Union canal: Linlithgow to Ratho

Summary

Built between 1818 and 1822, the Union canal was designed by Hugh Baird and was originally used for transporting coal before competition from the railways caused it to close to commercial use in the 1930s. It is a contour canal - with no locks - making this stage from Lithlithgow give flat and easy walking.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Variable grade surfaced towpath

Getting there

Start

Linlithgow.

Public Transport

Rail station at Linlithgow; rail and bus to Linlithgow and Ratho.

Start Grid Ref

NT005770

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 21km / 13 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 8m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Leaving Linlithgow along the towpath on the north side of the canal, passing a series of jetties with Linlithgow Union Canal Society narrowboats and visitor vessels moored, before crossing a minor road at a small aqueduct. The canal is remote for the next few kilometres as it passes through farmland before reaching the small village of Philpstoun. Beyond Philpstoun the canal passes over a further small aqueduct and enters woodland punctuated by old shale bings. This section of the canal is calm, quiet and easy walking, before the canal gently curves right (south) to enter a deep cutting slicing through the centre of Winchburgh above. The restored Niddry Castle is visible beyond the settlement below another huge shale bing, and disconcertingly the canal begins to head southwest below further bings.

Stage 2

In a similar fashion to the Linlithgow Union Canal Society, the aptly-named Bridge 19 to 40 Society cover the area between canal bridges 19 and 40 - taking in Broxburn, Winchburgh and Philpstoun - and run a couple of narrowboats with the aim of promoting the enjoyment of the canal amongst the local community. Again, boat trips are offered during the summer months. Port Buchan has been landscaped to offer picnic benches and a grass area adjacent to the canal and offers a good place to rest weary feet. A short distance beyond Broxburn the canal passes a British Waterways depot, complete with a selection of interesting dredging boats that appear ideal for removing submerged shopping trolleys at speed. This section of the canal had to be diverted to pass under the M8 motorway, constructed in the 1970s by simply filling in the canal at the appropriate point. Head through the narrow concrete tunnel into open countryside once more. Thankfully the canal is now heading east once again.

Stage 3

Despite being significantly smaller than the Avon and Slateford Aqueducts, the 130 metre Almond Aqueduct is just as pleasant, carrying the canal 23 metres above the wooded River Almond gorge below. Cross with care and pass a car parking area tantalisingly out of reach on the far bank before curving left and continuing along the wooded, dappled towpath.

Stage 4

The canal soon opens out at Wilkie's Basin, with a mock castle on the island in the middle of the winding hole used by a cruising company in nearby Ratho. Returning to woodland a path leaves the towpath on the left leading up to the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena - there is a cafe and outdoor equipment shop onsite if a quick bouldering session doesn't appeal. Ratho itself is a major hub on the canal, with numerous jetties housing liveaboards on their narrowboats as well as hire companies and boat trip operators. The stage ends here; to reach the road in Ratho turn left immediately after passing under the road bridge. Ratho has a bus service to Edinburgh.

Next stage: Ratho to Lochrin basin

Route: Phil Turner

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