Linlithgow to Falkirk

Summary

This section of the Scottish National Trail follows the Union Canal towpath, giving a pleasant, level walk, the highlights being heading through a long tunnel and over a giant aqueduct.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Canal towpath throughout.

Getting there

Start

Linlithgow.

Public Transport

Buses and trains serve both Falkirk (Falkirk High Station) and Linlithgow.

Start Grid Ref

NT005770

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Services

Both Linlithgow and Falkirk are reasonably sized towns with all facilities including railway stations, though the shops at the centre of Falkirk are around 1km off route. Polmont Station is also near to the canal in the middle of the stage.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 14.5km / 9 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 22m (Profile)

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Explorer 349 - Falkirk

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

The canal can be joined a very short distance from Linlithgow Rail Station; head along Station Road to the south of the railway and then head up Manse Road to join the canal. Follow the towpath west (right). Linlithgow is home to the extremely active Linlithgow Union Canal Society and the Linlithgow Canal Centre. These volunteers run narrowboat trips along the canal and over the aqueduct during the summer months, as well as further afield to the Falkirk Wheel.

Stage 2

Linlithgow is soon left behind as the route heads through 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, and continue along the towpath.

Stage 3

Pass the entrance to Causewayend Basin, an unusual square basin on the south bank, before the canal meanders beneath a number of stone road bridges. Another large basin marks what was once the western limit of the navigable canal prior to more recent renovation, and the route passes under the new A801 bridge. Soon the canal leads into Polmont.

Stage 4

Here the scenery changes somewhat as the canal passes a the tall walls of a HM Young Offenders Institution and a landfill site. Despite the lack of attractive scenery, Polmont does provide the opportunity for return travel via a convenient rail station. Further on the route becomes rural once more.

Stage 5

The canal and towpath become slightly muddier in places and run run through a green leafy cutting spanned by a succession of stone bridges, before reaching the Falkirk Tunnel. 630m long, the tunnel is damp and dark; the wall-mounted lights provide a decent level of illumination but it would not be advisable to tackle this section of the walk at night. The stage ends at the far end; the route continues along the canal, but to divert to Falkirk High Station turn right, passing under the railway and up steps to a car park beside the rail station.

Next stage: Falkirk to Kilsyth

Route: Phil Turner

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