How to catch sight of a kelpie in Scotland

The Helix, near Falkirk Scotland

“I am so excited about this trip to Scotland,” Diana said. “Everything you have listed will be great, but, you know, I’m really hoping to see the kelpies.”

 Hmmmm, I thought.  Kelpies are mythical creatures in Scotland.  So, you know, they are as elusive as the Loch Ness Monster. Everybody looks for them, but I had never heard of anyone finding one.  We had spent nine days traveling Scotland, from Edinburgh, through the Highlands to Inverness, and from the Isle of Skye to Stirling Castle.  I had kind of hoped that so many adventures under our belts, would perhaps, overshadow the idea of seeing the kelpies.

But as we headed that last stretch to get back to Edinburgh for our last night in Scotland, I had kelpies on my mind.

According to mythology, kelpies are shape-shifting water spirits that appear as strong, elegant horses. But they have a dark side. If you are enticed to climb aboard a kelpie’s back, they can dive into the water and take you with them to the depths.

We had just enough time for one more stop on our way through Falkirk and I asked our coach driver if we could take a little detour through The Helix.  It’s a beautiful, natural public park, and I’d never been there.

As we looked for a parking place, you could see the most famous residents of The Helix in full view.  Two, silver horse heads, each 100 feet high, were there to represent the kelpies in all their glory. They were created by sculptor Andy Scott. You can take tours of them, climb in them or just admire them from afar. 

Someone I’d met in Inverness, had told me there were kelpies at The Helix.

“Get pix and enjoy,” I told Diana and the group. But do not climb onto their backs!

And so, we ticked all the boxes on that tour to Scotland, including an important box for Diana.

If that’s the kind of adventure you’re looking for, one that’s personal enough to go find the mythical kelpies for you, check out our Exceptional Celtic Experiences at ErinsIsle.org. We’d love to have you join us.