This picturesque but straightforward walk around Linlithgow Loch has plenty of interest and wildlife - perfect for families. The route passes ancient Linlithgow Palace, and is stone's throw from the town's High Street with shops and cafes.
Easy walk on surfaced path, short section on road with pavement, suitable for baby buggies.
Buses and trains to Linlithgow.
Water Yett car park, Linlithgow.
If driving turn off the A803 Linlithgow High Street down Water Yett to reach Water Yett car park. To reach here from the railway station head west along Linlithgow High Street for a short distance, then right into Water Yett to reach the car park. From the car park head to the water's edge and turn right to start walking anti-clockwise around the loch.
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. Soon 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 on the path above the loch.
Pass the jetty for the sailing dinghies that can often be seen out on the water, often racing and dodging wind surfers and swans. Turn left at a junction, following the path which eventually reaches a children's play area - turn left here again. Soon after this the walk leaves the loch to swing right and head up an alleyway between houses 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.
When another junction is reached by a signpost, turn left. 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 also home to a large number of water birds including the rare Great Crested Grebe.
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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