Union Canal - Linlithgow to Ratho
The route starts in Linlithgow on the Union Canal, close to the railway station, which is on the Edinburgh to Glasgow main line. Linlithgow is more than just the start of this cycle route. Places to visit include the loch near the centre of town, the 15th century Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of James V and Mary Queen of Scots, and the Linlithgow Canal Centre alongside the Union Canal. East of Linlithgow, the route is mainly rural, following the towpath along the northern bank of the canal, through Philpstoun and Winchburgh and past Niddry Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was given shelter before her final capture.
The canal then turns back on itself through Broxburn and heads over the River Almond on the Almond Aqueduct, with fine views down valley to the 36 arch Almond Valley Railway Viaduct. The route passes the Scottish National Climbing Centre before heading into Ratho. The centre is well worth a visit – you can sit in the café and watch climbers on the indoor wall. In Ratho you can visit The Edinburgh Canal Centre, run by the Seagull Trust, from where two restaurant boats operate. The Bridge Inn is also a popular eating spot here.
Natural attractions:
- Union Canal
- Linlithgow Loch
- Almondell & Calderwood Country Park
Visitor attractions:
- Linlithgow Canal Centre
- Linlithgow Palace
- Niddry Castle
- Almond Aqueduct
- Scottish National Climbing Centre
Route submitted by: Sustrans
Tags
Route map
Comments
Key route details
- Region/Area:
Central Scotland
- Distance:
13 miles
- Time needed:
1 ¾ to 2 ¼ hours
- Classification:
Easy
- Traffic:
Traffic-free
- Surface:
Gravel
- NCN Route:
National Route 754
- Start:
Linlithgow
- Finish:
Ratho
- Access:
Train station at Linlithgow and Edinburgh Park
- Maps and guides
- Links with:
Linlithgow to Falkirk Wheel
- Weather:
-
Sat
max: 8°C min: 0°C
-
Sun
max: 5°C min: 1°C
-
Mon
max: 5°C min: -3°C
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Tue
max: 4°C min: 1°C
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