Travel Guide to Union Canal

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car, start by getting onto the A7 heading towards Edinburgh. Follow the A7 for approximately 6 miles until you reach the junction for the A720 (City Bypass). Merge onto the A720 and continue for about 4 miles. Take the exit for the A71 toward Livingston. After about 2 miles, you will see signs for the Union Canal. Turn right onto the canal path, where you will find parking available nearby. Please note that parking may incur a small fee, typically around £1-£2 depending on duration.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Union Canal via public transport, start by taking a bus from your location in Midlothian to Edinburgh. Buses such as the Lothian Buses number 3 or 33 frequently run between Midlothian and central Edinburgh, with fares around £1.60-£2.50. Once in Edinburgh, disembark at the West End - Princes Street stop. From there, walk to the Haymarket train station (approximately 0.5 miles) and board a train heading towards Bathgate or Livingston. Get off at the next stop, which is Slateford. From Slateford Station, it is a short 10-minute walk (0.5 miles) to the Union Canal, following signs towards the canal path.

• Bicycle

  For those who enjoy cycling, you can reach Union Canal by bike. Midlothian has various cycling paths that connect to the Union Canal. If starting from Dalkeith, follow the cycle route along the A6094 towards Edinburgh. Join the bike path that leads to the canal at the western end of the canal trail. The ride is approximately 7 miles and should take about 30-40 minutes. Make sure to wear a helmet and follow the local cycling regulations. No additional costs are incurred unless you need to rent a bike.