anywhere on the canal?
    Bike hire is available at various locations along Scotland's canal network. To find the full list of businesses, visit our bike hire section.
  • Now some towpaths have been designated as national cycle routes, do cyclists have priority?
    No one group has priority on the towpath. We are delighted that the canal paths have been recognised as part of the national cycle route and this has allowed us to get funding for upgrading the surface. Cyclists should be aware of other canal users, especially where paths are narrow or line of sight is restricted.
  • Is there a speed limit?
    The standard speed for the towpath is 4mph. Remember that other people are using the towpath as well!
  • Do I need a permit?
    No, all you need is a bike!
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