This trail takes you round the site of the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge, which was a product of the power vacuum in Scotland created by the death of James IV at Flodden in 1513.
On 4 September 1526, land to the south of Linlithgow Bridge (on the town’s western fringes) was the site of a battle which took place when the Earl of Lennox and his army of 10,000 men, on their way to Edinburgh to free the young King James V from his Regent, the Earl of Angus, were confronted at the river crossing, initially by a force of 2,000 men loyal to Angus.
Despite the numerical superiority of his own forces, Lennox was forced to surrender once reinforcements supporting Angus arrived from Edinburgh. His subsequent murder is commemorated by the Lennox Cairn. For further information, please visit bolb.org.uk.
Walking the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge Trail:
The trail starts with the information panel at the Linlithgow Bridge crossroads, one of three on the route. Paths can get muddy.
From the starting point, walk south along Mill Road for 100 yards, then turn right into Burgh Mills Lane to join the River Avon Heritage Trail.
Follow the trail until you reach a small wooden bridge. Just past the bridge, look across the river where you may see the ruins of the Manuel Priory amid the trees.
Return to the bridge and turn right, away from the river. When you reach open ground, bear left and uphill. On your left is a pond and you should find a path leading to a clearing where the path turns right and climbs steeply.
Turn left at a broader path and you will reach open ground. The path on your right leads to a gate where you will see, across a roundabout, the Lennox Cairn, which marks the approximate site of the murder of the Earl of Lennox after the battle.
Return to Linlithgow Bridge, northwards via Mill Road.
