Forth & Clyde Union Canal Falkirk - Linlithgow

I am absolutely delighted to have finished my last leg of this long distance trail. I have been lax in getting to it but this morning I woke early, Mrs was away, and decided to get it done. 45 minutes after deciding I was on my way to catch my first train of the day, yes I did shower. 
An hour and a half later I was at Falkirk High railway station which is right on the canal, ideal for my start, except it was raining, this was not on any weather app.

Tunnel entrance

Turn left at the canal and you are immediately and into arguably the most interesting part of the walk. Ahead of you is the ‘Falkirk tunnel’, 630 metres of a narrow, dark walk with water dripping and dropping all around, particularly today with the rain on. It was the longest canal tunnel built as the landowner did not want to see it from the house. 

The canal, millennium funding, is lit and the lights create some amazing images and reflections in the water. The sound of dripping water, the darkness how atmospheric and interesting is this? What a brilliant start. About half way along I spot someone looking into the tunnel at the far end but they never appeared and when I exited no sign of them and no exit path!!

The terrain is typical suburban canal side walking and not a lot to note except some suburban roe deer feeding in daylight, 2 bucks and a doe. They were on alert, watching me closely, but still rare to see so open in daylight.

Then just ahead I spot a barge heading this way, yippee. My winter strolls saw none of them, are they not what the canal is all about. Indeed 3 went by on the walk, and I even overtook one at Polmont, I know they go slowly but that is ridiculous.

Prison walls

Soon you reach Polmont and not so free are the prisoners of Polmont young offenders prison. Some of the top floor barred windows overlook the big Tesco store (easy for stocking up on refreshments), I wonder if the prisoners want to see every day activity. 
Now away from Polmont there is more open country and it is a pleasant walk. Many more cyclists around today and interesting how few warn you when coming up behind, as a cyclist myself this is not good enough.

I watch a heron which was one of the fearless ones. Although across the water they usually fly away when a human nears but not this one. It wasn’t even hunting maybe enjoying an earlier meal.

Next I come across a barge docking area, smoke puffing out a couple of them, heating will be required if you are living on them and then reach the Avon viaduct, which is apparently the longest and tallest in Scotland. The views looking down were impressive, the River Avon in flow, a picture perfect mixed wood and views across to the huge railway viaduct. 

Almost in Linlithgow now and I come across a rather barren rocky field full of cows, almost non existent grazing and most of the cows lying around. Then I realised that they mostly looked pregnant and then spotted a calf lying beside its mother. I thought the calf was dead and only through the binoculars could I see an ear flicker weakly, very newly born I assume.  I thought I was going to see a birth as the next cow's rear faced me and a calf started to emerge but the cow then lay down on its side breathing heavily and the calf disappeared back inside, not yet time. Many more of the cows seemed ready to deliver. I always assumed a farmer would be on hand to aid calving but not in this case. I cannot make judgement as I do not have the knowledge but this field & herd just did not leave me with a good feeling.

On a more positive note Linlithgow golf club is across the water. I have fond memories as I was a member here for three years and the 17th hole in particular was a favourite, A par 3 played from high up towards the canal with a big drop off. Many a ball of mine ran down that slope into the water. Good memories.

Almost there and the amount of housing has increased substantially since I lived there many years ago. I now get a good view of Linlithgow Palace, family have been christened and married in there. It was not deliberate but on reflection this was the most apt place to end this long trail, excellent memories and reflections of both the journey and my own history.
Despite the more optimistic forecast today was a cold easterly wind and a few light showers. Distance was 9.39 miles in 3 hours.
A superb walk that I would encourage anyone to do.
Now that celebratory beer.

Forth & Clyde Union Canal Kilsyth - Falkirk

An example of the signage along the towpath.

As Mrs B was away I took the opportunity to complete another leg of the canal walk.  After 2 gloriously blue sky days it was back to a grey cloudy one but never mind this walk is all on the flat.
I decided it was light weather gear today but when I stepped off the train at Croy it was a different world from home, very cold and very low cloud.
This time I headed straight to the Auchinstarry basin sticking to the main road. Last time I took the easterly cut off and today this would have meant a double back looking across the canal thinking I should be over there.

Cold grey start, cyclist in yellow at benches

A cyclist was already sitting on a bench enjoying a snack. Swiftly into stride, mainly to warm up, I was off heading east towards Falkirk. Workers in the hills were clearing land with fire, no grouse moors here. Some barges were puffing smoke, there is life in them after all.
With the low clouds the Campsies were not visible so focus on the path ahead. This stretch of the canal is as wide as any so far and indeed is more like a river than a canal. 

