Bonfal two

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Review of Slow Ways route Bonfal two (Bonnybridge to Falkirk)
I walked Bonfal one in February 2023 and reviewed it then, noting some minor obstacles which I was able to work around on the day. Now that MaryOz has mapped an alternative route (Bonfal two) incorporating these work-arounds, I am reposting my review here. The route leaves Bonnybridge via a tunnel under the canal and heads out of town along a quiet country road. Good views open out to the south as the town is left behind. The road ends at a small car park which gives access to Rough Castle, the site of a fort on the Antonine Wall. The route follows the wall for a short distance and there are explanatory signs which give plenty of information about the site. The surface of the route now changes from tarmac to packed earth and/or mown turf, which may present a barrier to some travellers. After some winding paths through the woods, the tracks get wider as the Falkirk Wheel is approached. On the day I visited, heavy machinery had caused some of the track surfaces to be extremely muddy, but hopefully this will only be a temporary situation. At this point the route provides excellent views of another fascinating piece of engineering, this time much more recent. Most of the remainder of the route is a pleasant and interesting wander along the towpath of the Forth and Clyde Canal (with a steep, stepped section at one point). Once close to the centre of Falkirk, the route reaches an intersection of three roads (Kilns Place, Tophill Entry and Bleachfield) at NS87988053. The new route (Bonfal two) now leads the traveller to follow Bleachfield which is an excellent, mostly traffic-free lane leading through to Dollar Park. Another few streets along good pavements and the centre of Falkirk is reached. All in all, a fascinating route, easy to follow and well-suited to the walker (but less so to people using road bikes or buggies and unsuitable for wheelchairs).

Bonnybridge to Falkirk (Bonfal 2) review.

An attractive walk through a park with Roman ruins, visiting the Falkirk Wheel, and beside the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Note: I walked from Falkirk to Bonnybridge.

The walk out of Falkirk leaves the main road for a lane by a park, to reach the Forth and Clyde Canal.

The canal towpath is well maintained (Photo 1). The Slow Way leaves the canal at the Falkirk Wheel (Photo 2). The visitor centre has a café.

The route takes a footpath through woods (Photo 3). This becomes a grassy path by Rough Castle Fort (Roman fort) and along a stretch of the Antonine Wall (Photo 4). This was muddy and uneven in places.

Bonnybridge Lane crosses the railway and canal, and then continues to the end of the Slow Way in Bonnybridge.

Well, this was a lovely walk! The last stage into Falkirk wasn't totally perfect but the rest was excellent.
From Bonnybridge the route started through a tunnel under the Forth and Clyde Canal alongside a cobbled burn (never seen that combination before!). For anyone worried about walking through the tunnel, there is a nearby road alternative.
The section alongside the Antonine Wall also featured Rough Castle, the remains of a Roman Fort. This area was all very interesting, and also beautiful with the lovely autumn colours. There were occasional glimpses of distant hills.
Then I arrived at the Falkirk Wheel, which is quite unique. Unfortunately, the canal here was drained for maintenance, but fortunately I have seen it before, in summer when it was fully operational. It was fascinating. Despite being out of action the visitor centre, with café and toilets, was open, although with reduced hours (open Weds-Sun 10-3.30).
Walking along the canal from here was very pleasant, and there were lots of locks. The route from the canal to the main road into Falkirk, was along a quiet lane with some industry, but also some hidden nice old houses. The route ended by passing Dollar Park, and a few rather historic looking buildings. There were some short-term roadworks here, improving the pedestrian centre.
Nearly forgot to mention I also passed a distillery, and a "clear up after your dog" sign in Latin!
This was an excellent route, direct, mostly off-road, and full of interest and beauty. Credit to the original designer of BonFal One.

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