Distance: 5 miles approximately
Duration: 2.5 hours approximately
Started at: Linlithgow Railway Station
Finished at: Linlithgow town centre
On Wednesday 22nd, 25 of us set out in the sunshine from Linlithgow Railway Station westwards along the Union Canal. The canal was opened
in 1822 and as we walked along the towpath we passed a 16th century doocot
built by Baron Ross of Halkhead to provide food in the winter, then Linlithgow
Primary and Academy Schools, the Linlithgow Canal Boat Heritage Centre where we
saw the Victoria a replica steam packet boat built in 1972, the stables used
for the horses which pulled the Canal boats , the headquarters of the
Linlithgow Sea Scouts and Linlithgow Golf Course. before arriving at the Avon
Aqueduct. However by 12:00 we had encountered a shower of rain which got heavier as we approached the aquaduct over the River Avon. This was built by Thomas Telford and is over 800 feet long support by
hollow piers which do have small doors for access.
We didn’t cross the
aqueduct but went down a steep set of steps to join the Avon Heritage Trail and followed a footpath alongside the river underneath the trees, giving us some shelter from the shower. This path crossed
boardwalks and slightly muddy paths which took us down to the 24 span railway
viaduct over the River Avon which was opened in 1842 and connects
the Cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. By this time the shower has passsed, so we continued along the main road through Linlithgow Bridge and back into Linlithgow town centre in time for something to eat.
Drew then thanked Ronnie for organising this walk, before we dispersed into/onto various cafes, pubs, buses and trains. The promised sunshine had not materialised and it
was a tad on the wet side at times which was more galling when we got home to
discover it had not rained in Edinburgh!
The July walk is to Haddington following
another river so let’s hope the sun comes out!
If you did not receive an email advising you of this walk (and think you should have), please contact us by email at sl.pa.strollers@gmail.com or sl.pensioners.association@gmail.com.
