When I studied History in high-school, I learned that the construction of canals gave a major boost to the early industrialization of the United Kingdom. This allowed an easier movement of coal and industrial products in Britain. This also allowed for raw materials from the colonies and else where to reach the industries. Until the introduction and expansion of railways, canals were the main way to achieve all this.
When I was cycling around Edinburgh this Saturday, I found one of these historical canals, the Union Canal. I obviously decided to explore it. After all, not only big cathedrals and castles played an important part of British history, right?
But the Union Canal is more than just part of History, it's very much part of the life of the city. I could see lots of people cycling like me along the canal, families going for a stroll, rowing teams (all feminine!) practicing in its waters, etc..
I read that this canal runs for 50kms until Falkirk and started wondering how long would that take in my faithful but old bicycle...
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