Union Canal - Edinburgh

Follow me on Facebook at London Boat Girl
Follow me on Twitter @rainbowlollies
Patreon / londonboatgirl

[@luckmatii9863]

I landed in Edinburgh in July, cycling canal almost every day for 7 months Ratho - Edinburgh Sighthill , good scenery and ppl are nice to talk to.

[@DesmondsDonders]

Behave, we have lovely weather up here and if you do not like what is on offer wait 10 minutes and something else will be along 😂 😂 😂

[@peteon4wheels627]

Just as I remember Scotland lol.

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

glad to see there are more and more boats on the canal... seems, there used to be maybe a dozen actual live in boats on this whole stretch in the 2000s/2010s. as for the industrial part... whilst those new apartments are in the place of some older industrial warehouses, this canal never had an "industrial past", rather, a branch, bringing produce (and in it's early days also canal-ferries) from the industrial areas to wealthy consumers in the Auld-reeky... basically, it was a canal allowing easier delivery of things to the markets/shops of the High-Street...

[@Gonkawonga]

I cycle the canal every day taking your stress away by fresh crispy air.

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

about Edinburgh, whilst the high-town is, as commonly, a Castle town *(following the defendable ridge)... Edinburgh's traditional industrial areas did in fact follow a river as it's center, that being the Water of Leith, a river that fed many of the mills forming the villages of the lower city... and in it's lower regions became a strong natural harbor. I believe in the early days, barges would go up the rapids as far as Dean Village. late 19th century development does sort of mask it, but it was a major spine of the city back in the day.

[@Jacquiandteddy]

I used to live beside the canal at the Lochrin Basin end and walked my dogs along the towpath daily. I enjoyed your video and description of it. I think, speaking for myself and people I knew, we were more interested in connecting with the nature and wildlife in the area rather than its industrial past. That for me was the most important part and gave it purpose.

[@anthonybelcher8569]

Thanks for showing a video of Edinburgh,it's so awesome,lovely scenery all round,

[@dough740]

You really did nail it regarding the Union Canal, although what you saw in Edinburgh doesn't really reflect the true reality. At least you didn't go as far as Dumbryden and Wester Hailes (think Kirkstall in Leeds or Burnley, where 4 mph is not fast enough, and you need to be through it before 10 am to avoid hassle). There are plenty of hire boats available at Falkirk, which gives you a chance to go over the Wheel, which has to be experienced to be believed. The main problem with the Union is that apart from Tesco in Falkirk, Linlithgow and Ratho, moorings are poor. The canal is very weedy (lack of boats) and towpath mooring is difficult due to the overgrown towpaths. After 10 years of never having to open the weed hatch due to blockage, on the Union, I was freeing the prop 3 times in 4 days. The Forth-Clyde is also a little difficult for the same reason regarding moorings, and also for some of the areas the canal goes through - for safety, it is all down to timing. One upside is the Falkirk Wheel - I cannot say enough about this. For a day visit, it is free, unless you want to take the pleasure boat over it. If you are in your own boat, or in a hire, it is free to use - what does the Anderton Boat Lift currently charge? (Scottish Canals take the view that if you have a boat there, you have paid to get it there, so they won't charge you to use the Wheel). One other downside for all the Scottish Canals.... all locks are keeper-controlled, and have to be booked in advance - I love doing locks with other boaters, as it's a great way to get advice on moorings, pubs, problems.....

[@eamonfire]

I have just moved back to Scotland from Northampton and the difference in narrowboat traffic is palpable! Loved your Falkirk wheel video - it's an amazing construction. Hope you're keeping well!

[@mommahil4323]

The canal was quite beautiful - looked more like a river. Glad you took the cat's advice - I think he looked a little like Monty?

[@BrightFame09]

Very interesting video. Thanks!

[@garydye4270]

Another typically top shelf video, beautifully edited. There's something magical about Edinburgh and having been there twice now, it was nice to see some familiar sights. Never made it to the canal there although we did get to see it at the Falkirk Wheel and the staircase locks near Fort William that were quite awe-inspiring. You certainly know how to capture the scenic essence superbly, Lorna. Thanks for sharing.

[@swirlgalaxy]

Wonderful tour of the Scottish canals & city!

[@matthewboyle2263]

Maybe you’re just not used to such peace and quiet in such a beautiful area

[@admiralsadventures]

Great having a look at the canal. I was actually at the moorings last week checking them out as I’m toying with the idea of becoming a liveaboard since I work in Edinburgh. Still unsure though as my boating experience is usually down on the Norfolk Broads and not Narrowboats. Might hire one out for a week later in the year and try it out and see just how different the two styles of boating are 😀 Loving your videos and next time your up this way give us a shout in advance and would love to meet up for a cuppa to say hi 😀

[@brianclark8159]

I feel lurrrv coming on.

[@admiralsadventures]

Brian Clark I wish 😂😍

[@onemanandhiswhippet]

LOL I started watching this thinking my god she done a interesting trip how do you get a narrowboat from London to. Edinburgh ! Best Regards Dave, Jo and Louie 👍😀🐾

[@sylviapage8572]

That was a great video, really interesting. What a shame there was only one boat travelling on the canal. Edinburgh isn’t that far from my home in the north and I’ve visited many times but it’s a strange place I always feel. Glasgow is fantastic though. I’m catching up on YpuTube as I’ve been busy with my new puppy, the third since I left TfL on 30th June last year! I hope you’re well. Thanks for the video.

