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Stage 4: Falkirk to CroyWalking time: 6 hoursFriday 7 January 2022I took a couple of birthday annual leave days, hoping to get back out on the JMW. Unfortunately my only pair of walking trousers were as thick as tracing paper. A quick trip to the sales, a base layer and a more suitable pair of trousers later, I felt more equipped for the freezing temperatures. As my first proper Winter walk, I wasn’t sure how many layers I would actually need but what I wore worked out in the end. Just as well, as when I turned up in Falkirk, ice and snow were everywhere. My biggest problem was finding my starting point. After a couple of circles of the train station I eventually found it, hidden at the far end of the car park. The whiteout signs weren’t helping! Finally on my way, I noticed the Union Canal was partially frozen.
- Partially frozen Union Canal (Falkirk)
Once I began, I was also unable to spot the well-trodden paths since they were all snow-covered, I found myself circling again during the first section but it didn’t detract from the glorious blue sky and icy air.
- This way...right? Right..?!
By now the sun was getting higher and the snow was melting from the trees like rain. It was beautiful.
- Sun rising
- Winter postcard
The JMW continued through woodland before heading through a small housing estate, through another wood and then up towards the Falkirk Wheel. I had never been up close and personal with the Wheel, but it’s fair to say that none of the photos ever give it justice. Standing beside it really is impressive. The gears are huge!
- Falkirk Wheel from above
- Falkirk Wheel from below
- Richard Gear
The next section was fairly heavy underfoot with a combination of snow-covered mud, localised flooding or just ankle deep sodden mud paths. If I had been able to keep my gaze up, I would have enjoyed it more. When I did I spotted some geese…
- Geese arriving on their holidays
Pretty soon I was at the site of a Roman Fort. Although everything was still white, the signage, the undulations and the winter sun brought ancient history into pretty stunning perspective. Enough to almost give me 2001 Space Odyssey obelisk goosebumps.
- Roman Fort
The JMW then took me through another place I’ve always wanted to visit - Bonnybridge. I kept an eye to the skies but witnessed nothing untoward. I still want to believe…Once through the Scottish equivalent of Area 51, I was back onto canal territory…
- Forth and Clyde Canal
… with all its wildlife. Wait, what’s that perching? Quick…call the twitchers!
- Wait...is that a Red-Headed Woodpecker?
- A Swan Paddle-by
By now I was chasing the sun, trying to finish the walk before daylight disappeared. The orb burned brilliantly though and at one point I wasn’t sure if my Bonnybridge wishful thinking was about to come true, probably not helped by the distant trains droning past like Tie Fighters.
- Close Encounter of the Third Kind
Walking along the canal from Bonnybridge felt like being trapped in a Hanna-Barbera cartoon where the scenery repeats and repeats and repeats. It wasn’t as monotonous as the Linlithgow - Falkirk stretch though and the water opened up massively with the extra width making me feel much less claustrophobic, anticipating the final Croy adventure to come.
- Wider vista
When Croy Hill appears towards the end of the canal stretch it promises much. Until now, and despite countless Edinburgh to Queen Street train journeys, I hadn’t made the obvious Roman connection. I mean, could the name be more Roman..?! Walking up the hill I was greeted by a replica Roman distance stone and this magnificent Roman head (Silvanus), a recent public art sculpture to raise awareness of the Antonine Wall and the hill’s Roman history. It is pretty spectacular.
- Silvanus
The sun was fading fast now. The short winter day something I hadn’t yet encountered on a walk. The hill was inches deep in snow, wind was biting, the light dying, but (for me) this was the best part of this JMW stage. Partly historical heritage but also because having walked at low level for so long, the sudden elevation really stood out.
- Chasing the sun
- Nearly there (honest!)
- Last incline
There were a few folk on the hill. A mixture of couples, winter walkers and school kids out sledging. Once down the hill I headed to the train station I have passed through so often, but for the first time, finally managed to explore in more detail. It was worth it. Walking time just under 6 hours including food breaks.
- Final steps