Tillicoultry Burn - Gartmorn Dam Circular

Family Friendly Rating:     72%


DISTANCE                                  EST. TIME [Excl breaks]                                     CALORIES
  8.5 Miles                                            1 Hour, 20 min                                                    263

Given that it is a Wednesday evening and light is not on my side, I decided to take a smaller cycling route today.  I would recommend starting at the foot of the Tillicoultry Glen for this cycle as there is usually sufficient car parking here.  Tillicoultry Glen once powered 8 Mills located throughout Tillicoultry using a lade system.  Nowadays, the glen is more of a local and tourist attraction and provides scenic walks up one of the Hillfoots better glens and also provides access to it's highest peak 'Ben Cleuch'.

Tillicoultry Burn

From the car park head down the hill under you reach the main road.  Please note on the map below that I have highlighted in red a quieter route if you so wish.  Cross directly over the road and continue across the flat lowlands until you reach the cycle path on the Devon Way.

Follow the Devon Way as far as Sauchie, passing the Auchinbaird Windmill on your left hand side.  Although the windmill is up a small hill and slightly off track it is worth making a detour to see this fine example of an 18th Century windmill which was used to drain a coal pit and was later converted to a dovecot.  The windmill has recently been refurbished thanks to the local council, however, it is the magnificent view of Ochils that is true appeal of this location.

Auchinbaird Windmill

Upon reaching Sauchie, following the residential streets until you reach Gartmorn Dam.  Gartmorn Dam is Scotlands oldest reservoir dating back to 1713.  It was home to the Sherrifyards Colliery which is now in ruin and a railway once extended up the west side of the dam to service this site.  The ruins are easily missed, as although they are at the side of the path much of it has succumbed to nature.  The old railway line is now the footpath, however, I headed the opposite way around the dam along initially the farm road and then on to the dirt path. The dam is now located in the Country Park of the same name and is home to a fishery.  Fishing permits can be purchased at the visitors centre.  There are plenty of resting places [picnic benches and seats] around the dam and I chose to rest for a moment at one near the visitors centre.  After a quick call to Sarah, who was working, I recommenced the cycle heading past the visitors centre on my left.  The visitors centre has toilet facilities and a very small shop.  These are seasonal and are quite often not open when I visit the dam.  There is also a small exhibition inside which can enlighten you on the history of the dam and provides details of the fauna and animals that inhibit this natural area.

Sterling Mills

Leaving Gartmorn dam you enter the small coal mining village of Coalsnaughton.  There is not much of interest here, but there are a few shops where refreshments can be purchased.  From here it is a long downhill road as far as the Sterling Mill Outlet Village.  Sterling Mills has a number of places to get food and drink. Within the Mills outlet village, BB's Coffee shop is excellent if you want a coffee and snack or you can get an ice-cream at Thorntons.  If you would rather having something more filling, I would recommend either the Hub [located within Sterling Warehouse] or the Butterfly Inn.  I eat regularly in both these restaurants and the food is always first class.  The Hub is more of a canteen style restaurant where as the Butterfly Inn has more of Pub restaurant feel.  Either way there are plenty of opportunities to refresh yourself here either before or after your cycle.

From here follow the route through the residential streets of Tillicoultry.  You will pass on your way a small shop and then the Fir Park Ski Centre.  The Fir Park Ski centre boasts a 120m dry ski slope [the second largest in Scotland] and provides lessons and recreational skiing and snowboarding as well as tubing parties.

Following along the foothill you soon arrive back at the car park at the foot of the glen.

Gartmorn Dam

CYCLE STREET LINKS

Section 1:  Tillicoultry Glen to Sauchie [Quietest Route]

Section 2:  Sauchie to Gartmorn Dam [Quietest Route]

Section 3:  Gartmorn Dam to Sterling Mills [Quietest Route]

Section 4:  Sterling Mills to Tillicoultry Glen [Quietest Route]

View Tillicoultry - Gartmorn Dam Circular in a larger map

Canals and Castles

Family Friendly Rating:     73%


DISTANCE                                  EST. TIME [Excl breaks]                                     CALORIES
  19 Miles                                                 3 Hours                                                          566

Union Canal

Following on from last weeks cycle from the Falkirk Wheel to Linlithgow we decided to try out a cycle heading from Linlithgow following the canal path out towards Winchburgh.  From their we headed up towards Hopetoun House, followed the coastal path to Blackness Castle before returning back towards  Linlithgow.

