Harbour Information (use the icons to find out more)

Forth & Clyde Canal

Your Comments: 4 Read or add your comments

Courtesy Flag

Flag, Red Ensign

Waypoint

Charts

AC 2007-1 for Bowling and 0741-3 for Grangemouth

Rules & Regulations

Numerous: consult the Skippers Handbook

Hazards

Wrecks and obstructions in the western part of Bowling Harbour and mud banks and shallows in the River Carron at the Grangemouth end

Tidal Data Times & Range

HW Grangemouth is approx +30 on HW Leith. HW Bowling is approx +15 on Greenock

This site is designed for slower, roaming broadband connections, like you would get at sea, so it needs JavaScript enabled to expand the text.

Approach

Bowling

Bowling tides click HERE
... read more

Berthing, Mooring & Anchoring

You will have been given a copy of the Skippers Guide to the Canal at the beginning of your transit. ... read more

Your Ratings & Comments

4 comments
Update July 2023
Written by Don Thomson 3 | 26th Jul 2023
Various lock gates are being replaced so at times sea to sea transits are not possible. At the same time Sea lock 2 (the one with the crane) is out of use to mast work will have to be done at a harbour further down the Firth (Port Edgar has a crane but will charge)
UPDATE SPRING 2021
Written by Don Thomson 3 | 26th May 2021
I reviewed these notes in May 2021. There is a lot of work being done on this Canal but it is mainly on the sides. They hope to reopen on the 28th May for transits which used to be be mainly weekend affairs. so you need to check on the dates available when you are planning your transit.
Update on Bowling Sea Lock
Written by SV Firefly | 24th Jul 2018
A short update on the sea lock at Bowling.
The crane is currently out of order due to an expired safety certificate. I am waiting to hear of when this will be resolved.
Secondly, you do not need to rig lines for the sea lock on approach, the lock keepers have their own lines, heavy gauge three-strand, made up to fit the lock at it's lowest useable level, and they rig them for you and drop them as you enter.

It is advisable to call the lock keeper on 0138 9877 969 on approach, and two days prior to your expected arrival. Reason being that the lock keeper is usually out working away from the office, so he will not hear the radio. However, the office phone re-directs to a mobile that they keep with them when they're out of the office.

Third thing is that currently the sea lock only operates on a bank holiday Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are a couple of reasons for this, but primarily in an effort to save money. There is supposedly a restriction of 9am to 6pm on lock operations, however this is negotiable with the lock keeper as they are there till 8pm regardless.
UPDATE SPRING 2018
Written by Don Thomson | 10th Apr 2018
The Canal is closed for most of the coming summer. We'll try to keep you updated.
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