Scottish Canals have launched Scotland’s newest visitor attraction, The Kelpies Experience, which challenges participants of all ages to tackle a 25-metre aerial climb, taking them straight to the horse’s mouth!

The Kelpies - the world’s largest equine sculptures - which stand 30 metres (98 feet) tall against the Falkirk skyline, are ready to share their secrets. As well as testing visitors on the specially designed climb, expert guides will share the history of Scotland’s canals, the vital role played by the Clydesdale Horse and how this inspired internationally renowned sculptor Andy Scott. 

The Kelpies Experience is a premium, aerial visitor attraction which also immerses participants in Scotland’s fascinating industrial history, awe-inspiring art and world class engineering.  

The experience involves ascending 25 metres to the mouth of Baron (the ‘head up’ Kelpie) using a series of ladders, cable crossings, suspended platforms and nets before descending by abseil, or quick flight, a thrilling option that gives the feeling of free falling before gently lowering you to the ground. 

The highlight of the climb is reaching the Kelpie’s mouth and being rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Forth & Clyde Canal, the nearby Helix parklands and on a clear day you might even catch a glimpse of the distant hills and the town of Falkirk.  

Scottish Canals’ Chief Executive Officer John Paterson said: “We are incredibly excited to create this unique challenge. This is a truly amazing experience and will allow visitors from across the world to step inside our magnificent Kelpies and discover the secrets that lie inside, all while experiencing a 25-metre aerial journey straight to the horse’s mouth. Those who enjoy this epic experience will undoubtedly leave with a memory of a lifetime.” 

The Kelpies experience will be available initially for group bookings or fundraising events. Groups of participants will be guided by professional and friendly guides, with the experience lasting around 90 minutes. All participants wear full body harnesses and helmets and are always connected to safety cables.  

Since their launch in 2014, The Kelpies have welcomed over seven million visitors from around the world, and the sculptures play a huge role in contributing to a £85 million tourism spend in the Falkirk region annually. 

The Kelpies are a triumph of design and engineering. Each Kelpie weighs a massive 300 tonnes (the same weight as 350 Clydesdale Horses) and is constructed from more than 18,000 individual components. 

Scottish Canals commissioned internationally renowned artist and sculptor Andy Scott to create the awe-inspiring Kelpies and Scott says he is looking forward to others getting to see his artwork from a different perspective. 

“I believe the experience will give an even greater understanding of just what an incredible achievement these structures represent both as artworks and as iconic landmarks.” 

If your group would like to enjoy The Kelpies Experience on a tailor-made tour of Scotland, please do contact our friendly team today. Or perhaps you’re looking for an adventure tour – if so, we can help!