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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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.
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| Peppa |
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| 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.
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| River Almond |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
