The Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel

Tour Highlights

• Pick up from location
• Callendar House and Antoine Wall, Falkirk
• The Kelpies
• The Falkirk Wheel
• Drop off at location

Callendar House allows you to really step back in time with costumed guides showing you round a fully restored stately home working kitchen from 1825. Looking like a French Chateau, Callendar House dates from the 11th Century. It tells the story of the Industrial Revolution in Scotland as the Carron Ironworks established in 1759 on the banks of the River Carron became 19th Century Europe’s largest.

Within its grounds are remnants of the Antonine Wall, the Northern outpost of the Roman Empire and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once stretching from the Firth of Clyde to the Firth of Forth, almost 40 miles, this structure, made mainly of earth piled three metres high with five metre deep ditches and a series of forts was constructed by the Romans from 142 AD onwards.

Travelling north on the M9 you cannot fail to see two massive horse head like structures towering thirty metres tall. The Kelpies, which are Scottish water dwelling spirits, possessing the strength of ten horses were erected in 2013. They represent the heavy horses that pulled the canal boats along Scotland’s canals during the Industrial Revolution. You can climb to the top of their complex steel structure.

The Falkirk Wheel connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal raising or lowering canal boats 29 metres (80 feet). The wheel works on the principals of Greek mathematician Archimedes and is the world’s only rotating boat lift. Built as part of the Millennium Link recommissioning and reconnecting the two canal systems after decades of neglect and disrepair it is now a major visitor attraction. If you have one in your wallet or purse you will see The Falkirk Wheel depicted on the reverse of Bank of Scotland £50 notes.

This is a full day for this tour with lunch at The Kelpies or Falkirk. Contact us for more information.

Scottish Classic Tours is managed by husband and wife, Duncan and Linda Cullen, both of whom share a love of Scotland, classic cars and history. Tours can be either half or full day dependent upon time spent at each location and where your pick up and drop off points are. Call or email to discuss your tour ideas on 07595 187123 or scottishclassictours@gmail.com.