Day 27: Linlithgow to East Calder
Distance: 14.47 miles / 23.29 km
Weather: Drizzly start, then dry and overcast
Start: 09:17
Finish: 14:45
Today’s leg of the journey continued along the Union Canal, this time leading me all the way to East Calder. The day began with drizzle but gave way to dry skies that made for pleasant walking conditions.
The route wound through remnants of Scotland’s industrial past. I passed old shale heaps, a by-product of the coal workings
One of the final stretches took me over yet another aqueduct, a reminder of the engineering marvels that shape this canal path. Just beyond it I reached the campsite that would be home for the night.
But the highlight was meeting Adam’s cousin Graham and his lovely family, who joined me for the last three miles of the walk. Their company was very welcome and I really appreciated the time they had taken out be with me at the end of the day's walk
Graham and family took me to Lost Shore, an activity centre built with a former quarry and designed for those learning to surf, with a man-made lake and a wave machine! It’s not every day you find surf lessons happening inland. We also visited the Edinburgh International Climbing Centre, a massive indoor facility again in a former quarry - dramatic and impressive.
This evening Adam’s friend Jonny has just arrived. He’ll be walking with me tomorrow so I’m looking forward to that - always great to have company on the trail.