This cycle turned out to be very scenic. From beauty of the union canal to historic houses, this cycle has a lot of interest along it's route.

We parked the car at Water Yett, which was free, but a little on the busy side considering this was on a Sunday Morning at 11am.  Typically, the rain had just started as we arrived at the car park so we waited a few moments for it to lighten before setting off.

Before I delve in to the cycle itself, it worthy to note that Linlithgow has numerous places to snack and eat and most of these are open on a Sunday given it's touristy nature.  Unfortunately along the cycle there are not a lot of opportunities to eat/drink so it may be advantageous to utilise the facilities here either before or after your cycle.  We opted for the latter and revisited the Deli Cafe which we had visited the previous week.  Predictably we had the same as last week except this time we thought we would indulge in a couple of the very tempting cakes that they have on display here.  The food again was first class although the cakes were nothing special and were of the standard that could be found in most Supermarket Cafes.  Nonetheless the calorie intake was welcome after the cycle.

The route we opted to cycle round this circular was probably the easier of the two options as there was steep decline from Hopeton down to the Forth.  This would have been a heavy climb if going in the opposite direction.  Also, this route assumes you travel straight in to Winchburgh, however, I have highlighted on the map below a short cut in red which eliminates the need for this and also cuts out a little bit of time on a main road.

Linlithgow Canal Museum

From car park at the loch side, we crossed over the main road in Linthgow and headed up the modestly steep hill towards the union canal tow path.  When you reach the tow path you arrive at the Linlithgow Canal Museum.  This is probably one of the prettiest locations along the canal.  The museum is free and for a small fee you can also take a boat trip in either direction along the canal.  For a much less modest fee you can even hire your own boat to cruise up and down the canal.  The museum also has a small tea room, but unfortunately I have not eaten here so would be unable to recommend or otherwise this establishment.

Leaving the canal museum behind and heading eastward along the Union Canal, you travel for a few miles on probably the quietest and most rural section of this canal.  You do pass by a couple of villages, but these are small and it is very much a pass-by.

Duntarvie Castle

As you begin to reach Winchburgh you travel through an old shale quarry at Old Philipstoun, the mounds at either side being a bright red.  As you leave the quarry behind, you will pass the remains of the Auldcathie Church.  This is on the opposite side of the canal to the tow path and is not visible from the cycle way.  It is the remains of an old 14th Century chapel.  I would not recommend a detour to visit this place as the only element remaining is the two gable walls.

Winchburgh is a rather nondescript town and is probably not worth lingering at, however, it is the location for turning and heading towards Hopetoun.

As you travel along the B8020 toward Hopetoun, you will pass the ruins of Duntarvie castle.  These ruins can be seen from the motorway alongside.  This castle was actually a Long Scots Renaissance Villa originally built in the 17th Centuary, although some records suggest it may be as early as the13th Century.  It is currently under restoration, however, this is exceedingly slow as work started on it's repair in 1994.

Hopetoun House

As you continue along this route it is not long before you reach the magnificent Hopetoun House.  Hopeton House is without doubt one of the most impressive country houses in Scotland and was built in the early 18th Century.    This historic house has managed to survive through many Scottish battles which have led to the destruction of many other historic buildings including the likes of Linlithgow Palace.

Heading down towards the Forth estuary you will notice a church on your right hand side.  This is Abercorn Church, situated in the picturesque hamlet of Abercorn.  Although there has been many extensions made to the church over the years, the earliest parts of the church date back to the 12th Century and it is believed that the grounds on which it stands had been sacred since as early as the 5th Century.

