Union Canal - Linlithgow to Falkirk Wheel
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.
West of Linlithgow, the route is wonderfully rural following the towpath along the northern bank of the canal. The canal crosses the River Avon on the 12 arches of the impressive Avon Aqueduct, Scotland’s longest and tallest aqueduct. It is a short detour off the canal to visit the Muiravonside Country Park where there is a café and walks. Continuing westwards along the towpath, the route passes the ruins of Almond Castle before entering the town of Polmont. You can cut the route short here by catching the train back to Linlithgow or Falkirk.
At Glen Village, you pass the unusual Glen Bridge, known as the “Laughin’ and Greetin’” bridge. The faces facing east are overjoyed at having completed the canal from Edinburgh, those facing west are miserable at the prospect of digging the Falkirk Tunnel - into which the route plunges - Scotland’s longest canal tunnel at 630 metres long (the tunnel is lit, but it’s advisable to have lights as well). It is a short stretch from the tunnel to the famous Falkirk Wheel which allows boats to be transferred between the Union Canal and the Clyde & Forth Canal. You can return to Linlithgow by the same route or take the train from Falkirk High Station. There is a signed path that leads directly from the canal to the western end of the Glasgow-bound platform.
Natural attractions:
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Union Canal
- Muiravonside Country Park
- Callendar House Park
Visitor attractions:
- Linlithgow Canal Centre
- Avon Aqueduct
- Almond Castle
- Laughin’ and Greetin’ Bridge
- Falkirk Tunnel
- The Falkirk Wheel
Route submitted by: Sustrans
Tags
Route map
Comments
Key route details
- Region/Area:
Edinburgh
- Distance:
12 miles
- Time needed:
1½ - 2 hours
- Classification:
Easy
- Traffic:
Mainly traffic free with short section on road in Linlithgow.
- Surface:
Gravel
- NCN Route:
Regional Route 43
- Start:
Linlithgow
- Finish:
Falkirk Wheel
- Access:
Train stations at Linlithgow, Polmont, Falkirk High and Falkirk Grahamston.
- Maps and guides
-
Forth and Clyde and Union Canals RPR16 £4.95
- Links with:
Linlithgow to Ratho.
- Weather:
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Today
max: 3°C min: -1°C
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Wed
max: 4°C min: 2°C
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Thu
max: 4°C min: 0°C
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Fri
max: 2°C min: -2°C
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