On Day 1 of our cycle tour, we had cycled to the start of the Clyde to Forth route. While on Day 2 we had begun the route by cycling from the Firth of Clyde to Glasgow. For our Clyde to Forth Day 3 we would cover the middle section and cycle from Glasgow over to Grangemouth.

It was a cool, but dry morning when we departed our overnight accommodation.

Of course, we headed back over Bells Bridge.

This time, however, we turned eastward towards the city centre, joining NCN Route 75, and following the path along the River Clyde we had walked the previous evening.

After a mile or so, we joined NCN Route 756 and left the river.

Then weaved our way through the side streets.

Before following the route of the River Kelvin for a little while.

When we reached the Maryhill district of Glasgow we left the riverside and joined the canalside. We picked up NCN Route 754 and followed this along the side of the Forth & Clyde Canal.

At one point there was a diversion while a new canal bridge was being built. Unfortunately, the path off the canal side left a lot to be desired! 

It was only a short diversion, however, and soon we were back on the canal towpath.

We had thought we would have breakfast in Glasgow, but somehow missed all the cafes! So it was, we found ourselves taking a diversion of our own making to Bishopbriggs for something to eat there.

Fed and watered we headed back to the canal.

We would follow the canal for the next 18 miles.

Along the way we passed Winford lock, where we took a brief rest.

Eventually, The Falkirk Wheel came into view.

The wheel takes canal boats between the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. There is a 35 metre difference in height. Before the wheel there were a flight of 11 locks here, which could take up to a day to navigate. After falling into disuse, they were dismantled in 1933.

We decided to take a boat trip ‘experience’ on the Wheel up to the aqueduct.  

This rotating boat lift was opened in 2002. It is the only type of its kind in the world.

Later, after Sarah’s bike suffered a broken spoke (which she would have to nurse to the end), we cycled up the hill to the Union Canal.

Only a few miles further on from the Falkirk Wheel is Helix Park.

This is the home of The Kelpies.

These are 30-metre-high hose head sculptures. Named after mythical creatures, they are a monument to horse-power heritage.

We had seen a set of the mini versions at St Andrews on our Coast and Castles North tour. The real sculptures, however, were spectacular.

The Helix is an eco-park covering some 350 hectares. So, we continued through the park on our way to our overnight accommodation.

We cycled nearly 35 miles today. Cycling along canal towpaths are enjoyable, even if there isn’t much you can write about. This day, however, finished spectacularly with our visit to The Falkirk Wheel and then The Kelpies.

You can view our Forth to Clyde Day 3 route from Glasgow to Grangemouth below:

For our evening meal we went to The Coppertop on the outskirts of Falkirk, a restaurant which serves traiditional home-cooked food. We enjoyed another excellent meal.

Later, we went back to The Kelpies. While our afternoon visit had been spectacular, The Kelpies at night are breathtaking. Truly awesome.