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Seasonal events at The Falkirk Wheel
The Falkirk Wheel – a short walk from Spoke ‘n’ Boot – is organising some great events over the next few months.
Book and get full details via Scottish Canals and booking site Itison.
During weekends in October, the venue is running “Witch and Wizard Workshops“. On offer will be “magical fun for all witches and wizards” aged two and older. Youngers can enjoy slime making, pumpkin decorating, face painting, Halloween colouring and puzzles. Mini golf vouchers will also be available.
The Wheel is also hosting “Pumpkin Archery” sessions – again at weekends during October – for ages eight and over. Spooky fun for all the family is promised.
The Wheel is staging “Burke and Hare Boat Trips“ on 31 October, 1 November and 2 November 2025. William Burke had a hand in building the Falkirk (Canal) Tunnel (near Falkirk High Station), before he got into grave robbing and murderous acts with William Hare.
Finally, a much-nicer character is heading for the Wheel in December. Santa is taking part in “Breakfast with Santa” days on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20-23. Ticket holders will each get breakfast, elf workshop activities, a story and a present from Father Christmas himself.
Contact The Falkirk Wheel visitor centre
Tel: 0300 373 0868
(March to October: 10am – 5.30pm)
(November to February: 10am – 3.30pm) -
New walking trail to explore the Roman Antonine Wall
Fancy stepping back in time? Well, now you can.
There’s a new digital guide to help you walk the Roman Antonine Wall – from Bo’ness to Old Kilpatrick – passing close to Spoke ‘n’ Boot here in Falkirk.
The new trail is 75 km or 47 miles. It largely follows the line of the Antonine Wall (built of turf on a stone base around 142 AD).
You can access all the mapping, and information, on a special web page.
If you fancy walking the Wall it should take you around three to four days to complete. You can also book into Spoke ‘n’ Boot for a break in the Falkirk area.
Currently the new trail isn’t physically waymarked – with signs along the route – but you can download guides and maps from the Trail website.
The new walking trail leads walkers over a mix of terrains – from pavements and canal towpaths to forest and farm tracks. You’ll be able to see the sites of Roman forts and fortlets – plus points of interest, such as pieces of public art.
The trail deviates from the line of the Wall in certain areas for walker safety. However, it mostly follows the actual route of the Roman wall, once the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.
The trail was created as part of the Rediscovering the Antonine Wall project, which included five local authorities and Historic Environment Scotland.
Internet archive: Rediscovering the Antonine Wall
Walkers explore Rough Castle Roman Fort Site near Spoke ‘n’ Boot. Images: Adrian Mahoney.
Wall facts
Location: The Antonine Wall stretched across central Scotland, from the Firth of Forth (Bo’ness) to the Firth of Clyde (Old Kilpatrick).
Built by Romans: Construction began around AD 142 during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius.
Length: It ran for about 37 miles (60 km) and was shorter than Hadrian’s Wall (73 miles / 117 km).
Materials: Unlike Hadrian’s Wall (stone), the Antonine Wall was built mainly of turf blocks on a stone foundation, with a large ditch to the north and a road behind it for soldiers.
Forts: Around 16 forts and many smaller fortlets were built along the wall to house Roman troops.
Purpose: It was intended to mark the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain and to control movement of people and goods.
Short use: The wall was only held for about 20 years before the Romans retreated back to Hadrian’s Wall around AD 162.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Today, the Antonine Wall is part of the “Frontiers of the Roman Empire” World Heritage Site, alongside Hadrian’s Wall and the German Limes.
Distance slabs: Soldiers recorded their work with decorated distance slabs, unique to the Antonine Wall. Many of these can be seen in museums such as the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow.
Local legacy: Remains of the wall can still be seen in places like Rough Castle near Falkirk, at Callendar Park, Falkirk, and Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness.
Check out
- The Antonine Wall website
- Explore the Roman Antonine Wall (Bo’net)
- Discover the Antonine Wall (PDF, Falkirk Council)
- Antonine Wall and Forth and Clyde Canal (VisitLanarkshire)
- Antonine Wall Trail (John Muir Way)
- Antonine Wall Heritage Trail (West Dunbartonshire Council)
- Antonine Wall Community Map (West Dunbartonshire Council and partners)
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New visitor map for Falkirk area
Falkirk Council – through its Visit Falkirk initiative – has published its updated visitor map/leaflet for the area.
You can view a PDF of the map here. You can also pick up a hard copy at tourist sites.