Leaving the church behind, you travel down a windy path until you reach the cycle way along the banks of the Forth.  This is a lovely stretch to cycle.  Looking across the Forth estuary you will see the naval town of Rosyth and depending upon the day you may also see the cross channel ferry.  Back along the forth is the imposing sight of the Forth Road Bridge and Forth Rail Bridge.  The later is over 2.5km long and when constructed in the 19th Century it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Blackness Castle

The cycle path continues along the edge of the Forth through Wester Shore Wood before opening up onto the grassy banks at Blackness Castle.  Blackness Castle is a striking castle sitting at the headland to Blackness Bay.  Built in 1449, the castle has been under numerous occupations and has been used as a garrison, prison and even a movie set.  Films including Ivanhoe [1997] and Doomsday [2008] have been filmed at this location.

Returning back towards Linlithgow, there is little to see except the green countryside until your reach the town of Linlithgow itself.  On the final stretch you would pass by the once regal Linlithgow Palace.  Although now mostly in ruin it is not hard to see the previous splendour of this building.  This building has been a Royal House since the 12th Century but following the defeat at Culloden in 1746 the Cumberland Troops set the building ablaze and the building remained in this state until today.

Linlithgow Palace

CYCLE STREET LINKS

Section 1:  Linlithgow to Winchburgh [Quietest Route]
Section 2:  Winchburgh to Abercorn [Quietest Route]
Section 3:  Abercorn to Blackness [Quietest Route]
Section 4:  Blackness to Borrowstoun Road [Quietest]
Section 5:  Borrowstoun Road to Linlithgow [Quietest]

View Linlithgow - Hopeton House Circular in a larger map

Falkirk Wheel to Linlithgow

Family Friendly Rating:     89%


DISTANCE                                  EST. TIME [Excl breaks]                                     CALORIES
  24 Miles                                                 3.5 Hours                                                        836

Falkirk Wheel

The sun was shinning today, so we decided to try a new cycle route from the Falkirk Wheel to Linlithgow and back via Callander Park and Falkirk town centre.  Although the sun was shinning for the most part, it varied from warm and breezy cold and as such our clothes and hats were on an off like yo-yos.

The Falkirk Wheel is a magnificent structure.  Located near Rough Castle, it links the Union Canal with the Forth and Clyde Canal and replaces the previous 11 locks that link these two canals.  The structure is 24m high. Pleasure trips can be taken from the basin to through the Rough Castle Tunnel whilst travelling on the wheel.  This attraction boasts a visitors centre with a cafe, shop and exhibition centre.  Toilets can also be found here and cycle parking can be found at the Falkirk Wheel car park.  During our visit all the cycle parking bays were empty.  As this was the start of our journey, we did not spend any time here but instead cycled straight up to the Rough Castle Tunnel, through and onto the Union Canal.

Rough Castle Tunnel

Cycling along the tow path is great fun and exciting.  There are some locations where cycling is not possible.  The passage through the Falkirk tunnel at 696 yards was very long and in places very dark.  I think we bumped into [literally] a couple of people as we just could not see 2 feet in front of ourselves.  Exiting the tunnel at the other end, our nerves were shot and our mouths thirsty.  Vowing not to return this route we recommenced the cycle on to Linlithgow.

Luckily and surprisingly we found a Tesco on the banks of the canal at Polmont and we stopped their for a drink before heading further on.

Sheep and Lambs on the Canal Bank

The Union Canal is very picturesque for the vast majority of the journey and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.  We saw many of these on our cycle including the usual farm animals and ducks, herons and other wild birds.

Half way between the Tescos and Linlithgow you pass over the Avon aqueduct, which we were lucky enough to pass on our return also.  This is a magnificent site and is the second longest aqueduct in the UK.  It towers to an amazing 86ft and is 810ft long.  It was built by Thomas Telford and transverses the Muiravonside Country Park.  Views from this aqueduct are simply spectacular.  Again, it is important to walk over the aqueduct.  The ground is slippery here and there isn't much to stop you falling straight into the canal.

