Almondell and Lin's Mill Aqueduct, near Livingston

Summary

Just a stone's throw from Livingston, this beautiful circular walk takes in the Almondell Country Park en route to reach and cross a spectacular aqueduct on the Union Canal. Although in one of the more built up parts of the central belt, most of the walk has a real country feel.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Mostly good woodland paths and minor roads.

Getting there

Start

Mid Calder - small car park on the Pumpherston Road.

Public Transport

Bus to Mid Calder.

Start Grid Ref

NT076678

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.5km / 6.5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 102m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

WARNING

The sluice bridge crossed (after passing under the viaduct) at Stage 2 is currently closed. You can avoid this by simply remaining on the north side of the river until rejoining the route where it crossed back at Nasmyth Bridge a short distance beyond.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

There is a small car park (with bottle banks) by the start of the walk on the Pumpherston Road from Mid 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.

Stage 2

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 Nasmyth Bridge is reached. The bridge was designed in 1800 by Alexander Nasmyth, better known as a landscape painter. Cross the bridge and continue along the tarmac drive on the north side for a short distance before forking right onto the track below the road to stay by the riverbank (the visitor centre is off to your left) This leads to Mandela bridge, supported by cables - use this to cross back to the south side of the river.

Stage 3

On the far side 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. Note Illeston Castle looking impressive across Almondell. When a track is reached go straight across, 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.

Stage 4

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.

Stage 5

The aqueduct carries the Union Canal, which runs from the Falkirk Wheel to the heart of Edinburgh. The aqueduct was named after William Lin, owner of a nearby mill 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.

Stage 6

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 - there is usually a cafe operating here.

Stage 7

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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