A Scottish Story – Day 8, Drifting along the canals between the city and Linlithgow

Distance: 36km

Somehow in my mind I’d built up a bit of a road block when it comes to the next section of the walk. For three days I’m to walk the tow paths of the canals, so named because horses used to walk alongside the canals and tow small punts up them.

My fears were two-fold. Firstly, I was just worried about how my feet were going to cope with pounding the pavement for three days straight. And secondly, a culmination of probable boredom, long distances and limited camping opportunities.

The first problem I’ve tried to solve with some cushioned inner soles. The second, wait, see, and wing it.

I was up reasonably early and nervously ready at the train station to catch a ride back to Slateford, where I would rejoin the hike. I bought tickets and then looked at the schedule board. More than an hour wait! Kaa duu. I’m actually pretty proud of myself for this quick pivot. I immediately decided I couldn’t waste that time and found the taxi stand. I was a little poorer, but at the starting point 10 minutes later. I’d walked a full 7km by the time I would have reached the starting point, had I stuck with the train. So, a win to me.

The canals were…ok A combination of the sun shining and the long weekend meant that exercisers were out in droves. The sound of bike bells dinging is still ringing in my ears. Aside from forced people watching, there wasn’t much variety in scenery. Sometimes the tow path wound through lush, green forest. Sometimes it ran alongside the motorway. The distance was fine on the flattest of surfaces. The hardest part of the day was trying to find appropriate opportunities for toilet stops. With no public toilets the whole way, you’ve got to be quick – that’s all I can say. The highlight of the day was meeting a group of incredibly friendly female Indian bike riders whom I shared a lunch spot with. They literally cheered me on when they rode away.

As I felt uncomfortable about camping so close to the tow path or the busy roads, I’m staying at a caravan park in Linlithgow. It’s not somewhere I would stay given a choice, squeezed as it is into a small space between two major roads. Still, I’ve been able to have a shower (now THAT was the most dangerous part of the day – a running loop of scalding hot water one minute and freezing cold the next!) and I’m tucked onto some stairs, having a wine and listening to 80’s power ballards blasting from one of the caravans. Not sure what sort of sleep it will be tonight….But at least I feel safe and secure and am enjoying the tunes!

This articles was originally published on The Tek and can be found here