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Falkirk to Linlithgow

Route facts

Waterways:
Union Canal »

Difficulty: Easy

Starts at: Falkirk

Ends at: Linlithgow

This walk follows the Union canal from Falkirk to Linlithgow and can be walked in either direction. We recommend parking at Falkirk High railway station which is close to the canal and is signposted from the car park.

Whilst in Falkirk we would highly recommend visiting the Falkirk Wheel. The wheel links the Union and Forth and Clyde canals raising boats 35m up to the Union canal in one giant rotation. The visitor centre offers boat trips, café, visitor information and access to the Antonine wall, the remnants of ancient roman defences.

Walking route provided by www.meanderholidays.co.uk, which provides self-guided walking holidays.

 

Waypoints

1. Start

When you reach the canal turn left along the towpath and you will almost immediately enter the Falkirk tunnel.

Easting: 288120, Northing: 679058

2. Falkirk Tunnel to Glen Bridge

The tunnel is the longest waterway tunnel in Scotland's at 631m long. It is also 5.5m wide and has 3.6m of headroom - giving it a spacious feel. The towpath has a sturdy rail and the tunnel is illuminated clearly showing the rock that the tunnel was hewn from.

Immediately after the tunnel you will pass under Glen Bridge (bridge 61). Carved into each side of the bridge are two faces - a glum one to the tunnel side and a smiling one to the other. Folklore says that the smiling face represents the navvies' pleasure at completing the 'relatively' easy digging of the canal from Edinburgh, while the glum face their feelings about digging the Falkirk tunnel.

Easting: 288525, Northing: 678228

3. Glen Bridge to Bridge 54

Between bridges 57 and 55 the canal passes through a more urban corner of Falkirk before entering open countryside.

For the Black Bull leave at bridge 54 and walk away from the canal. Continue past the railway station and at the T junction turn left and you will find the pub on your left.

Toilets are available at the railway station. There is a convenience store on Salmon Inn Road which is a left turn between the station and the Black Bull. There is a further convenience store found by crossing Bridge 54.

Easting: 293054, Northing: 677973

4. Bridge 54 to Avon Aqueduct

After bridge 49 the canal crosses the River Avon on the Avon aqueduct -the longest and tallest in Scotland. The canal is carried in a narrow iron trough which takes the canal 247m across and 85m above the valley. Steps prior to the aqueduct take you down to the River Avon below giving a great view of the structure and also provides a pleasant picnic spot. Please be aware that the steps are wooden and can be slippery when wet.

Easting: 296684, Northing: 675833

5. Avon Aqueduct to bridge 43

After the aqueduct the canal curves round towards Linlithgow - look out for the spire of Linlithgow palace church as you approach the town. Leave the canal at bridge 43 and walk down the hill into Linlithgow.

Easting: 300410, Northing: 676955

6. Bridge 43 to Linlithgow

Linlithgow is a fine and ancient Scottish town. Its main street has a wide range of independent shops, cafes and lots of pubs. At the heart of the town is Linlithgow Palace. The ruined palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and sits overlooking Linlithgow Loch. The adjacent St Michaels church is a fine example of gothic architecture.

A short train journey will return you to Falkirk High.

Easting: 300501, Northing: 677073