Walks near Motherwell by train

Moderate climb to Dumyat, the landmark peak at the western Ochils, through mixed woodland and a rhododendron tunnel, with summit views to the Wallace Monument.

Dumyat: A prominent peak at the western end of the Ochil Hills offering outstanding panoramic views over Strathallan and the Forth valley.

Time: 6h (4h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: A moderate hill climb with steep, occasionally slippery paths and crag edges; take care on the descent.

Walk details: Strathallan Community Rail Partnership (PDF).

Rural Union Canal towpath: the Avon Aqueduct (Scotland's longest and tallest) and the 630m Falkirk Tunnel (Scotland's longest); good for wildflowers.

Time: 5h (3h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: Towpath can be muddy; suitable footwear advised.

Walk details: ScotRail (tips).

Easy, flat Kelvin Walkway and Forth & Clyde Canal towpath out of Glasgow, Kelvin Aqueduct to Bowling, through varied landscape and habitat.

Time: 6h (4h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: Towpath can be slippery after rain; good footwear advised.

Walk details: ScotRail (tips).

Recommended: Urban walk with some climbing, through parkland with views over the city, and along Portobello promenade.

Time: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: A quarter urban. Some climbing.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Recommended: A very green, quiet and largely traffic-free route, gently downhill towards Edinburgh for most of the way, with a good surface throughout. It follows the Water of Leith Walkway and then the Union Canal towpath and ending through the city's parks and streets. A few steepish slopes but no stairs; the river path can be muddy in places. Follows National Cycle Route 75 for most of its length and is part of the John Muir Way; the Colinton Tunnel is a highlight. Princes Street Gardens open at 7am and close at dusk.

Waterway: three quarters beside rivers and canals.

Woodland: a third under tree cover.

Time: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Lunch: Cafes near the route at Juniper Green, though most open around 10am.

Warnings: The Slateford Aqueduct has only a narrow, cobbled towpath with a drop, so take care and be patient when passing others.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Recommended: The highlight of the route is the spectacular Avon Aqueduct. A simple, direct and easy-to-follow walk mostly along the Union Canal towpath, with an uphill section from Polmont at the start and a downhill section into Linlithgow. Good surfaces with no road sections and though the towpath is narrow in places and there are stepped sections in Linlithgow. Follows the Union Canal towpath. Linlithgow has plenty of history to explore.

Waterway: nine tenths along the Union Canal.

Time: 4h (2h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

1 end-of-walk reward: the Granary

Warnings: The towpath is narrow in places. Stepped sections in Linlithgow may present problems for some, though alternatives exist.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Recommended: Route into Edinburgh along the shoreline and old railway path, with some modest climbing.

Coastal: three quarters along the coast.

Woodland: two fifths under tree cover.

Time: 8h30 (6h30 walking, 1h30 lunch, 30m break)

Walk details: Railwalks.

Recommended: Predominantly flat and on good surfaces, following riverside paths along the River Irvine and Annick Water and then a long straight former-railway cycle track and a few kilometres of farmland. Makes good use of underpasses; well signed as cycle route 73. Follows National Cycle Route 73 and is suitable for cycling. The riverside is tucked away through trees and grassland and is rich in nature.

Time: 5h (3h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

1 lunch spot: the Brae

Warnings: Building work near the river at the Irvine end means some areas are cordoned off; the riverside route itself is unaffected. Giant hogweed grows beside the path in places and should be avoided as it has a nasty sting.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: Follows a busy road for four fifths of the walk.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Tarmac and compacted-earth riverside footpaths (sometimes narrow) with good views over the river and plus longer stretches of pavement through Bothwell and a retail park. A varied route with an uphill finish. Follows the Clyde Walkway / National Cycle Route 75 along the riverside. Bothwell Castle was undergoing extensive restoration and closed to visitors (Sept 2022).

Woodland: two fifths under tree cover.

Time: 4h (2h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a sixth of the walk. The riverside sections can feel isolated and may become muddy after rain.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 4h30 (3h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 3h30 (2h walking, 1h30 lunch)

Walk details: Slow Ways.