One of the aims of the BOLB project is to establish a well defined battlefield trail so this page will be one which we hope develops over the next few months as we get the route established. In the meantime there follows a quick walking guide to the site. 

We must also mention at this point that this walk is one of many around this wonderful ancient Burgh. The place is full of historic sites and stories.  In order to get the full feel for the battle it is recommended to first stop off in the town and walk along the High Street to Annett House, which houses the town's heritage museum. Here is where the growing collection of battlefield artefacts is kept and the home of a small display detailing the events of the battle. The staff there will be more than happy to talk about the battle and you can purchase all the relevent leaflets and books at the shop. And of course take time to visit Linlithgow Palace, the scene of the Douglas festivities after the battle and James's birth place. Then its time to hop on the bus, car or walk the two miles down to Linlithgow Bridge following the well trodden path of many armies throughout history and in particular the route taken by the Douglas reinforcements arriving from Edinburgh.

We are lucky to have the River Avon Heritage Trail which takes you along the most likely route of the Lennox army from the ford at Manuel Nunnery to Pace Hill. The trail is well marked and maintained however the notice boards established by the Trust looking after the site failed to make any mention of the battlefield. A point we hope to rectify as part of this project.

Access to the battlefield once off the Avon Trail is somewhat limited by the presence of RMC's quarry site which officially is still active and as such for Health and Safety reasons should not be crossed despite a number of unofficial footpaths being set up by dogwalkers and local residents. We look forward to the day when RMC declare the site officially safe for public access and the Right to Roam laws kick in.

In order to get to the Avon Trail, a visitor must make a large detour along the Union Canal, which despite being a pleasant enough walk takes you somewhat off the site of the battle and offers no really good views. Alternatively it is possible to complete the loop by walking along the Torphichen Road, but be warned this is a busy road with no footpaths, but you do get good views of the river valley and it follows the possible route of Lennox's men towards the West Port of the town.

So you will need sturdy boots, waterproofs, midge cream and about 2 hours of your time to complete the trail. The good news is there is a pub and leisure centre on route in which to refresh yourself. Unfortunateley the trail is not ideally suited for buggies or wheelchairs.

We hope you enjoy the stroll and the visit to our Royal Burgh