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WALKS IN SCOTLAND

Linlithgow

The following Linlithgow guide is based on my own experience and therefore description given in the guide necessarily contains an element of subjective opinion which may not reflect your own experience on another occasion.


Linlithgow in short - Key Attractions



About Linlithgow


Linlithgow is easily accessible by train and car.  If you plan to go to Linlithgow by train you may be pleased to know that there is a frequent train service linking Edinburgh, Linlithgow and other towns. It takes approximately 20 minutes train journey from Edinburgh Waverly Station. During the weekend you may pay as little as £6.30 for the return ticket (price per person as at May 2008).


The town offers very interesting monuments, relaxing walk around the loch and one of the finest fish and chips shops in the area (see the map for the exact location).


The Fore Entrance


First monument you will notice while walking through Kirkgate towards the Palace is the fore entrance. It was built for King James V (1513 – 1542) around 1535 and gave access to the ‘peel’ or outer enclosure surrounding the palace. Above outer arch are carved the arms of the four European Orders of Chivalry to which James V belonged: the Garter, bestowed by his uncle Henry VIII of England; the Thistle, which James himself founded; the Golden Fleece, given him by the Emperor Charles V, and St Michael by Francis I of France. The stonework was renewed completely in 1845 and has since been painted and gilded as the originals had been.


Linlithgow Palace


The palace is located approximately 10 min walk from the train station. To enter the palace you will have to pay small admission fee of £5.00 (Summer 2007).


The magnificent ruins of the palace was once one of the principal royal residences in Northern Europe and was the birthplace of both Mary, Queen of Scots and her father James V of Scotland. A royal manor house probably existed from the time of King David I (1124 – 1153). The manor was destroyed by fire in 1424. Rebuilt after the fire it was again finally destroyed by fire in 1746. The west range, the plainest of the four fronts of the palace, was completed about 1504 in the reign of James IV. The row of large rectangular windows at the first floor level represents a suite of royal rooms: from left to right: the King’s bedchamber, followed by an intervening lobby, two windows for the presence chamber and two more for the King’s hall. The Queen’s suite of room was on the floor above, but most of its windows opened on to the inner courtyard.


The Church of St. Michael of Linlithgow


The church is one of the most complete ancient places of worship in Scotland. Although present church dates from the middle of the fifteenth century, the church had occupied the site, next to the royal manor since the time of King David I (1124 -1153).


About the walk


If you are looking for some relaxing path on Sunday afternoon Linlithgow is is a perfect place to go. A well surfaced walkway 2.3 m (3.6 km) around the loch will give you a magnificent view of Linlithgow Palace and St. Michael’s Church. If you are a bird watching enthusiast you may be pleased with the abundant water birds including swans, ducks, crested, little grebes and a wide variety of water fowl.


Due to extensive wide flow population the loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is a really lovely place to go!


Did you know?


In Linlithgow Mary - Queen of Scots was born.


Published on 6th March 2010


By Arek Zasowski

Photographs by Viola and Arek Zasowski

Linlithgow

Few points worth considering


Once a year in July a spectacular jousting event takes place on the field beside the Linlithgow Palace. The event which is organised by Historic Scotland may be a really great fun for the whole family. If you are a fan of knights and medieval battles you will definitely enjoy it. For the exact dates please refer to Historic Scotland website.