John Muir Way · Overnight stop
Accommodation in Linlithgow
The end of the fifth day, on the Union Canal, with Linlithgow Palace — Mary Queen of Scots' birthplace — on its loch above the town.
End of day five · Stage stop
A historic town of about 13,000 with a palace ruin, a loch loop and a high street of pubs and a bakery, twenty minutes from Edinburgh. The palace, the town museum and the Burgh Halls are all passport stamping stations.
The fifth night on the standard schedule. Scotland's Great Trails suggests planning extra time here.
What is actually in Linlithgow
Hotels and B&Bs, and good restaurants.
How far ahead to book
A few weeks is usually enough; summer weekends are tighter than weekdays.
When it is full
Edinburgh is 20 minutes by train and Falkirk is back up the line.
Getting there, and getting out
Linlithgow station is five minutes' walk from the palace: Edinburgh Waverley about 20 minutes, Glasgow Queen Street about 35.
Camping
No. Town and canal.
Food and resupply
Supermarkets (Tesco, Co-op) and a bakery on the high street.
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