Scotland's 'Waterways' Urge You to Spring into Summer! - Forth & Clyde

20 March 2008

British Waterways Scotland is encouraging everyone to explore and enjoy one of Scotland 's greatest assets, the Forth & Clyde Canal . Whether it is sailing, canoeing, fishing, cycling, jogging or walking, Scotland 's canals offer many ways for visitors to 'spring into summer'!

The Forth & Clyde Canal is a refreshing backdrop to any day out or holiday. And to help visitors maximise their visit, British Waterways Scotland has launched a new pocket sized guide which includes a map, detailing all the exciting things to do along the Forth & Clyde Canal .

Visitors can enjoy boating, the core of what British Waterways Scotland does, weaving from one side of Scotland to the other through towns and cities and beautiful countryside.

Or visitors can enjoy a relaxing cycle ride on the 35 miles of towpath which has been restored with cyclists in mind, enjoying the beautiful, picturesque countryside on a safe, traffic and pollution free route.

The Forth & Clyde canal offers visitors the only way to walk from one side of Scotland to the other. With its scenery and wildlife, a walk along any part of the 35 mile long towpath is the perfect way to spend a tranquil afternoon.

For the more active, why not use the Forth & Clyde Canal as an outdoor gym. Firmly anchored logs or boulders are perfect for step-ups whilst park benches come in handy for the odd tricep dip. Joining the 'outdoor gym' of Scotland 's scenic inland waterways is one of the healthiest and inexpensive ways to get fit this spring and summer.

The Forth & Clyde Canal is part of Scotland 's 200 year old canal network, and plays host to a variety of events, including numerous organised boat trips, throughout the Spring/Summer season, so there are many ways to enjoy the Forth & Clyde Canal !

Ends 19 March 2008

For further information:

Paula McNulty? or Lesley ClarkWeber? ShandwickT?: 0131 556 6649M: 07770 886924 / 07770 886901E: pmcnulty@webershandwick.com / lclark@webershandwick.com

Notes to Editors

British Waterways Scotland

Responsibility for inland waterways in Scotland is a devolved matter, with funding for British Waterways' Scottish activities coming from the Scottish Government. In Scotland the 137-mile (220km) canal network includes the Caledonian, Crinan, Forth & Clyde, Union and Monkland canals.

British Waterways Scotland works in partnerships with local authorities, voluntary groups, private companies and other government agencies to protect and enhance the waterways and benefit the communities through which they run.

The organisation balances the conservation of the country's heritage and environment with developing commercial opportunities to generate income to reinvest in the waterways for further sustainable regeneration.

Millions of people enjoy Scotland 's inland waters for recreational activity, sports and leisure. Safety is British Waterway's top priority. Water safety advice and information on the safe use of Scotland 's canals - both on water and waterside - can be found on our websites.

www.britishwaterways.co.ukwww.waterscape.comwww.scottishcanals.co.ukwww.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk