Revisiting Linlithgow
When I first moved to Scotland I lived in the quaint royal burgh of Linlithgow, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and in 2222, Scotty from Star Trek. (Although if you watch the recent film, you will note that actor Simon Pegg reinvented the character as a Glaswegian).
Linlithgow has everything: a charming high street, an ancient stone palace, stunning nature walks, an excellent chocolate shop that sells the best strawberry cremes around, and an award-winning, gorgeous pub with low ceilings and arched fireplaces. Placed centrally between Edinburgh and Glasgow, it’s an easy destination to add to a tour calendar and yet it leaves you feeling like you have been somewhere “off the map.”
If you have all day, and I hope you do, you can visit the Union Canal and take a leisurely boat trip to the Falkirk Wheel. Or you can walk a short distance along the canal until you get to the road that leads uphill to the entrance to Beecraigs Country Park, one of my favourite places in West Lothian. Although many enjoy the hike up to Cockleroy Hill for the views, I always preferred to stay among the trees, ducking off the trail at one beloved spot to gaze down at the farms below.
Since we are nearing the holidays, it is worth noting that if you happen to be visiting Scotland over Christmas, a journey to St. Michael’s for their Carols by Candlelight service in late December is well worth the trip.
Can’t get enough of Linlithgow? One photographer recently completed a year-long series of photos of Linlithgow Loch. They put my little happy snaps to shame and will definitely make you want to visit.