[@ronnielloyd4676]

The cat was gorgeous...and spoke a lot of sense :) I've walked along the Union canal when I've been in Edinburgh and thought it looked beautiful, but as you saw, there was very little movement. I haven't any experience of it in Glasgow though, even though I've been to Glasgow quite a few times. Must make an effort next time I'm in Glasgow. I have been to the Falkirk Wheel though which is FANTASTIC! :) Great vlog as usual Laura! :)

[@MrRourk]

Allways such beautiful scenery 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@paulbruin3244]

I'm planning to cycle the canal Edinburgh to Falkirk

[@gonzoman66adventures27]

I continue to enjoy your videos!! I look forward to the time I get to visit your country again! 😎✌

[@SAM-zt2uy]

The cat of wisdom 😃

[@robertbuck4284]

I was watching one of your past videos about staying cool in the summer. May I ask what is the temperature of the water in your canal? If it is cooler than the Ambient Air Temperature, you could use a low volume pump to draw water out of the canal and run it through a radiator, like some boats have for heat on cooler days. I might have sent you this information before. Thai baths save water. In Thailand water is a precious resource even though they live under the influence of a Monsoon season. Taking a bath, the Thais use a (6 cup) cooking pot to take a bath. The Thais have a bathtub full of water in their bathrooms, this allows the water to rise to the ambient temperature, much of the country is Tropical or semi-tropical, they save Energy by using the Ambient Air Temperatures to warm their tub of bath water. To bath, they fill the 1st pot of water and slowly pour it to wet their whole body, top to bottom. They refill the pot a 2nd time before they soap-up. They soap their whole bodies including their hair, then they rinse using the refilled pot. 3rd pot, (making sure their hands are free of soap) before they refill the third pot of water to thoroughly rinse their long hair, men often skip this step. Total water used, 18 cups, think about that? 18 cups of water to bath. In the tropics it gets very hot at night, they sometimes use one or two pots of water to cool off, lightly dry themselves, it acts as an Air Conditioner or a Cooling Effect. In the United States, we will fill a bathtub from 4 inches to halfway full, to take a bath. Our showers sometimes drain a (40 gallon) hot water heater tank, plus the water to cool the hot water. www.greenlifestylechanges.com/take-5-minute-showers/ How long does it take to get clean in the shower? Is it 10 minutes? Did you know that a 10 minutes shower with a standard shower-head can use upwards of 80 gallons of water and generate up to 4 pounds of CO2 emissions? That is not including the energy used to heat the water unless of course, you have solar hot water.

[@Daddiebear]

Beautiful video !

[@timpaszkiewicz7169]

I think the feeling you are looking for is, being let down. The canals are usually busy, and have people moving here and there. The ones up here are really quite and peaceful. Just a change of pace. I do so enjoy the videos though.

[@ticklishhoneybee9754]

I'd been curious about the Scottish canals for a while, so it's great that you do the odd video of them. They seem rather forlorn though.

[@KayleenGnwmythr]

That was interesting (and the friendly cat was cool) - thank you.

[@callummitchell7538]

Love the vid as usual. Sadly the lowland canals are not used to their full potential. Maybe one day, people will catch on.

[@lornajaneadventures]

Callum Mitchell that would be good, but I suppose there’s also a risk of them getting too popular

[@peteon4wheels627]

I must say Lorna, its not like Glasgow, it's full of English, I'm from Glasgow and moved to London as a Child and hope to move back one day, thanks for this vlog, I haven't seen Edinburgh for a long time.

[@paulroberts5677]

Thought it looked lovely. Wish we could get to it from the English canals.

[@unclephil440]

A good video/ Thanks for posting

[@tiggasmum]

Great to see the Angel of the North :) lovely video...

[@ncplantdoctor]

Somebody recognized you as cat people.

[@robertgeorge2170]

Do the canals in Edinburgh suffer from lack of public support or funding to maintain them?

[@lornajaneadventures]

Robert George I spoke to a few locals and they’re well liked, but there isn’t a boating culture there yet. Property is still fairly affordable, climate is different and in Scotland every boat needs a mooring so it doesn’t encourage full time cruising

[@jamessd7677]

Pity you didn't have time to go and see the Falkirk Wheel, quite a sight, thanks darling...

[@lornajaneadventures]

James S D I’ve been there. It’s great

[@jamessd7677]

I see, good for you...

[@handiman5001]

Excellent --- beautiful city -- to bad it's 1/2 way around the world

[@CheckFred]

What a lovely video - You need to contact the Edinburgh Tourist Board and give them your invoice - I reckon they'd pay it :-)

[@lornajaneadventures]

Peter Moring I’m not sure they’d like me calling it boring

[@CheckFred]

London Boat Girl HA! .... You can edit that bit out :-)

[@heniekgoab8746]

Edinburgh canals needs some care shame to see it at the current condition

[@1toppotter987]

✔

[@dreamjourney8508]

As allways a beautifull, and informative, video. 👍🏻❤️👍🏻

[@TheRustyLM]

Yes. Being too critical.

[@johngorman7729]

Nothing like glasgow, never compare the two. It’s not a compliment.

[@brianclark8159]

I think you are not the type of person for canal 😜😉😂 You criticized everything in Edinburgh?

[@otto4255]

I wish they could expand the canal but no. They can’t, but I think they can. SNP will make it happen. SNP actually cannot make it happen

[@lorddaver5729]

Seems you don't like Edinburgh at all...