Avonbridge, Falkirk
★★★
The Central Belt’s River Avon rises in the moors east of Cumbernauld and flows northeast, eventually joining the Firth of Forth at Grangemouth. Although this is a relatively densely populated region of Scotland, the water course is largely a rural one, unblemished by industry or housing. This rather long linear walk explores the most interesting, middle stretch between Avonbridge and Linlithgow, before continuing via the Union Canal to the outskirts of Falkirk, where there is a direct bus link back to the walk start. The route perhaps lacks drama, but there are several smaller sites which add to the variety: viaducts, aqueducts and bridges, minor weirs and waterfalls, attractive woodland, a couple of cafes, and an unexpected rocky outcrop at Wallace’s Cave.
Chronological photo guide
River Avon not far from Avonbridge 
Strath House 
East of Strath House 
Westfield Viaduct 
Westfield Viaduct 
Near Kaemuir Farm 
West of Wallace’s Cave 
Wallace’s Cave 
Carving at Wallace’s Cave 
Waterfall east of Wallace’s Cave 
Passing under Torphichen Bridge 
South of Carribber Mill 
River Avon near Carribber Mill 
Descent into Muiravonside Country Park 
River Avon within the country park 
Avon Aqueduct 
Avon Aqueduct 
Union Canal 
Union Canal 
Views north from the canal 
Union Canal 
Union Canal near Glen Village
Location
O.S. Grid Reference: NS 911727
GPS coordinates: 55.935350,-3.744617
Finish on Falkirk Road (B8028), Glen Village, Falkirk
Bus to Avonbridge (walk start), & from Glen Village (walk finish) |
Falkirk High (0.5 mi from walk finish)
Street parking near walk finish – take the bus to the start (hourly except Sundays – check times in advance)
Key info
20 km / 12 mi | ▲ 210 m |
5.5-6.5 hr |
Linear route
Features:
River Avon;
Westfield Viaduct;
Wallace’s Cave;
Muiravonside Country Park;
⬤ Moderate | Paths throughout: narrow & a little overgrown at first with a few wet spots, but tending to improve. Union Canal section is on wider towpath, mostly surfaced.
Northbound linear walk: start – Blackston Road – follow River Avon Heritage Trail downstream via Westfield Viaduct, Wallace’s Cave, Muiravonside Country Park – Avon Aqueduct – follow Union Canal west via Polmont – finish
On our last visit
Wildlife: Mallards, goosanders, moorhens, swans & cygnets, small woodland birds. The path passed through a field of nervous cows near the start, requiring care.
Weather: Sunny intervals & comfortable temperatures, with forecast showers fortunately missing us.
August 2021
