Book a Boat

What does your perfect day look like? What about a day trip on our 35 foot dayboat, the ‘Jaggy Thistle’, cruising leisurely along the Forth and Clyde Canal towards the iconic Falkirk Wheel, with the sun at your back and the gentle breeze playing along the rushes in the water? You could enjoy a picnic lunch in the kitchen and good company on board. You would arrive at the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first and only rotating boat lift, and be lifted up and on to the Union Canal where you could continue on to Polmont via the Falkirk tunnel, before turning around and coming back in time for dinner.

If that sounds like your perfect day, and it inspires you to book the ‘Jaggy Thistle’, please use the calendar below to make a booking. She is available for hire from March to October. She carries up to 8 passengers, suits all ages and comes with kitchen facilities and an on-board WC.

She is easy to manage but you will be provided with a full briefing prior to setting off. Our briefing takes about 30 minutes, prepares you to enjoy your day out and is led by our fantastic staff, who will tell you all you need to know about how to navigate your way around the Jaggy – but if you should need us our team will be on hand to help.

While we can’t guarantee the weather, we do guarantee you a unique experience, a great service and support to everyone who books.

What to see and do on your trip on the Jaggy Thistle

Wildlife – you will almost certainly see mute swans and many other birds and the occasional water shrew. Deer and highland cattle are also known to appear from time to time along the canal.

The Falkirk Wheel – The world’s first and only rotating boat lift, which replaces a flight of 11 locks and links the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal.

The Falkirk Tunnel – explore the Falkirk Tunnel and its gruesome past!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much does it cost to hire the boat?

It costs £250 for a full day hire of the Jaggy Thistle

Do you need to be an experienced boater?

No experience is necessary our skipper will show you how to drive the boat.

How do I book the Jaggy Thistle?

Please click on the date you are interested in or email info@goforthandclyde.org.uk we will be happy to assist you in your booking!

Can I take more than 8 people if they are children?

Children of any age are welcome but the boat is legally only allowed 8 people aboard no matter what their age is.

Where can I go in a day?

Most people go over the Falkirk Wheel, onto the Union Canal towards Linlithgow.

Can I bring a dog?

Well behaved dogs are welcome.

Can I bring my own food and drink on board?

Yes, we would recommend that you do.

Do I pay for fuel?

The cost of fuel is included in the price and the boat will have plenty of fuel for the day.

How far can I get in the day?

Narrowboats go quite slowly – the furthest point you can get to is bridge 51 which is near Whitecross, if you are to get back to the Falkirk Wheel on time.

What how long is a day hire?

Day hire is offered from 9am to 5pm. You will have an induction to the boat this last roughly 30 minutes so you will leave with the boat around 9.30am in time for the first slot over the Falkirk Wheel (if you wish) at 10am.

Can I come later than 9am?

Yes, just let us know what time you want to arrive. However, you cannot come back later than 5pm so in this case you will have a shorter day on the boat.