STAY : Review of Marigold Sunset narrow boat, The Kelpies, Falkirk
I never tire of seeing and walking underneath the Kelpies. Hours spent staring at their towering magnificence is worth the creek in the neck!
These glorious horse head sculptures stand at 30 metres high and depict kelpies (shape shifting water spirits) and are a monument to the horse powered heritage across the Scottish lands and canals. The Helix was nearly a decade in the making and now this 350 hectares of underused land between Falkirk and Grangemouth is a vibrant parkland, visitor attraction and marine hub with the canal and The Kelpies at its heart.
REVIEW OF MARIGOLD SUNSET NARROW BOAT, THE KELPIES, FALKIRK
The Kelpies is now home to a gorgeous wee narrow boat called Marigold Sunset - known as Marigold to her friends and all those that come aboard. Marigold is moored in the nearest mooring to the Kelpies, a mere 40 metres away. It’s a sight to see during the day, but most spectacular at night!
Marigold is a narrow boat - and that’s exactly what to expect! A boat that’s long and narrow! For a narrow boat to navigate the Scottish canals, it needs to be under 7 foot wide and under 57 foot long. Marigold is 45 foot long and a fixed mooring, so although she bobs and sways with the water, she won’t be moving anywhere.
ARRIVAL
Marigold Sunset is located behind the Kelpies and is accessible by car. On booking you receive a gate code which will allow you access through the barrier and a very very slow drive along the road, over the bridge, past the Kelpies to the free on site parking facilities (one vehicle only).
Just beyond the row of cafes and amenities, you’ll find the mooring and you cannot miss Marigold Sunset in her bright coat of orange, green and cream.
THE KITCHEN
As you come on board you will enter the self catering galley kitchen. It’s well equipped with gas stove, fridge/freezer, microwave, crockery and cutlery.
There is an Honesty Bar with cocktail making equipment, beautiful glasses for your cocktails or Prosecco, and everything you need for a cosy meal by the wood burner or perhaps a charcuterie board and that cocktail you just whipped up, outside watching the sunset and the Kelpies light up. There are plenty of extra blankets should you want to enjoy outdoor dining whilst Kelpie/star gazing!
Tea, coffee, sugar and milk as well as oil and some condiments are also provided to start you off on your mini break.
THE LOUNGE
Moving through the boat, from the kitchen to the lounge area, you are greeted by two extremely comfortable armchairs perfectly positioned for relaxing whilst gazing out the windows, or using the provided binoculars to do some bird watching. On the chillier nights, the log burner heats up this narrow boat in no time. With no TV provided, this is your time for staring into the fire and thinking about nothing (yes we all do it!), reading a book or having a conversation! If that all seems to much, and you cannot live without a gadget connecting you to the outside world, 5G wifi is available with a strong signal.
THE W/C
It’s amazing what you can achieve in small spaces. This w/c holds a camping toilet, and a hand basin. It’s small but it works.
The boat is moored approx 5m away from the amenities (disabled toilet, shower etc) so should you want more than to just brush your teeth, wash your hands, use the w/c, you’ll need to don your goonie and step back on land!
However, the reading material provided in Marigold’s w/c is a belter!
THE BED
The cabin bed is a small double with 2 steps up. It’s super comfy and cosy. There is additional room at the food of the bed for a wee bit more space. Fluffy goonies (dressing gowns) are provided for extra coorie.
Underneath the bed is storage for your luggage and plenty space for that doggy bed if you are bringing your dog onboard! Yes, Marigold is dog friendly, although there is a doggy code of conduct. Doggy towels, bowls and treats are provided too.
There is so much to see and do in and around the Kelpies and Helix park. 5m from the boat is the Horsebox, a row of cabins offering food options such as pizza, savoury snacks, hot drinks and ice cream from local Falkirk company, The Milk Barn. Over at the Kelpies visitor centre is the Kelpies cafe and there are various food vans offering hotdogs and burgers too throughout the day.
Whether you want to take a wee break from busy life with the only thing you want connecting to is nature and calm, OR you fancy an escape somewhere different, then this narrow boat is an ideal getaway.
TO BOOK
Marigold Sunset is £112 per night, minimum 2 night booking.
To book, visit their website - BOOK MARIGOLD SUNSET
Marigold Sunset Narrow Boat, Refreshing Scotland, The Kelpies, Falkirk.