Beechgrove Residents Take to the Water on Union Canal Boat Trip

At Beechgrove Care Home, we believe in offering our residents meaningful experiences that bring joy and connection. Recently, some of our adventurous residents got up early to head off on a delightful boat trip along the Union Canal. With the destination set for the charming village of Ratho, located just outside Edinburgh, we spent a peaceful day on the water watching the world go by. We were able to watch canoeists gliding by, dogs enjoying an outdoor stroll, and cyclists whizzing along the towpath – all while enjoying their packed lunches and warm drinks.

Seagull Trust Cruises is a charitable organisation, wholly run by unpaid volunteers, that provides free barge trips for older people and individuals with special needs. The Union Canal, known for its tranquil, flat waters, stretches for 31 miles from Falkirk to Edinburgh. It was originally opened in 1822 to transport coal and other goods but is now a popular spot for leisure activities, including boating, walking, and cycling.

We have a full and varied programme of activities at Beechgrove Care Home, all carefully planned to be engaging and accessible. This outing gave our residents the chance to keep active and mobile and keep them engaged in the local community. By being out in nature and experiencing something new, our sailors are able to retain their fitness and enjoy the fair weather and fresh air.

This trip was also incredibly beneficial for our residents' mental and emotional health. It provided the perfect opportunity for social time, boosting their self-esteem, and helping them feel valued within our community. Activities like this one are so important in stimulating the mind and supporting mental health. We’re committed to ensuring our residents have access to these enriching experiences.

We can’t thank the wonderful volunteers at the Ratho Canal enough for making this special day possible for our residents.

Wellbeing at Beechgrove Care Home

At Beechgrove Care Home in Lanark, we provide a supportive and caring environment where our residents thrive, surrounded by a dedicated team that prioritises their health and happiness. If you’d like to learn more about our home and the services we offer, why not book a tour today? We’d love to show you around and introduce you to our community!