Easter John Muir Challenge
A 30 Mile challenge over 2 days set along and on the Forth & Clyde Canal.
Day 1 Arrive at The Iconic Falkirk Wheel and enjoy a coffee and scone as you get to meet your fellow participants and Instructors.
Stage 1
Following event brief and safety talk set off by bike to Kirkintilloch (approx. 15 mile) along part of the John Muir Trail.
Stage 2
Transfer from your Bike to the Canoes with your team mate and paddle from Kirkintilloch to Auchinstarry Marina.
Disembark at Auchinstarry Marina where camp site will be set up and dinner enjoyed.
Campsite
Enjoy our evening walk to The Antonine Wall and Roman Fort. There is an excellent stretch of the wall at Barhill, which is part of the John Muir walking trail, to view and appreciate some more of the area's history.
Dinner (Hot) will be served in the camp site. Please advise of any dietary requirements at application.
Auchinstarry Marina features Scotland's first Eco friendly pub/Hotel The Boathouse where stronger refreshments are available!
Stage 3
Day 2 Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out by Canoe for the Falkirk Wheel.
Today's paddle has the added challenge of negotiating 4 Canal Loch's, a time when you get to appreciate the benefit of having most of your luggage portaged from and to The Falkirk Wheel.
Arrive at The Falkirk Wheel register your time, collect your goody bag and receive an update on the event. Time to get those last minute memorial pictures and find out about other events you may be interested in.
What we provide
We will provide, bikes (with helmets) and 2/3 man canoes with paddles and buoyancy aids included.
Our Instructors will be in the last Canoe and available along the route.
Who can do it and what do you need
We have planned the first stage by bike so with the prevailing wind west to east we hope to have this as an advantage over both stages canoeing.
Therefore we believe that the event is suitable for youths to adults and you set your own pace. You can always check with one of the team before entering. A great fundraising opportunity.
Under 18's must be accompanied by thier legal guardian.
Canoes are best powered by a two person team. So friends, family, colleagues, comrades, teams, stags and hens why not take the challenge.
Is experience required?
Canoes are open boats and relatively safe on the calm canal waters, experience is not essential but preferred and to help we are running canoe skill sessions at The Falkirk Wheel.
Skill session Dates
Sat 22nd march
Sat 5th April
Sat 12th April
Sat 19th April
Sessions last for 1.5hrs and cost £12 for non-participants and £6 per person for participants. Sessions run from 10:00 - 11:30
What you need to bring
Clothing suitable for 2 days outdoor of activities and overnight camp.
Modern sports wear including lycra can be good option, remember we are in Scotland and in April so be prepared.
Note wellington boots and jeans are not suitable for outdoor activities.
An extra change of clothes just in case
Portage will be provided from starting point to camp and back to finish.
You will need a sleeping bag and ground mat for camping.