Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Tuesday 13th May 2008

Polmont Station to Falkirk High Station

Route facts

Waterways:
Union Canal »

Distance: 3.5 miles / 6km

Duration: One hour

Starts at: Polmont Station

Ends at: Falkirk High Street

View route map »

Polmont Station to Falkirk High Station

The picturesque walk starts 200 yards north of Polmont Station where a bridge over the canal gives access to the towpath.

Follow the towpath for 3.5 miles all the way to The Falkirk Tunnel, passing through woodland and under the ‘Laughin’ Greetin’ Bridge’, which is arguably the most famous bridge on the Union Canal.

The bridge keystones are engraved faces – facing west is the crying (greetin’) man’s face, facing east is the laughing man. The reason for the engravings is not fully understood. Although The Falkirk Tunnel has lighting it can still be quite dark and the narrow towpath can often be wet underfoot so care should be taken when walking through the tunnel. Emerge from the tunnel and turn right. Follow the path to Falkirk High Station where walkers can jump on a train back to Polmont Station.