Linlithgow - Canal, Centre & Palace

Essential Intel

Some grounds gates on this mission are locked from the late evening, and at 6pm on Sundays. Allow enough time to complete the 2-mile route before then.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Linlithgow Canal, centre and Palace, with Agents racing to stop Ruby Diamond, who has stolen diaries linked to Mary Queen of Scots' jewels and planted a device under Linlithgow Palace; your mission is to solve the intel around Linlithgow and deactivate it before the historic building is destroyed.

The operation covers 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at Linlithgow Cross Well, outside the Burgh Halls at the bottom of the hill to the Palace, then investigate the town centre, canal side and Palace Loch before returning to Linlithgow Cross Well.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes narrow pavements, steps, a bridge crossing, downhill sections and a canal towpath.

Use pedestrian traffic lights to cross the main road, take care on the canal path near the water's edge, watch out for bicycles on the towpath, and be careful on the bridge crossing. If you want to avoid steps near Strawberry Bank, head to the bridge over the railway, go down Dog Well Wynd, turn right, then after Court Residence turn right past the Museum on the left.

Getting There

By car: Start your mission at Linlithgow Cross Well, outside the Burgh Halls at the bottom of the hill to the Palace (EH49 7EY). The recommended parking is The Vennel Street car park (EH49 7EQ). Plan for three hours parking to successfully complete your assignment.

By public transport: Make your way to Linlithgow Cross Well, outside the Burgh Halls at the bottom of the hill to the Palace, to begin the operation. This is a circular Trail and finishes back at Linlithgow Cross Well, where you started.

Need the Loo?

There are toilets available at The Partnership Centre at Clue 9, making it a handy comfort stop once your squad is part way through the mission.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents are welcome on this mission. 🐾

The route includes town centre streets, narrow pavements, steps, downhill sections, a bridge crossing and a canal towpath, so keep canine recruits close around traffic, bicycles and the water's edge.

Food & Drink Stops

Code-cracking is hungry work, and there are plenty of chances to grab refreshments along the High Street. There is also a tea room near Clue 17.

If you'd rather bring your own field rations, pack supplies and enjoy a picnic at Clues 15-18. There is also a play park just before this section for Mini Agents with surplus energy to burn.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace is the historic centrepiece of this operation. It hosted the old Scots Parliament on several occasions, with the last meeting held here in 1646 during the great plague in Edinburgh, when the capital business was transferred to Linlithgow.

St Michael's Church

The mission gives views of St Michael's Church with its unique spire, then later passes close by it again as the route leaves the palace grounds. Once Ruby Diamond's plot is under control, it's worth taking a calmer look at this striking landmark.

The Canal Centre and Canal Museum Buildings

After crossing the road bridge over the canal, the route passes the Canal Centre area and the Canal Museum buildings. With a tea room mentioned nearby, this is a practical stop-off point as well as a waterside slice of the mission.

Mary Queen of Scots Statue

The route passes the statue of Mary Queen of Scots near the palace grounds before heading back down towards the start. Given Ruby Diamond's stolen diaries are linked to Mary Queen of Scots' jewels, this is a neat extra moment for Agents following the story threads.

Linlithgow Town Wall

Keep your eyes open for the old Linlithgow Town Wall as you explore. Parts of it still remain along the route, including some 17th century doorways that are 'entombed for evermore' - suitably mysterious intel for any observant squad.