Canal Encounters is a free, month-long celebration of the Forth and Clyde Canals as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21, running Sunday 1^st August – Sunday 29^th August, with different activities, workshops and walks along the trail in Falkirk.

The trail – running for 4 miles from the Kelpies in Grangemouth to the world’s only rotating boat lift, the Falkirk Wheel in Tamfourhill – aims to bring together virtual reality and real life to celebrate the heritage, environment, and communities of the waterway.

Audiences can explore artworks along the canal in their own time with family, friends and pets. The free Falkirk Explored app also has interactive games, audio guides and AR animals in a digital trail. The core digital and physical trail will be augmented with a varied programme of family friendly live activities, scheduled walks and tours.

The full programme is available to view on the Scottish Canals website, where you can also book your place on any scheduled walk or tours. (You do not need to book to experience the Canal Encounters celebration and artworks, just the tours.)

There is also maps and artwork installation information available to download (linked for your convenience), along with details of the digital trail and how to download the Falkirk Explored app, FAQs and safety information.

Canal Encounters was created by Falkirk Community Trust, Great Place Falkirk and Scottish Canals, with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Event Scotland. People who take part in the celebration are encouraged to share their experiences on social media with the hashtag #CanalEncounters, tagging Great Place Falkirk on Twitter and Facebook.

For further information, please visit the Canal Encounters page.