Discovering Scotland’s Engineering Marvels and Ancient History: Falkirk to Croy Hill
Join me on an awe-inspiring journey that begins at one of Scotland’s most impressive engineering feats—the Falkirk Wheel. This rotating boat lift stands as a testament to modern ingenuity, effortlessly connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. Our adventure not only takes us through this remarkable piece of engineering but leads us along ancient Roman history as we explore the Antonine Wall, Rough Castle, and a scenic walk through Bonniebridge. Whether you’re drawn to modern or ancient wonders, today’s hike offers both.
We begin at the Falkirk Wheel, a truly unique sight to behold. Rising up from the Scottish landscape, this massive rotating structure is the only one of its kind in the world. As we approach, the wheel begins to turn, lifting boats from one canal to the other, giving us an up-close view of its mechanics. Watching this marvel of engineering in action is mesmerizing and a perfect start to the day.
Check out my first impressions of the Falkirk Wheel here:
Next, we venture into history as we explore Rough Castle, one of 16 forts along the Antonine Wall. Built by the Romans around AD 140, the wall once formed the northwestern frontier of the Roman Empire. Walking along the remnants of this ancient fortification, it’s easy to imagine Roman soldiers standing guard over the wild Scottish terrain. Rough Castle offers not only a fascinating historical lesson but also a peaceful setting, with the rolling hills stretching into the distance.
Take a closer look at Rough Castle and the Antonine Wall:
Leaving the Roman ruins behind, our path leads through the small town of Bonniebridge, which is known as the UK’s UFO sighting capital—a quirky fact that I hadn’t anticipated. As we pass through the town, we encounter one of Scotland’s many canal locks, intricate mechanisms that allow boats to travel up and down the region’s waterways. Walking beside these locks offers a moment to pause and admire how both nature and engineering coexist.
However, not everything is as peaceful as it seems. As I approach one lock, I come face-to-face with an unexpectedly aggressive swan. The encounter adds an element of excitement (and slight caution) to this segment of the hike. Such is the unpredictability of thru-hiking!
Watch my experience with the canal locks—and the swan:
Finally, the journey leads to Croy Hill, another significant fort along the Antonine Wall. This part of the hike is a rewarding challenge, offering panoramic views of Kilsythe and beyond. Standing atop Croy Hill, you can almost feel the weight of history beneath your feet. It’s remarkable to think about the Romans choosing to construct a wall here instead of pushing further into the Highlands—a decision perhaps made easier by the breathtaking views stretching in all directions.
Experience the ascent and views from Croy Hill here:
This hike from Falkirk to Croy Hill provides a perfect balance between modern marvels and ancient history, blending the ingenuity of the Falkirk Wheel with the timeless presence of Roman ruins. Whether you’re fascinated by Scotland’s rich past or its technical achievements, this trek offers something for every adventurer.
Keywords:
- Falkirk Wheel hike
- Antonine Wall exploration
- Rough Castle Roman Fort
- Bonniebridge UFO sightings
- Canal locks Scotland
- Croy Hill hiking
- Scottish engineering and history