Just a stone's throw from Livingston, this circular walk takes in the Almondell Country Park en route to a great aqueduct on the Union Canal.
Mostly good woodland paths and minor roads.
Bus to East Calder
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East Calder - small car park on the Pumpherston Road. Map and directions.
There is a small car park (with bottle banks) by the start of the walk on the Pumpherston Road from East Calder. Begin the walk by heading east along the cycle route on the old rail line from the north side of the car park, almost immediately crossing a bridge high over the river. On the far side the route bears left and climbs uphill by the trees and passing a weir. It continues through the woods, with the River Almond down to the left and a screened sewage works on the right. Soon it passes another weir and then crosses a footbridge to the north bank.
The weir separates a sluice from the main river; this eventually becomes a feeder for the Union Canal and is followed for much of the walk. Follow the path between the sluice and the river itself, soon passing under a high viaduct. Beyond this the sluice crosses the river via a bridge with an aqueduct underneath; cross the bridge and continue along the far side until the fine stone Naysmith Bridge is reached. The bridge was designed in 1800 by Alexander Naysmith, better known as a landscape painter. There are two options here; either take the rougher path ahead which soon gains height and, crosses a tributary and joins a bigger path continuing high above the river before descending steps to a suspension bridge, or alternatively cross the river at Naysmith Bridge and continue more easily on the north side, recrossing at the suspension bridge.
From the south side of the river near the suspension bridge take a path that climbs slightly and continues alongside the sluice once more. The sluice is underground for some short sections but is otherwise followed all the way to Lin's Mill. Go straight across a track that crosses the way, heading over two stiles, and climb steps to run high through the woods above the river before rejoining the sluice and crossing two more tracks. The very impressive Lin's Mill Aqueduct now comes into view before the path heads to the right up steps and joins a minor road; turn left along this.
When the road forks take the left hand branch and follow it down to pass under the aqueduct (otherwise you'll be on the wrong side of the canal), then turning right on the far side up steps to gain the top. The aqueduct carries the Union Canal, which runs from the Falkirk Wheel to the heart of Edinburgh. The aqueduct was built by William Lin, who became the last person in Scotland to die of the plague. No one would help bury him so his wife had to drag his body into the woods in a sack and do it herself. Cross the aqueduct on the tow-path and continue along the canal until a track slopes off to the right and crosses a bridge over the canal. When it meets a road at a farm continue straight ahead. A little over a kilometre further on a cross-roads is reached; turn left here, signed for Almondell Country Park.
At the entrance to the country park continue straight ahead between the two gatehouses. The road then leads gradually down and reaches the park Visitor Centre and Ranger Service building. Continuing beyond this a track leads to the Naysmith Bridge. Do not cross this but take the path upstream on the near bank. This soon rejoins the outward route at the iron bridge that carries the sluice underneath; don't cross but instead keep ahead, back under the railway viaduct and retrace your steps back to the start.
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Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.