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Have a Festival break at Spoke ‘n’ Boot!
Spoke’n’Boot Camping Pods can be a great place to stay in you’re visiting the Edinburgh Festivals.
We’re just a mile or so from Falkirk High Station, offering regular train links to the heart of Edinburgh. The fastest train takes just 23 minutes!
After your arts fix, you can escape to the peace and tranquility of our camping pods and the lovely facilities in our byre.
(And there’s no price rise for August!)
Contact Sandra on 07999530095 to check availability.
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Lumo boosts London links to Falkirk area
Public transport operator First Group is to increase direct London train links with the Falkirk area.
The company has just secured the rights to extend its east coast Lumo service (currently running from Kings Cross to Edinburgh) across to Glasgow, with stops at Falkirk High Station.
This expanded service is due to start in December 2025, according to reports.
Check the Lumo website for updates.
Falkirk High is just over a mile from Spoke ‘n’ Boot. You can walk there in under 30 minutes.
Larbert Station is three miles away from our base on the outskirts of Falkirk. Walking time is about an hour. (Or you can get a taxi!)
Lumo’s rival LNER also runs some direct London services via Falkirk Grahamston. Falkirk Grahamston is about two miles away from Spoke and Boot.
Why not combine a train trip with a break in our camping pods? There’s also lots to explore in the local area.
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Falkirk area ‘best for families’
Falkirk has been named the best place to visit in Scotland for families by train firm LNER.
Read the full story on the Falkirk Council website.
The area includes lots of family-friendly attractions such as:
- Callendar House and Park in Falkirk
- the Helix Park and Kelpies, between Falkirk and Grangemouth
- the Falkirk Wheel
- the Milk Barn ice-cream parlour, on the outskirts of Falkirk.
All these attractions are a short walk or drive from Spoke ‘n’ Boot.
If you fancy a family break in the area, why not check out our accommodation and prices and get in touch?
Watch out this video, from VisitFalkirk, on the family fun you can have in the area.
LNER runs regular services through Falkirk Grahamston station. It’s about two miles from our site.
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See stars this June!
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell is performing live at Helix Park in Falkirk on Friday 13 June 2025. And Jess Glynne will be at the Helix the following day – on 14 June. Why not book concert tickets and stay at Spoke ‘n’ Boot nearby?
Concert info: Kelpies Live at Helix Park on Facebook or at www.kelpieslive.com
Accommodation booking: https://spoke-n-boot.co.uk/book/ -
All set for a great 2025
Why not make the Falkirk area your destination for a short break in 2025? You’ll find a warm welcome, and great accommodation, at Spoke ‘n’ Boot.
Local highlights for the year ahead include:
- the Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema in Bo’ness from 19-25 March
- pop concerts at Kelpies Live at the Helix Park, Falkirk, in June.
- the Party at the Palace pop festival in Linlithgow from 2-3 August
- plus regular tours at the Kelpies and changing events at the historic Callendar House.
All the venues are within easy reach of our accommodation at Spoke ‘n’ Boot.
We’re also just a short walk or cycle to Falkirk High Station – offering fast rail services to the heart of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Why not combine a trip to the Edinburgh Festivals with an affordable stay with us?
For the latest updates check out the VisitFalkirk and VisitWestLothian websites.
Inside the historic Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness. It’s the oldest purpose-built cinema in Scotland! It’s a 25 minute car ride (or taxi journey) from Spoke ‘n’ Boot.
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Local area is tops for walkers
The Falkirk area around Spoke ‘n’ Boot is packed with short and long-distance paths for you to explore.
In 2019, the area was named the Best Place to Walk in the UK by the Ramblers.
As well the long-distance John Muir Way, which runs close to our site – you can also walk along the historic Forth and Clyde and Union Canals.
There also some amazing shorter trails, listed on the Falkirk Council website. The Council claims the area is home to more than 300 miles of paths and rights of way for walking and cycling.
Spoke ‘n’ Boot is a great place to be based if you fancy a short walking break in central Scotland. Contact us to find out more.
(Pictured below: people walking along part of the Roman Antonine Wall, near Bonnybridge.)
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Discover our area – it’s wheely good!
VisitFalkirk – promoting tourism in Falkirk district – has published a blog highlighting great cycle trails in the local area.
Why not combine some cycling with a stopover at Spoke ‘n’ Boot? Discover our lovely pods and cosy facilities in our Byre. Contact us to discuss your next stay.
Spoke 'n' Boot Camping Pods Falkirk 
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