Canal basin, Linlithgow.

September 2016

is the main town in Linlithgowshire - also known as West Lothian. Only 20 minutes by train from Edinburgh, this walk followed the canal (Edinburgh and Glasgow Union) for three miles then back along the River Avon.

This dovecot is the 16th century Ross Dooct with 370 next holes. Across the road is the canal basin.

At the end of the canal section is the Avon Aqueduct, 810ft (247m) long 85ft (26m) high over a valley and waterfall. A dramatic sight and well worth a visit, whether by boat, walking, cycle or kayak. This pic gives no idea of the dramatic height and length!

While the canal continues to Falkirk and beyond, I turned back to the river following part of the John Muir Way (also signed River Avon Heritage Trail) and finally back into Linlithgow, a pleasant town with a variety of shops and facilities and a substantial castle ruin, Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.

My walk generally followed Walking World id=6792 but I cut out the 106 steps at the end of the viaduct and the tour of Muiravonside Country Park, making it 6 miles instead of 8.

For Scotland's sake I hope they remain in the EU. Roads - and canals - across SCotland have benefited from EU funding.