Falkirk to Linlithgow

Summary

The fifth stage of the John Muir Way leaves Falkirk through Callendar Park and then follows the Union Canal for most of the route before following the wooded River Avon to reach the suburbs of Linlithgow where this stage ends. Linlithgow as all facilities, buses and trains.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Roads with pavement, paths through Callendar Park, tow path and short section of riverside path which can be muddy.

Public Transport

Trains and buses at Falkirk and Linlithgow.

Start

Falkirk High Station. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 15km / 9.25 miles
Time: 4 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 132m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS883790

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Starting at Falkirk High railway station, backtrack slightly on High Station Road to take the cul-de-sac on the right as you face downhill from the station. Follow the footpath at the end and up steps to reach Slamannan Road. Turn left and at the bottom of the road head left on Glen Brae and cross at the lights. Continue and take the next right, Kemper Avenue, follow this until the road curves left with large blocks of flats visible ahead. Here turn right onto a path (yellow waymarker) across the small golf course in Callendar Park. Head left over the stone bridge and then bear right to continue past the golf centre, children's play area, toilets and kiosk.

Stage 2

Pass Callendar House which is open to the public and has a cafe. Originally built in the 14th century as a tower house, it was given a French Renaissance chateau-style makeover in the 19th century. One of the most significant historic houses in the area it has played host to Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Victoria. Once past the house take the wide path on the right to reach the small loch, bear right here and then left when you are on the path leading directly away from the house. Head gently uphill ignoring all side paths until after a few steps turn left at a T junction and the path curves left and then you turn left onto a wider track (red waymarker) which heads into the trees.

Stage 3

Keep straight ahead, bearing left where the path levels off (ignore the paths to the right and left), pass some steps off to the right but continue on the wide path through the woodland. Go straight on at a crossroads of paths to soon reach the walled gate into Callendar Park. Head down the track and turn left at the end. At the road, cross and head right, soon picking up a path to the left signed for Shieldhill via the Union Canal. Head downhill, through trees and over a footbridge and then under the railway via a small tunnel. The path then leads to the Union Canal towpath, turn left along this. This verdant, quiet section of the canal continues until the outskirts of Polmont, where the scenery changes somewhat as the canal passes a landfill site and the tall walls of a HM Young Offenders Institution on the opposite side.

Photo: Phil Turner

Stage 4

Leaving Polmont the canal is once again in more open terrain, passing underneath the new A801 bridge - the result of a significant canal diversion - and the large basin here formed the western limit of the navigable canal prior to restoration in the early years of the millennium. Beyond the bridge the canal meanders under a series of stone road bridges and passes the entrance to Causewayend Basin, an unusual square basin on the south bank.

Photo: Phil Turner

Stage 5

In pleasant leafy countryside the canal crosses the massive Avon Aqueduct - 250 metres long and 26 metres tall - the longest and tallest aqueduct in Scotland and only surpassed in Britain by Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales. Cross this carefully, admiring the views down to the fast-flowing River Avon far below. A short distance after the aqueduct, just after a bench, take the steps down to the left to pick up the River Avon Heritage Trail.

Photo: Phil Turner

Stage 6

This follows the wooded bank of the River Avon, eventually passing beneath a tall railway viaduct before finally heading up steps to a gate and minor road, turn right along this (Burgh Mills Lane). At a T junction turn left to soon reach the busy A803. The John Muir Way bypasses the town centre and continues straight across on its way to Bo'ness.

Stage 7

However if you want to visit Linlithgow for shops, hotels etc or the railway station, turn right along the A803 which soon reaches the historic centre of Linlithgow which has a good selection of shops, pubs and attractive buildings, as well as Linlithgow Palace and Loch which are well worth a visit. The train station is on the right just off the main street.

Next stage: Linlithgow to South Queensferry

Route Profile

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Falkirk to Linlithgow

Summary

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Walk Statistics

Mapping and GPS

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Accommodation

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Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Photo: Phil Turner

Stage 4

Photo: Phil Turner

Stage 5

Photo: Phil Turner

Stage 6

Stage 7

Next stage: Linlithgow to South Queensferry

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