A Hidden Gem just outside Edinburgh: Linn Jaw Waterfall

While searching routes for the big circle around Edinburgh I stumbled upon a hidden gem ( so the description I found later thanks Google, mentioned in several photoblogs) a wee bit outside Mid Calder. To get to that gem, the Linn Jaw Waterfall, we start at Mid Calder and explore part of the Calderwood. Calderwood is a wild ancient woodland on the very fringes of industrial Livingston. Saved from development by the ravines of the Linhouse and Murieston Waters it is now a site of special scientific interest, rich in wildlife. But not enough, we leave the wood on its southside, underpass A71 and follow in a distance Linnhouse Water upstream to reach Linnhouse Glen Nature Reserve. We walk along the railway line westwards, first on a narrow path, then through woodland and finally dancing through a bog to join a farmtrack which we follow until we hit the minor road U38. Taking this in Southern direction to catch the Linn Jaw Path, which leads us to our gem. The waterfall is a tiny bit off the track, requests a climb over a rotten fence. Here we will have our lunchbreak and photostop but be aware the "path" down to the ground for exceptional shots is steep and might be muddy and slippery. WE continue our walk, go around Morton Reservoir and descend on a minor road back to A71 which we have to cross very cautiously to enter again Calderwood. This time we take a track between Murieston Water and Linnhouse Water down to our starting point in Mid Calder, either for a bus (27/28 every 30 min on Sundays) back to Edinburgh or a wee pint in the Fork and Field

Requirements: a substantial good level of fitness is required for this 16.3 km/10.1 mi walk

Distance: ca 16.3 km /10.1 mi (+/-265m)

Route: can be found here (https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7194225)

Total time: ca 4 hours plus breaks, travel to Mid Calder 1 h, travel from Mid Calder 1 h (traffic dependent)

Terrain: tarmac , gravel paths, grass paths, woodland path, very muddy paths full of puddles and no path at all, a ; bog holes and gates

Clothing: hillwalking boots with good grip, all weather clothing, waterproofs

Food /drink: bring a packed lunch and sufficient water to avoid dehydration

Dogs: well behaved dogs are welcome, but bring a short lead with you, we share our path on some parts with cattle and sheep (of course) and you may need to be able to lift your dog over gates and fences.

Getting there : First Bus 27 and 28 bring us to Mid Calder, be aware thin schedule on Sunday morning: Bus 28 leaving Regent Road at 09.55 is the choice being there on time (arr 10.48), let me know when you make other travel arrangements or join en route (ticket single £3.70, day return £6.30 exact fare, no change)

Coming back: First bus 27 or 28 every 30 min bring you back to city centre

Boring but Important:

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