Union Canal Tunnel – Avon Aqueduct loop from Falkirk High

Hiking trails & Routes

Union Canal Tunnel – Avon Aqueduct loop from Falkirk High

Hard

5.0

(3)

hikers

Union Canal Tunnel – Avon Aqueduct loop from Falkirk High

05:38

21.8km

110m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 15, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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468 m

Falkirk Tunnel

Highlight • Bridge

The Falkirk Tunnel is 630 meters long, 18 feet wide, 19 feet high and has a 5 foot wide towpath. It passes the Union Canal under Prospect Hill in Falkirk, connecting Falkirk to the heart of Edinburgh. The tunnel was built almost 200 years ago and was originally used to transport coal. Today boaters can explore the Union Canal and eventually the Falkirk Tunnel.
The tunnel now features an improved lighting system using colorful LED and traditional white lights to highlight the Victorian engineering, contrasting with the oil lamps that originally lit the tunnel when it opened. In 2016, a programmable lighting system was installed in the tunnel. Nevertheless, the lighting conditions in the tunnel are not particularly bright, it is more of a diffuse light.
The Antonius Wall runs over the tunnel; it was part of the British Limes and the second large rampart built by the Romans in the north of Britain.

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1.11 km

Union Canal Tunnel

Highlight • Bridge

Turn on your headlights for the oncoming riders/runners/walkers!

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9.29 km

View of the Pond and Bridge

Highlight • Lake

9.91 km

View of the Canal Towards the Aqueduct

Highlight • Viewpoint

10.8 km

Avon Aqueduct

Highlight • Bridge

Excellent viewing spot for the Avon Aqueduct. There are a set of steps here where you can walk up to the aqueduct and walk across for even more stunning views.

The aqueduct was built to a design by Hugh Baird, with advice from Thomas Telford, in tandem with the aqueducts at Slateford and Lin's Mill, with which it shares its design. Telford was not convinced that the stone arches were necessary in conjunction with the iron trough, but Baird used both on all three major aqueducts. Construction was carried out by Messrs. Craven, Whitaker and Nowell between 1819 and 1821, their success in building a stone bridge over the River Ouse making their tender for the contract "by far the most eligible."

The aqueduct straddles the border between the West Lothian and Falkirk Council areas, so has two Historic Scotland listings. The aqueduct is a category A listed building.

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