This route is entirely on the Union Canal towpath apart from the western extreme where it goes down to Linlithgow high street. As mentioned in another review, Back Station Road is suitable for step free access; it’s a steep hill but short. Between Winchburgh and Philpstoun the path is largely sheltered by trees; between Philpstoun and Linlithgow the route is more exposed but this allows some lovely views....

nickplain

This route has been amended since my previous review; much of it is away from the busy and fast road. The new route uses a much quieter country road which has no pavement but is quiet enough to walk along safely. The Winchburgh end of the route makes use of the Union Canal towpath which is very pleasant....

nickplain

Having read about the steps on this route, I took a look at Pollin one to see if it offers a step-free route to the canal - it doesn't, but I think Back Station Road is the answer for step-free access. Canal towpaths seem to me to be the very epitome of Slow Ways, I really like walking them and imagining their previous life as Victorian motorways. This particular stretch of canal does the job well - it's remarkably straight (although that changes dramatically if you follow the canal beyond Winchburgh towards Edinburgh), but also remarkably quiet....

MartinF

I walked this route in reverse (i.e. Winchburgh to Linlithgow) in March 2023....

wellchoughed

The route leaves Kirkliston along the relatively busy B9080....

wellchoughed

The path is in poor condition, narrow for most of the distance between Kirkliston and Winchburgh, and overgrown and muddy in places. In heavy rain conditions the path can flood....

nickplain

Probably easier as a cycling route rather than a walking route as a lot of it is on narrow contry roads. It's apleasant enough route once you are away from the noise of traffic and the M90. Some cracking views to be had on a nice day....

Paul

Off road, level, tarmaced surface - good for walking, running or cycling....

Mairi