Typical walk terrain

On the left is marshland which at another time might be full of birds but apart from some long tailed tits nothing showing. I had to admit weather defeat and don my light fleece mid layer, hat and gloves, wimp.
There is really not a lot to say or see of this walk at this time of year. Just a long stretch of canal path with mainly open countryside and bare trees. 

However a surprise, I spot a shape in the reeds and it is a roe deer looking straight at me. As I go past it has no fear whatsoever and after staring it continues to feed. It must be so used to humans walking the path.
There are 3 canal locks over a short stretch, the first for many miles and a welcome distraction for me.

Tanker crossing the M90

Now the tranquillity is broken and I am very aware of the sound of traffic and I soon come to the culprit, the M90, which thankfully I quickly walk underneath and the noise soon disappears.
About half way along I talk to a fisherman, the first I have seen using the canal on my walk. He has had no luck but tells me summer is quite good. We discuss the section being drained at Linlithgow where a 27lb pike was relocated. I think it would have broke his tackle.

A more pleasing noise this time up above a V formation of geese are moving overhead. With today’s binos I cannot make out the type but a great sight and sound anyway.
Surprisingly there have actually been a few cyclists today, a more populated area or better weather? 
I now reach and pass through Bonnybridge, not a lot to say but apparently it is the UFO capital of Scotland. There is a Bonny water but no bridge until late in its history, why named? If you want provisions this is your place, a small Tesco, Greggs, can be seen. There is an excellent example of a Roman Fort on the Antonine wall around here but I did not see any signs pointing this out. 

A flag flies proudly in the wind, I believe it is at a statue of Robert the Bruce, it was on the other side so couldn’t pop over.
Moving on my next objective in a couple of miles time is the Falkirk wheel. Sadly this next 2 miles is the most polluted with dog dirt of any part of the walk, disgusting.

Reaching the Falkirk wheel I sight a blue flash and the first Kingfisher of the walk which just as quickly disappears. The wheel is under repair, dry dock time, with this walks progress through the Rough Castle tunnel barred because of this work. But, I didn’t find out until I got up to it, a few curses, then try to follow Google maps on the phone to find where it joins the canal again. Can’t get lost on a canal walk!!

10 minutes later back on track and now it is a straight canal walk until my finish at Falkirk High station. Turn left at the barriers and Falkirk High station is just there. Follow the path for Polmont and then Linlithgow, my last section which I will do over the next few weeks.

As always I enjoyed the outing but the weather reduced the longer views which did slightly disappoint. From Croy station to the end it was 12.87 miles. 
A nice reward was a pint of Knops Musselburgh Broke, a North Berwick brewery and a beer new to me so a good ending to the walk. Only one more leg to do.

Forth & Clyde Union Canal Kilsyth - Stockingfield Junction

Another section of the canal trek completed and this time I decided on an east to west walk. To my mind it was better to arrive in the city at the end of the walk than vice versa. 
My day started with a couple of train journeys, just like going on holiday, from Ayrshire to Croy. From Croy I had a walk of just over a mile to get to the canal itself. Still, as I have never been in Croy itself, I have passed through many a time on the train, it was a new experience so no hardship.

After leaving the road about half a mile in you are directed down a track. The signing has disappeared and from my google earth review last night I thought I would stay on the main road. This track was taking me eastward, away from where I thought I should be going, but just before doubt fully set in the track turned north and the canal was right there.

Auchinstarry Basin

A cold frosty morning with plenty of ice, thin I presume, on the water. Heading west there is a multitude of canal boats moored up just ahead of me, more than I have seen at any location on the walk so far. It is Auchinstarry basin and apparently has berths for 50 boats, probably all here today. Some are well and truely iced up, I suspect living on a canal boat in winter could be a hard life.
You then have to leave the canal to cross over the main road, yes I presume the one I mentioned earlier, and on the other side head westward young man.

Its still cold here typical path

Apart from the last couple of miles into Glasgow this is a totally rural walk but don't expect much else along the way apart from the canal and the countryside. More than enough for me but others might be disappointed, not much local history to get educated by.

Pink Footed geese

Surprisingly, unlike the Bowling section, this stretch was almost devoid of canal waterbirds. One pair of Goosanders, a couple of Grey Heron, the ubiquitous buzzards, an occasional moorhen and that was about it. As the canal had a fair bit of ice along the full length of the walk that might explain it but I suspect not. In a field a large flock of geese were spotted, I think these are the Pink Footed goose.

Campsie Hills

For around the first third of the walk the Campsie hills are prominent, the hazy light today looking like summer not winter. Kilsyth can be seen, maybe not the most attractive.
A good hike and Twechar is reached, I spent some time mentally debating how to pronounce it. Not much to see, like most of central Scotland mining was its fame and fortune, now long gone. 

