4.5
(471)
6,093
hikers
290
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Philpstoun, located in West Lothian, Scotland, offer a variety of landscapes for outdoor exploration. The region features the Philpstoun North Bing, a prominent hill providing elevated viewpoints. The historic Union Canal offers level towpaths, while the Almond Valley provides woodland and green spaces for leisurely walks. These natural features contribute to a diverse hiking environment.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
4.6
(16)
389
hikers
3.89km
01:00
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
65
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.0
(1)
10
hikers
6.42km
01:43
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
16
hikers
6.69km
01:44
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
7.15km
01:55
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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No, it's not a garden gnome but a Scotsman standing on the wall. Sometimes it's the little things in life 👌🏻!
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A nice view of the castle and bridges (in the background) before reaching the castle itself. It's worth the small detour off of the route to visit the castle.
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Parking is available near the Palace. The idyllic town offers enough opportunities for a stop after the visit.
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The builder of Midhope Castle, which was built in the late 16th century, is Alexander Drummond of Midhope of the Drummond clan. It later passed to the Earls of Linlithgow of the Livingstone Clan. Two additions on the east side were added at an unspecified date in the 17th century. Midhope Castle was the location of Lallybroch's Outlander television series based on the books of Diana Gabaldon's Highland saga. (Wikipedia)
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Linlithgow Palace lies roofless and ruined but you can see how it was once an amazing royal palace. Work began to build the palace in 1424 when James 1st ordered a pleasure palace to replace the fire damaged older residence. The Royals used it as a rest stop and nursery as they travelled between Edinburgh and Stirling. It didn't last long though once the royals moved to London in 1603 it fell into disrepair and was finished by a huge fire in 1746. Today the site is managed by Historic Scotland. You can visit some of the castle and have a look around. The run around the loch gives great views from all angles.
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Linlithgow Loch is a shallow freshwater loch which is interesting as an example of how lakes can adapt to eutrophication. Over the years high levels of agricultural run off has entered the loch creating algal blooms. It's now a SSSI as a lowland eutrophic loch which supports representative examples of aquatic and emergent plant communities. There is a nice trail around the loch to walk with great views of the castle.
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There are over 170 easy hiking trails around Philpstoun, offering a wide variety of landscapes and experiences for all abilities.
Easy hikes in Philpstoun feature a mix of accessible canal towpaths, gentle woodland paths, and routes offering views from local hills. The historic Union Canal provides level paths, while areas like the Almond Valley offer serene woodland environments.
Yes, many easy trails are suitable for families. The level towpaths along the Union Canal are particularly good for leisurely strolls. For a route with historical interest, consider the Dudley Cat Statue – Linlithgow Palace loop from Bridgend, which is 4.2 miles long and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Most easy hiking trails around Philpstoun are dog-friendly, especially those along the Union Canal and through woodland areas. Always keep dogs under control and be mindful of local signage, especially near livestock or nature reserves.
Yes, many of the easy routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Union Canal at Linlithgow – Linlithgow Loch loop from Linlithgow, which is 4.3 miles long and offers varied scenery.
Easy hikes can lead to several interesting sights. The Philpstoun North Bing offers elevated views of the surrounding region. You can also find historical points of interest like Cockleroy Hill Summit or the Cairnpapple Hill, which provide excellent viewpoints. The Forth Bridge is another notable landmark visible from some routes.
Parking is generally available at various points along the Union Canal and near popular starting points for trails, such as in Linlithgow. Specific parking information for country parks like Beecraigs and Muiravonside, or attractions like Linlithgow Peel, can usually be found on their respective websites.
Yes, Philpstoun and nearby towns like Linlithgow are accessible by public transport, including train and bus services. The Union Canal towpath, for instance, can be accessed from various points along its route, many of which are close to public transport links.
The easy trails in Philpstoun are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from tranquil canal paths to scenic hill views, and the historical points of interest along the routes.
Yes, the towns and villages surrounding Philpstoun, particularly Linlithgow, offer a good selection of cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can enjoy refreshments before or after your hike.
Philpstoun's easy trails can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, many of the lower-level paths and canal towpaths remain accessible for a refreshing walk.


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