The entire Union Canal runs just over 30 miles from Edinburgh Quay to the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. Originally built to transport coal, the Union Canal opened in 1822 and played an important part in the commercial link across central Scotland before the railway was established in 1842. Today the Union Canal is popular with walkers and cyclists. We only experienced a small portion of the canal but found it charming with its colorful little boats and the Edinburgh Canal Society Boathouse. Especially charming for me was the boat turned tea/coffee shoppe. I would have really liked to spend more time just relaxing along the banks and feeding the ducks and swans or cycling the entire canal. Maybe next time….