Fort and Clyde Canal

[JimC]

We are intending to transit the canal from west to east later this month. There would be two of us aboard a 28 foot yacht. As this will be our first time I would be grateful for any advice forumites could offer. Also any tips on good places to moor overnight (near good pubs if poss). Thanks.

 

[MarkG]

If you have a look in Sailing Today, this month there is an article on exactly your trip albeit in an Elisabethan 23 ...its called Single Handed to Scotland.

 

[cameronke]

Best advice I can offer (from what I have heard) is to AVOID Glasgow evenings and weekends.

Cameron

 

[cindersailor]

We took my Varne 27 through East to West at the end of March, one of the first boats through this season I think. At 1.7 M draft we were expecting a few problems and we were not disappointed. Having said that, we made it and the shore crews were great. We had no problems with the Glasgow kids, but we did pass through the potentially problematic areas early on Sunday morning. Can recommend The Stables pub adjacent to the Glasgow Road bridge as an overnight stop, no other facilities there though. The pub at Underwood lock (No. 17) also looked good, although we did not stop. The stretch on the River Carron from the Grangemouth sealock to the Forth needs careful timing (particularly at springs, but it will be easier in the west-east direction as you can actually see the critical point (the air-draft under the Kerse Road bridge) from the sealock and the lock keeper will advise. Make sure you get the Skippers Guide which gives guidance on this - download from www.waterscape.com PM me if you have any questions.

Here is the feedback I provided to British Waterways which may be of use if you are deep draft. Remember this is written from the perspecive of an East-West transit. Hope you enjoy the trip, certainly very good value and quicker than the alternative.

We felt the bottom on many occassions (probably 20-30 times), but had significant problems at 7 locations as follows:

1. Under the blue bridge between the Grangemouth sealock and Falkirk - relatively minor.
2. At the point beyond lock 19 where the BW crew told us to expect problems where a culvert passes across the canal bed. This was the worst occasion and almost had us turning back until a police team arrived on a sponsored cycle ride and pulled us through! Required a heel of around 15 degrees to get through so I would estimate depth here to be only 1.5 meters or so.
This really does need sorting out as it is much less than the advertised depth.
3. Between Craigmarloch bridge and Auchinstarry we ploughed through the mud for most of the way. Very pretty though!
4. 100 meters or so before Auchinstarry bridge in the area where a mooring buoy is located off the S bank just beyond the "marina". Managed to get round this by going close to N bank to the annoyance of some guys fishing!
5. All three of the briges in Kirkintillock caused problems - no doubt accumulations of rubbish thrown into the canal.
6. Just W of Glasgow road bridge, just a minute after starting out from The Stables on Sunday! This required pulling from the towpath.
7. Beyond the bottom of the Maryhill flight before the Kelvin aquaduct - BW crew warned us of this one.

Beyond here weed and plastic bags were the only problem, something we had seen nothing of on the eastern section.

 

[SQUIRRELS]

Look at www.waterscape.com and look for the skipper guide.

More general info on the two canals, forth and clyde and the union can be found if you google Forth and Clyde Canal Society and LUCS (Linlithgow Union Canal Society). Both long estabished societies. As a previous member of LUCS I would esp. recommend Linlithgow as a lovely spot to stop near to and probably one of the nicest towns en-route with good accessible facilities as the canal runs very close to the high street where a number of nice old pubs and shops can be found.

Unfortunately some parts will attact the stone throwing, light fingered brigade, but hopefully the lock keeper at Bowling should also be able to advise.

Finally, I take you've checked draught etc. If in doubt best stick in the middle where possible and as its early season there shouldn't be too much weed on the canal. Otherwise have a great trip and tell us how you get on.

 

[Spyro]

Definetly avoid Glasgow between the hours of midday and midnight and at no time on weekends or school holidays and don't leave it unattended.

 

[awol]

I've done the Carron/Clyde twice, once during the school easter holidays, and had no difficulties with the local youth. I have heard hearsay evidence of trouble but has anybody witnessed any at first hand? All I got from the residents of Maryhill and Clydebank was cheery waves and a bit of patter.

... but make sure your draught is less than 5 feet!

 

[JimC]

Thank you everyone for your help - much appreciated.

 

[Spyro]

Never sailed through Glasgow. Only personal experience of working of some of those areas. I wouldn't leave my own vehicle there so would not be too keen on sailing through them.