Avon Aqueduct

A couple of miles final push and you reach the very picturesque town of Linlithgow.  Being a Sunday, there was  a bit a of buzz about the town with plenty of people enjoying its many attractions including the wonderful palace.  We did not spend much time exploring this wonderful town, but instead set about finding somewhere for some lunch.  Firstly, whilst there were quite a few cyclists in Linlithgow on the day we visited, there was more than sufficient cycle parking areas and we had no problem finding a location. [We utilised the bays outside the Taste Deli Cafe]. After a quick scout of the local eateries we opted for the Taste Deli Cafe.  We had picked this primarily because we were not looking for a big lunch but somewhere where we could enjoy a sandwich and a coffee.  As it turned out it was a fantastic pick.  We both had rolls.  Mine with scrambled egg and cheese with bacon.  Superb.  Sarah having a 'Rabbies breakfast' which she could not stop raving about most of the way home.  We both had decaffeinated skinny latte's which were excellent and all this came to a modest £10.  Staff were super friendly and we could not recommend this cafe highly enough.

Haining Castle

We returned the way had come, at least as far as the Tesco store. On the way back, keep an eye open for Haining Castle on your right hand side beside railway depot. Built around circa 14th Century by William de Crawfurde de Manuel, this building is a fine example of an L Plan tower house.  Be warned however, this building has been fenced off as it is very unsafe.  Although it could be accessed from the cycle path, it is set far enough back to not warrant a risk to anyone but the most persistent of visitors.

On reaching the Tesco store we left the canal path, in order to avoid the dark tunnel, and headed down towards Callender Park.  The road down to the Park has a combined cycle path/footpath and as such there is no need to spend any time on the roads. When exiting from the canal path head to the front right of the Tesco store and you will find a link here to the cycleway.   Callender Park is abound by paths and cycleway. It boasts a lake, golf course, mini golf, boating, bouncy castle, play park, historic house and other attractions.  The park was quite busy at this point and we did not stop.  We merely cycled down through woods, along the spine of the park and out the other side heading towards Falkirk town centre.  A quick stop at Cafe Nero for another coffee before returning to the Falkirk Wheel via the Forth and Clyde Canal.  We took the the road beside the old hospital and the new school back to the Forth and Clyde Canal as this road incorporated a cycle path/footpath and resulted in very little time being spent on the road.  The only roads we actually cycled on were very quiet back streets behind the town centre.

Union Canal

CYCLE STREET LINKS

Section 1:  The Falkirk Wheel to The Taste Deli, Linlithgow [Quietest Route]
Section 2:  The Taste Delie, Linlithgow to Cafe Nero, Falkirk [Quietest Route]
Section 3:  Cafe Nero, Falkirk to The Falkirk Wheel [Balanced Route]

CYCLE ROUTE MAP

 
View Falkirk Wheel - Linlithgow in a larger map

Gartmorn Dam - Alva Circular

Family Friendly Rating:     70%


DISTANCE                                  EST. TIME [Excl breaks]                                     CALORIES
  9 Miles                                            1 Hour, 20 minutes                                                  345

Sterling Mills

Although it is a rather cold and wet Friday night, I thought a small cycle would have been a good way to build up some heat.  I would recommend that you park in the Sterling Mills car park.  This is free and has plenty of space.  It has the added advantage of having a number of places to get food and drink. Within the Mills outlet village, BB's Coffee shop is excellent if you want a coffee and snack or you can get an ice-cream at Thorntons.  If you would rather having something more filling, I would recommend either the Hub [located within Sterling Warehouse] or the Butterfly Inn.  I eat regularly in both these restaurants and the food is always first class.  The Hub is more of a canteen style restaurant where as the Butterfly Inn has more of Pub restaurant feel.  Either way there are plenty of opportunities to refresh yourself here either before or after your cycle.

As most people are aware, I prefer to cycle on routes that minimise the use of roads and in particular busy main roads and whilst the start of this cycle requires you to cycle on a road it usually not very busy and it is not for very long.  On the downside the road which leads up to the coal mining village of Coalsnaughton is quite steep and is quite a challenge depending upon your fitness level.  Fortunately there is a small general store at the top of the hill so if you need a quick refreshment these can be purchased here.  Be-aware, there is not alot of refreshment/toilet stops along this route.