Shirva Stables

After passing the village I come across this ruin which I believe is the Shirva stables, where the canals Clydesdale horses were stabled. Real horsepower to power the boats back then. The teams of horses were rested overnight, it is said they were looked after better than the canal labourers. But all gone now.

Kirkintilloch

Onwards to Kirkintilloch where an inland port was built and the town thrived on building canal and ocean going boats. Whist walking I assumed 'Kirk' in the titled related to the the large kirk I was looking at. Later, on the train home, the internet tells me otherwise, it means fort at the head of the hill. It has history from the 1200's, no time to explore today but I will be back. It also was a totally dry town, ie no alcohol, until the 1970's. No place for me then.

Easy walking towpath

Out of town and heading towards Bishopbriggs. The signs have changed from the green canal ones to blue Thomas Muir ones! Really, walking in Scotland can be made easier. 8 miles in so time for my cheese & mango chutney Glasgow roll. The chutney was bought in the Rothiemurchus farm shop and highly recommended by me. Complimented the Orkney cheddar perfectly. Apple as well for the healthy bit and onwards again.
There is not a lot more outer canal highlights until you reach the Possil marsh nature reserve. Typical nothing to be seen apart from a couple of magpies. 
The final couple of miles remind you that you are in a lesser social area of Glasgow. The verges are well littered with empty booze containers. Some guys shouted from the other side, glad there was no easy way for them to get across, the appeared well high on something. Since the Bishopbriggs cut off there had been nobody else walking the path, a little spooky.

Broken tree

One point of interest was this amazing dead tree, split through old age or lightening, I don't know but made me smile.
But finally I made it to Stockingfield junction. After yesterdays climb up Blaeloch hill my feet were feeling it so I decided the walking was over and it was time to get a bus into the centre, relax with a pint and get the train home.
A good day with 14 miles covered in just over 4 hours. Only 2 more sections to go to complete the walk.

Forth & Clyde Union Canal Bowling - Spiers Wharf

Another leg of the Forth & Union canal today. I apologise for any confusion but I am doing these in stages so the the blog can go east to west and vice versa depending on my travel arrangements.

View from Bowling Station

Public transport today so a train from Barassie to Glasgow, then to Partick and finally another one to Bowling. Left the house at 8.50 and started walking at 10.35. I must say the train stock from Glasgow central was some of the oldest trains I have been in.
The normal route goes from Bowling to Stockfield Junction before heading towards Kilsyth but today I followed the spur into Glasgow onto Spiers Wharf. According to the 'Walkhighlands' site the walk is around 9.75 miles. But today because I started at Bowling railway station and finished at Speirs Wharf my actual walking was 15.31 miles, no wonder my legs were tiring.

By definition a canal walk is alongside a calm and non moving piece of water and could potentially be quite boring. For me it is the journey and although I know Glasgow I have never experienced it like this. I come across new, to me anyway, local history which helps expand the mind.

Cycle map but it shows the route

Today is principally an inner city walk traversing outside greater Glasgow's western flanks, heading north and finishing not far from the city centre. Although it is a city walk I was very surprised at how tranquil it was for much of the trip. Also, relatively few people on the path, it was a Friday and a school day but still? These canal paths are underused and sadly so is the water, not one vessel moving on the canal today.

The start at Bowling

As mentioned I started at Bowling station and as such I had a 1/2 mile walk to the canal basin. There is a cafe/takeaway shop in Bowling and a cafe at the canal basin if you want refreshments. Plus there are loos at the basin. A warning this is city walking and not many spots to take a toilet break if required.
This opening stretch to Clydebank is the slightly rural stretch, hills to the left but not much viewing too the left. Soon walking under the Erskine bridge. I have driven across this so many times it is a highlight to get this view from below.
At Clydebank the canal and a shopping centre merge, footbridge across the canal, apparently it goes smoothly when boats come through. More opportunity here for a rest and/or food and drink. 

The drop lock

Just before the shopping centre is an engineering achievement a drop lock, the only example of its kind in Europe. Its purpose is too allow canal traffic to travel underneath the busy road, see even more history.

Also just before the shopping centre is the Beardmore sculpture, a historically important site to the community, up to 13000 people worked at the naval shipyards. The ship in the structure is the dreadnought battleship HMS Ramillies which was built here.
I'm afraid the next stretch shows our population at its worst as behind the back garden of almost every house they have tossed all sorts of garbage, to be collected by who, very sad? 

Not a lot happening until approaching Kelvinside and Maryhill locks. A double gas storage cylinder, don't see many of them these days, I presume these are unused now.

