Boat trips to magical places

Nothing puts you in holiday mood like messing about on the water. Boats slow life down, make us appreciate our surroundings, or get us to secret places we might not otherwise see. For this week’s blog, we look at three great little boat trips not far from Stirling that make a memorable day out – and no nautical skills required!

Inchcolm Abbey is reached by a rewarding boat trip from South Queensferry

Inchcolm Abbey is reached by a rewarding boat trip from South Queensferry

Inchcolm Abbey: Established as an Abbey by David 1 in 1235, Inchcolm Abbey is the best preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The Abbey enjoys a spectacular setting on the island of Inchcolm, which sits in the Firth of Forth and is reached by a regular ferry service from South Queensferry (just 29 miles or 34 mins drive from Stirling). The boat trip out is rewarding in itself; passengers will invariably spot seals, puffins, cormorants and other estuarine wildlife, and the boat’s guides will bring you close to the striking coastal defences from the two World Wars that also remain preserved in this area. Two main providers leave from South Queensferry – Maid of the Forth Boat Tours and Forth Tours. Each of these well-managed providers offer an optional stay on the island, a tourist commentary, enclosed viewing decks, and refreshments on board. A beautiful trip well worth the ticket fare. This attraction closes November to 1 March. See: http://www.maidoftheforth.co.uk/ and http://www.forthtours.com/inchcolm.asp

A short ferry boat trip takes you to tranquil Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Menteith

A short ferry boat trip takes you to tranquil Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Menteith

Inchmahome Priory: Not to be confused with the trip above, Inchmahome Priory is an Augustinian Monastery dating from 1238, which sits on the tranquil Lake of Menteith, just 17 miles or 25 mins drive from Stirling. The ferry service operates from the Port of Menteith and is a lower-key affair, with the ferry seating only 12 passengers and running on an on-demand basis. If the boat is not waiting at the pier when you arrive, turn the wooden board so that the white side faces the island, which will prompt the ferry to return. While the small scale of this operation is part of its charm, it does mean that visitors in wheelchairs are unlikely to be manage the visit. The peaceful island is rich in wildlife (look out for ospreys) and is a fabulous place for a picnic with stunning views. There is a small visitor centre. This attraction closes November to March. For tickets and more information: http://tickets.historic-scotland.gov.uk/webstore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=TKTS&C=WSCW#inchmahome

Linlitghgow Canal Centre offers boat trips for those who love just being on the water

Linlitghgow Canal Centre offers boat trips for those who love just being on the water

Linlithgow Canal Centre: If you like spending time on the water purely for its own sake, then Linlithgow Canal Centre is for you. The Canal Centre (just 22 miles or 29 mins from Stirling) is operated entirely by volunteers and their love of the boats and the water brings a little magic to your trip. The Centre runs three core trips – a half-hour town cruise, a three-hour Avon Aqueduct Cruise, and a Falkirk Wheel Cruise. The Aqueduct cruises take place at weekends, The Falkirk Wheel cruises on specified dates, while the town cruises run daily throughout the summer from 30 June. Tickets are very good value, staff have a wealth of local knowledge, and you can enjoy some gorgeous home baking before or after in the Canal Centre Tearoom (with a wood fire in winter). The Canal Centre is a hidden gem in the heart of Linlithgow, and worthwhile supporting too. Don’t miss their Canal Fun Day on 17th August and bring a picnic. For detail on ticket prices, cruises, special events and facilities, see: http://www.lucs.org.uk/

If these trips have whetted your appetite, visit this website http://www.visitscotland.com/ and search for ‘boat trips’ to find hundreds of options on offer.

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