Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does Waterwitch offer as a venue?
A. Waterwitch is a 40ft narrowbeam boat which is perfect for small, unique events of families or groups up friends (up to 8 people).
Q. How do I book a trip?
A. Please visit our online booking page. Choose the length of trip you would like and the calendar will show which times are available on your chosen date.
Q. The online booking calendar is showing green but I cannot book my chosen time.
A. The calendar always shows green, unless there is a period of closure, or if you are trying to book a trip that is less than 2 weeks away. Please click the length trip you require and choose the correct date. The available time slots will show in green, or they will be grey if they are unavailable. Please contact us if you can’t find what you are looking for or if your event is less than 2 weeks away.
Q. How many people can come on board?
A. Up to 8 people. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Q. Is the boat accessible?
A. Reasonable mobility is required to enter the boat. There are narrow steps to get down into the cabin but there are sturdy handrails to use. Passengers should take care to lower their head when using these steps and when stepping from the cabin up into the bow area at the front of the boat. Please email us for photos, if required.
Q. Is there a toilet on board?
a. Yes, we have toilet on board the boat.
Q. What are the catering options?
A. Our Boat has a small kitchen (including a fridge and kettle) where you can prepare your own refreshments, alternatively we can suggest local catering companies who you can contact to provide for your requirements. We have crockery, cutlery and glasses for your use, if you require.
Q. Can we bring alcohol on board?
A. We do permit the consumption of alcohol on board, a corkage fee of £40 per trip applies. Please choose this option on your booking form. Passenger and crew safety is our paramount concern, if necessary, the Skipper will ask a group to desist if he feels anyone may be in jeopardy. If the Skipper is ignored, it may mean your trip is terminated early and passengers asked to leave the boat.
Q. Where does the boat go?
A. For a booking of 2.5 hours the boat leaves Fountainbridge and travels to the Calders area and returns. For a 4 hour booking we reach the outskirts of Edinburgh and return. For full day bookings, the boat leaves from central Edinburgh, travels to Ratho and returns.
Q. Where do we meet the boat?
2025 update: we have a NEW MOORING and PICK UP location for our boat trips – see directions below.
Our canal boats, Lochrin Belle (the big purple boat) and Waterwitch (our smaller blue boat) are moored outside Boroughmuir High School in Fountainbridge, next to Fountainbridge Green.
The canal can be accessed via steps or a ramp next to Boroughmuir High School from the road called ‘Viewforth’, or via Gibson Terrace and Bainfield Drive. Alternatively there is a pedestrian passage from Dundee Street/Fountainbridge between Boroughmuir High School and Kwikfit.
Click here for a link to google maps.
The nearest postcode is EH11 1FL or what3words location is ///scary.local.navy
Q. How do we get to the boats?
Walking or Cycling: Approach the canal from Fountainbridge / Dundee Street and turn into Viewforth or Gibson Terrace.
Bikes can be secured near the boats at the on-street bike parking racks in front of the school.
Bus: Lothian Bus Numbers 10 and 27 take you to Gilmore Place. Get off at Viewforth Bus stop and walk along Viewforth (road), over the bridge where there are steps or a ramp in front of Boroughmuir High School down to the canal and where the boats are moored. Lothian Bus Numbers 1, 34 and 35 take you to the Fountain Park food and entertainment complex at the Dundee Street bus stop. You can reach the boat via Viewforth (road) which runs alongside Boroughmuir High School or via Gibson Terrace, which is next to the Sainsbury’s local.
Train and Tram: Edinburgh Haymarket Station is 1km or 0.6 mile away, which is approximately a 15 minute walk. There is also a taxi rank outside this station.
Car
Dropping off: To drop off people or supplies, level access to the boats and canal is via Gibson Terrace and Bainfield Drive. Alternatively there is a temporary stopping space on Viewforth (road) near to Boroughmuir High School – there are steps or a ramp down to the boats from here.
Car Parking: There is very limited pay and display on street parking in the area, for example along Viewforth, Gilmore Place and Gibson Terrace. Please check signs for City of Edinburgh Council parking restrictions and park responsibly, respecting local residents. Reasonably priced parking is also available a 5-minute walk away at the Fountain Park complex. See here for details.
Q. Can we start or finish our trip somewhere other than Fountainbridge Green?
A. We usually pick you up / collect you from the our mooring at Boroughmuir High School, on Fountainbridge Green. To start AND finish your trip from the either the head of the canal basin (Edinburgh Quay) or the pontoon at Harrison Park incurs a cost of £35. To start OR finish your trip at Slateford is an extra £50 (£100 to start AND finish here). To start OR finish your trip at Wester Hailes or The Calders is an additional £100 (£200 to start AND finish here) and from Ratho is an additional £175 (start AND finish from Ratho NOT available). Please contact us if you have any specific questions about your collection point, or if you need a different stopping / dropping off point – we’ll do our best to help.
Q. Can I put up decorations on the boat?
A. Yes, if you let us know beforehand, you will be able to arrive 15 minutes before your hire time to put up decorations for your celebration. Please do not damage the boat, and please take all the decorations down and take them away with you after the event. To help us protect the canal environment please do not bring party poppers, confetti and glitter on board – it is more difficult than other litter to clean from the canal.
Q. Can I play my own music on the boat?
A. Yes, we have a small bluetooth speaker, or bring your own along.
Q. When should I arrive and tell my guests to arrive?
A. As above, you will be able to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure the set-up is correct for your group or put up decorations. Please also advise your guests to be prompt and arrive 5-10 minutes before you want to leave the dock. If there is a significant delay in setting off it may result in your trip being shortened as we are restricted by turning points along the canal.
Q. Can we see the venue before our booking to check its suitability.
A. Yes, get in touch with us and we will arrange a pre-event visit for you.
Q. Are dogs allowed on board?
A. Where your group has exclusive use of the boat, it may be possible for well behaved dogs on leads to come on board. Please contact us in the first instance to arrange this.
Q. Do you offer a discount for charities and local groups?
A. We give 25% discount for charities and local community groups. Please contact us if you want to check if your group is eligible. The discount will be applied after you have booked and paid the deposit. Please note the discount is reserved for groups bringing their client groups or volunteers on board for a session or celebration, not for staff only events. Please contact us if you would like more information.
Q. What happens if it is bad weather on the day of my trip?
A. Unfortunately the weather is outwith our control – if the Skipper feels it would be unwise to sail due to adverse weather conditions we will give you as much notice as possible and offer to reschedule your trip or work out a mutually suitable solution (such as a static hire or a shortened trip).
Q. Do I have to pay the full cost at the time of booking?
A 25% deposit is required to secure your booking and final payment is due 14 days before your booking date. Within 14 days of your hire, payment is due in full.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. Cancelling your booking will incur a charge. Cancelling not less than 14 days before the date of your booking incurs a £50 fee. Cancelling less than 14 days before your trip is charged at 50% of the booking price and less than 7 days before your trip, the full price of your booking is payable. Should you wish to cancel your booking, please advise us by telephone in the first instance.