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Linlithgow Loch Walk

2.17 miles (3.5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Enjoy an easy waterside stroll around Linlithgow Loch. The walk takes you past the ruins of Linlithgow Palace and the parkland surrounding it (known as the peel). The palace has a magnificent hall, a beautiful fountain, a courtyard and a number of wonderful sculptures. It's a good, flat path, running for a distance of just over 2 miles so it should take about an hour to stroll round.
The loch is a haven for wildfowl - look out for great crested grebes and little grebes, coots, moorhens, tufted duck and mallard. For cyclists there are some paths around the peel where bikes are allowed.
If you would like to continue your walk you could follow the Union Canal from Linlithgow to the nearby Muiravonside Country Park which has miles of woodland cycling and walking trails.
See the Linlithgow Canal Walk page for more details.

Linlithgow Loch OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Linlithgow Loch Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The excellent Lochside Cafe is a good choice for some post walk refreshments. The cafe does a good range of snacks and drinks and there are nice views to enjoy as well. You can find it on the southern side of the loch at postcode EH49 7HN for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The loch is a fine place for a dog walk and you will probably see other owners on your outing. The Lochside cafe mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The loch and palace are located very close to Linlithgow train station so the site is easy to visit by public transport. The station is on the Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk Line and is also served by Abellio ScotRail services from Edinburgh Waverley to Dunblane, and the daily train between Glasgow Queen Street and the Fife Circle Line. The palace is located just to the north of the station, just a few minutes stroll.
Just to the south is the lovely Beecraigs Country Park. Here you can try the Lochcote Reservoir and Cockleroy Hill Walk and enjoy some splendid views over the Bathgate Hills. The fascinating ancient henge at Cairnpapple Hill can also be located in this area.

Photos

Linlithgow Loch - geograph.org.uk - 1429712

View over the loch from a first floor window in the palace.

Linlithgow Loch - geograph.org.uk - 1211584

Seagulls and people by Linlithgow Loch on a pleasant March afternoon. The palace can be seen in the background

Linlithgow Loch and Palace - geograph.org.uk - 109005

Loch swans and palace view. Mary Queen of Scots left many historical connections in Linlithgow. Linlithgow is now a commuter town for Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Sheep grazing by the side of Linlithgow Loch - geograph.org.uk - 1317170

Sheep graze in a field by the side of the loch

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Linlithgow Loch.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Linlithgow Loch.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)