Maryhill locks

Then then canal crosses the Kelvin aqueduct, when built this structure was the biggest aqueduct in the UK. Walkers in that era could see ocean sailing boats passing above them.
It is worth spending a few minutes at Maryhill locks, 5 gates with a large pool at each to allow boats to pass each other. Also there is some interesting street art on a nearby tenement.

The split

Shortly thereafter the canal splits at Stockingfield junction and this is where I will start my next leg heading to Kilsyth. However, today I am continuing into Glasgow centre so my route is no diversion just continue along the footpath.

Walking on through the Maryhill district you pass Firhill stadium, home of Partick Thistle. There are bright lights on the machine sitting on the turf, I presume some fancy grass growing technique.

The journey is almost at and end. Good views looking over south and west Glasgow from this height. Plenty of new housing built in this area and journey's end has an old industrial unit converted into flats across the canal. 
This is Speirs Wharf and the end of the walk today.

I come across a scenic footbridge going over the canal, very pretty in the surroundings.

With a few detours I have covered almost 15 miles in around 4 hours. It has been a busy walking week and the legs are feeling it. Time for a pint and then a train home.

Forth & Clyde Union Canal Ratho - Linthgow

It was a cracking December winter day, ideal for a low level walk. Being in the vicinity of Edinburgh I opted to walk another stage of the Forth & Union canal, my second. In a previous post I walked from Ratho into the start of the canal in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh. This time I am heading west so it is Ratho to Linlithgow.

There were a few people around the barges but by and large a quiet place this morning. The walk is mainly a tree lined wooded environment, easy flat walking. Just out of Ratho the opposite bank is lined with wooden cutout cartoon figures (see snap of Peppa Pig). This continues for over a mile and provides excellent diversion trying to name them all. Must have been 30 plus of them. If you have not had kids or grandkids forget it. These continue until Santa's grotto or is it a castle? I assume that one of the canal boats operates a kids/Santa trip but good fun for walking adults as well.

Peppa

Santa's grotto

After about 3 miles the canal takes a right turn and in front of you is the Almond viaduct which crosses the River Avon which from up here is a long way down. Good site for a bungee jump if you are brave enough. The viaduct gives great views down to the river. If you wish there is a walk diversion down into the country park.

River Almond

Typical woodland stretch

There is still regular aircraft noise and now that the woods are gone for a while and the M8 is also in sight and sound. Broxburn can be seen as well as the red coloured bings, a familiar site to anyone travelling here. I did not realise today's walk goes right past these bings. Also in the distance the tops of the new Forth bridges are in view.

Broxburn bings

Soon the walk goes under the M8 and Broxburn approaches. This is not the prettiest of places with a few surly dogs having to be avoided as well as their owners.
Having survived the walk is quite quickly alongside one of these bings (these are oil shale spoil tips), it seemed quite far away not long ago. I remember in the past these being used by motocross riders, no sign of that today, no doubt health and safety has scuppered that.
Back into open countryside and Winchburgh is reached. Flocks of redwing and fieldfare keep me company as they gorge on the red berries. Just before Winchburgh, on my right there is a small castle like structure and it looks like a golf course beside it, need to look this up. A small canal works depot is located here, Port Buchan I think. They look after the stretch from bridges 19-40. On the path side there is a picturesque graveyard, if you have got to be buried this looks as nice a place as any.

Back into wooded territory again I spot a couple of cyclists heading my way. I expected to see more today but only 4 in total. Indeed it was only a few dog walkers around as well. It is in next years plans to be cycling the full canal but only after I have completed this walk. Suddenly, in this wooded stretch, the temperature drops significantly and zips are pulled up. 

Once again the trees are gone and it is open countryside to to Linlithgow. However in the distance I can see two columns of 'whatever' rising in the distance, Grangemouth no doubt. Also on my right across in Fife another huge column rises, this time flattening out as the hot stuff meets the cold atmosphere. This time the petrochemical site at Mossmorran is no doubt the culprit.

Grangemouth pollution

The town of Linlithgow is in view, a lot more modern housing than when I lived here many years ago. Another historic town, Mary Queen of Scots and all that, but more of Linlithgow's history when I do the next leg.
My walk finished at the train station and as luck would have it one is due in 5 minutes.
The distance recorded at 13.47 miles taking just over 4 hours. 
I was not expecting a great deal of wildlife but pleasantly surprised. Non everyday close sightings included: water vole; grey squirrel; great spotted woodpecker; long tailed tits; fieldfare; sparrowhawk; buzzard; redwing.

Niddrie Castle

PS the castle at Winchburgh is Niddrie castle with a significant history so look it up and it does have a golf course of the same name.