Gatmorn Dam

Once you reach the top of the hill you will continue along the farm roads and paths until you get to Gartmorn Dam.  Gartmorn Dam is Scotlands oldest reservoir dating back to 1713.  It was home to the Sherrifyards Colliery which is now in ruin and a railway once extended up the west side of the dam to service this site.  The ruins are easily missed, as although they are at the side of the path much of it has succumbed to nature.  The old railway line is now the footpath, however, I headed the opposite way around the dam along initially the farm road and then on to the dirt path. The dam is now located in the Country Park of the same name and is home to a fishery.  Fishing permits can be purchased at the visitors centre.  There are plenty of resting places [picnic benches and seats] around the dam and I chose to rest for a moment at one near the visitors centre.  After a quick call to Sarah, who was working, I recommenced the cycle heading past the visitors centre on my left.  The visitors centre has toilet facilities and a very small shop.  These are seasonal and are quite often not open when I visit the dam.  There is also a small exhibition inside which can enlighten you on the history of the dam and provides details of the fauna and animals that inhibit this natural area.

Auchinbaird Windmill

From here there are two routes available in order to reach the Devon Way.  One is to head over the hill on the right hand side as you leave the dam, although, it is easy to get lost in this forest and the cycling is not very easy, particularly heading this way round.  Instead I decided to take the residential streets through Sauchie and whilst not particularly interesting it is a quick and easy route to get to the much more attractive Devon Way.  

Once on the Devon Way heading back towards Tillicoultry the cycle becomes easier as the route is a gentle downhill gradient.  A few hundred yards along this track I passed the Auchinbaird Windmill.  Although this is up a small hill and slightly of track it is worth making a detour to see this fine example of an 18th Century windmill which was used to drain a coal pit and was later converted to a dovecot.  The windmill has recently been refurbished thanks to the local council, however, it is the magnificent view of Ochils that is true appeal of this location.

Sauchie Tower

I continued along the cycle path for another couple of hundred yards, before exiting where the sign to Alva is located.  This section of approximately 1 mile is along a fairly busy road but it is all downhill or flat and makes for an easy cycle. As you pass down this road you, if you look to your right you will see Sauchie Tower.  This 15th tower house has recently been restored by a local community group, however, no access is permitted within the building.  You can get within a few metres from the lane leading to the equestrian centre.  The original lands of Sauchie were granted to Henri de Annand by King Robert the Bruce, but it would not be for another 110 years before Sir James Schaw of Greenock commenced the construction of this tower.  Alexander Schaw commissioned the construction of a house in the courtyard to the North West of the tower.  The house was unfortunately demolished in the 1920's after the land was purchased for coal mining.  The tower remained in a fairly good condition and thanks to lottery funding in 2002, the tower was  restored to it's current state.

Continuing along the road I passed the low lying fields of the Hillfoots valley, the magnificent Ochil hills directly in front of me, before reaching the Hillfoots Road.  Crossing over the road, I headed up to rural lane towards the 'Woodland Park'.  The Woodland Park offers a number of easy walks as well as a play park for children but I am just heading through for the path back to Tillicoultry.  As I continue along this path it narrows considerable before opening up and heading back down towards Tillicoultry with Tillicoultry Golf Course on my right.  I cycle down the side of Tillicoultry burn which once powered eight textile mills, crossed over the Hillfoots road before following the residential streets back to Sterling Mills car park.

Woodland Park

CYCLE STREET LINKS

Section 1:  Sterling Mills to Gartmorn Dam [Quietest Route]

Section 2:  Gartmorn Dam to the Devon Way [Quietest Route]

Section 3:  The Devon Way to the Woodland Park [Balanced Route]

Section 4:  The Woodland Park to Sterling Mills [Quietest Route]

CYCLE ROUTE MAP

View Gartmorn Dam Cycle in a larger map

Cycling Trails

When you read many websites for cycling trails throughout, they seem to show you the 'fastest' ways to get to your destination. Along main roads, motorways and the like.  This is not what could be called family leisure cycling.  Using local knowledge is always the best way to ascertain the best 'leisure' cycle routes with places to stop along the way.

The trails listed on this blog are for family trails and where possible minimise the use of main roads. Hyper Smash