Linlithgow Palace and Loch, Linlithgow

An easy, level walk with lots of interest and wildlife - perfect for families. The circuit heads around Linlithgow Loch, passing ancient Linlithgow Palace.

Terrain

Easy walk on surfaced path, short section on road with pavement, suitable for baby buggies.

Public Transport

Buses and trains to Linlithgow.

Start

Vennel car park, Linlithgow. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.5km / 2.25 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 24m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS998771

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

If driving turn off the A803 in the centre of Linlithgow signed for Linlithgow Palace and soon turn left to reach the Vennel pay and display car park where there are toilets and a children's play area. To reach here from the railway station head west along Linlithgow High Street for 2 minutes before turning right into Kirkgate and immediately left to the car park. If visiting the Palace there is limited free parking at the top of cobbled Kirkgate - note the gate closing times. From the car park head to the water's edge and turn right to start walking anti-clockwise around the loch.

Stage 2

The area surrounding the loch is known as Linlithgow Peel and comprises land which used to be the garden and grounds of the Palace of Linlithgow which has been added to over the years and is now maintained by Historic Scotland. The palace is in view for much of the walk, a large square sandstone shell which was built by James I in 1424 following the ruin of the previous building by a fire. It became a popular palace for the Stewart family linking the route between Edinburgh and Stirling castles, and served as the nursery for Mary Queen of Scots. The palace fell into decline after 1603 when James VI moved the royal court to London, and in 1745 fire swept through the building leaving the ruin seen today. Just after you go through a gate in the stone wall of the current palace boundary there is a path heading up to the right. Take this if you want to visit the palace, otherwise continue along the waters' edge.

Stage 3

Pass the jetty for the sailing dinghies that can often be seen out on the water, often racing and dodging wind surfers and swans. Head left at the children's play area and continue on the surfaced path. Soon bear left over a small bridge and up an alleyway to the right of a house to reach the main road. Turn left here and follow the pavement for a short distance until a signed path heads left at a wooden gate. Follow this to return to the loch.

Stage 4

When a wooden kissing gate is reached go through it and immediately turn left following the sign. Between April and August this section of path often has a number of nesting swans at the waterside. Do not go to close or antagonise them as they can be aggressively protective of their young. The loch is home to a large number of water birds including the rare Great Crested Grebe.

Stage 5

There are good views across the water to the Palace from this section of the path. Keep left when the path forks twice and cross the bridge at the far end of the loch. Keep left at another fork to return to the car park at the start.

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