We
set off with 8 committee members. Falkirk Wheel. 43 pictures (so allow time).
Picture Page. (mixed).
We thought it would be a good idea to find out if this other charity called "The Seagull Trust" would be suitable for some of our members as it runs tours designed for disabled people.
We
set off with 8 committee members.
We had an excellent day we set off early in the morning for Falkirk and the only problem we actually had was when we arrived in Falkirk and this was when it came to finding the boathouse, so be sure to see the tips on what to do when you actually get there. Click here for tips.
The
boat we went on was called the "Bar Seagull", There are a few differences which
are it has wheel steering rather than the more traditional tiller method and internally
she has a more efficient heating system and the galley has been incorporated into
the main cabin. Our crew were as follows,
The
skipper's name was Eddie Cochrane and his wife who was a lady who provided excellent
hospitality and her name was Valerie Cochrane
The guide who provided us all interesting information and was an additional crewman
was called John Ormsby.
The
trip that we had pre-arranged was to go down after leaving the Boathouse where we
cruised past the top of the former locks which descended to the Forth & Clyde Canal
and then along the new extension to the Union Canal to Locks 1 & 2, the only locks
on the Union Canal.
The
boats have heating inside so shouldn't be too cold for wheelchairs users or people
who just feel the cold easily, there were also blankets in the boats if required
for these concerns. We were catered for with tea, coffee and biscuits.
It was amazing to learn the boats actually went onboard the Falkirk Wheel down to the Union Canal. We all managed to get on and off board no problem at all.
A
point worth noting is they have disabled access on/off the boat by the means of
a ramp (these are just like the ones you see fitted to buses).
After we had all had our lunch we returned back up the way the same way only this time we ascended up on the Falkirk Wheel from the Union canal.
They can take seats out of the boat to accommodate wheelchairs but this is not a problem and they recommend 3 for convenience, but can manage more if required.
This is not so much of a problem if the boat is booked to do the same return trip with your party as it means the seating arrangement is fine both ways. (If the boat is not booked up for the same party to return in then this means that they are missing vital seats that have been taken out at the boathouse are not there for returning passengers until the boat gets back to the boathouse again which means the boat can't run at full capacity). {In other words the boat waits for the returning party}.
The Seagull Trust is a charity who have cruises on boats (barges) on canals and they have them in Falkirk based in their our own boathouse in Bantaskine Park.
They Seagull Trust also have them in the Highlands on the Caledonian canal in Inverness.
The Seagull Trust yet again also have them at Kirkintilloch based in their own boathouse in the new Southbank Marina near the centre of Kirkintilloch.
Finally
The Seagull Trust also have them at Ratho based near Bridge Inn in Ratho at Edinburgh.
The Seagull trust UK's website is http://www.seagulltrust.org.uk/ or just click here.
If
you are using a Sat-Nav then use the postcode FK1 5EG. Once you arrive at
this postcode look at the pictures shown here as you will need to see where to go
next. The reason for this is you would not think this road is for cars it
looks like a walkway.
Alternatively you can download a map to Falkirk's boathouse in Bantaskine Park by clicking here.
Once you arrive at the postcode FK1 5EG you will have to look for a sign saying "Seagull Trust" next to a blue pole which is a bus stop as shown in the pictures below here. Then drive up the road as seen in the pictures and it will take you up a hill over a bridge over the canal to the boathouse.
This page was last updated on 27/11/2009 14:41:53
