Part 2, Bonnybridge to Banknock
The Forth & Clyde Canal is not a cycle route
as such, cycling is tolerated on the canal towpath when
the cyclist is in possession of a permit from British Waterways. That’s
the official line, though I would very
much doubt if British Waterways has ever asked anyone for a permit.
This review of the canal journey from Grangemouth
to Bowling is broken down into seven parts for easy
reference.
After Bonnybridge the canal leads out into the open countryside. On the left, is parts of the roman Antonine Wall, one of the best preserved sections can be seen at Rough Castle and Seabegs Wood, a short way from Bonnybridge.
The wall and ditch at Seabegs Wood. Young "Narky" standing on top of the turf wall.
Unfortunately there is no direct crossing of the canal
to the site, so the decision has to be made in advance to follow the B816
from High Bonnybridge and rejoin the canal at Underwood House or stay
on the towpath
and miss the site.
At Underwood, the lock keepers cottage has been turned into an Restaurant, access to which has to be made by crossing a footbridge over the canal.
A pair of gates flanking the old route of the A80 and
you will come to the newly built underpass beneath the current A80 road.
The initials MM have been cast into to parapets of the new bridge. What
does MM signify?
Well the Millennium Commission did pay for bridge work, so its Millennium
Money! The sad fact is, that it is the roman numerals for 2000.
Up on the hill to the left is the roman wall at Castlecary, though nothing can be seen from the canal. A little farther on and you come to another set of gates and a road crossing beside the last lock until Glasgow.
Antonie Wall, Castlecary. Standing on the top of the truf wall, the ditch can be seen in the middle and the lower wall to the left.