River Avon Heritage Trail Section Muiravonside to Avonbridge - Variation to Linn Mill Falls

Not a circular route. Recently public transport was curtailed, so 2 cars are needed.

The River Avon flows over weirs, waterfalls and thru narrow gorges. The path keeps as close to the riverbank as possible, using boardwalks on occasion, and crossing from bank to bank. Chains have been installed to aid crossing some of the tributaries. The route can be found on the excellent leaflet produced by West Lothian Council https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/media/2639/DCPP-12--Map-F-WL6-River-Avon-Heritage-Trail/pdf/dcpp-map-f.pdf

This variation on the route allows you to visit the Linn Mill Waterfall which is a short detour from the main route. Albeit, very muddy route, crossing run off ditches coming down the farm land. This is cattle and sheep land so as the signs say keep all dogs on leads.

The Variation Route leaves the main path at NS 9191 7270 instead of going thru the field gate go past it. Keeping the fence on your right. Follow the river, turning west after about 50metres. You will see the old ruin farmhouse. Take the Track thru the ruin and head over the field keeping the burn on your right. Once the ground starts to rise take a line towards the first telegraph pole (why don't we call them telephone poles?). Once at this you will see the crossing point in the fence. The old stile is not there anymore but neither is the electric sheep fence.

Head thru the wooded area as the photo below. You will see houses on the other side of the river. This is the village of Avonbridge. On a rainy day you will start to hear the falls. The track here is very soft mud but takes a diagonal line to the falls. A short muddy incline takes you down to the falls river bank. In summer this is a very shaded spot and the foliage blocks a lot of the light and enhances the green moss covered rocks and many local kids have found this a very magical place.

There is no other route to exit this walk and you must retrace your route back to the Avon Valley Heritage Trail. Finishing in Avonbridge or returning back to Muiravonside.