Unlocking the Story

Explore the history, heritage, wildlife and artworks of the Forth & Clyde Canal as it winds through the City of Glasgow. On foot, on a bike or from the comfort of your own home, this app unlocks the story of Glasgow's Canals and their rich and still developing history.

Explore the Towpath lets you view your current location of a variety of different canal maps - from a stunning new illustrated map created by Kerry Hyndman, to exclusive rare archive maps from the 1790s, as well as modern satellite views.

The new illustrated map features over 100 different points of interest to explore - tap on any point to find out more. You can also search for places of interest (e.g. 'Locks' or 'Cafe'), and even sort the list of places by how close you are, or how recently the information has been updated.

Some locations even let you See Through Time with a unique 'augmented reality' mode that overlays the archive images with the current camera view when you're standing in the right spot.

More information, including sound and video clips, more photos and points of interest will be added all the time - if we've missed your favourite place, or you have any old photos or a story to tell, please let us know by using the Tell Us Your Story feature, and we'll try and include them in the next update!

For best results, try and be on a WiFi network when you first launch the app - this will make downloading any updates and new images and media much quicker! Once they are downloaded, you can then use the App along the canal even if you don't have a mobile signal, as everything will then be stored locally on your device.

Development of this App was funded as part of the Unlocking the Story project, thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Glasgow City Council, and Glasgow City Heritage Trust.
Unlocking the Story project partners include The Scottish Waterways Trust, Scottish Canals, Glasgow Life/Glasgow Museums, Glasgow Sculpture Studios, Lambhill Stables, Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust, and the National Theatre of Scotland.