Plains and Hillend Loch - X Marks the Scot

**cessna152towser** · #1 04-15-2007, 10:31 AM

A visit yesterday to Ann's Aunt Maisie at Plains.

The bottom of their garden is bounded by on old railway line, on the other side of which is Plains Country Park

This small hill was originally built up in the 19th century from the spoils of mining excavations; over the years vegetation has covered it and it now forms part of the landscape of the country park.

The hill affords a panoramic view over the timber depot and into Plains village, which is situated on the old coaching road from Glasgow to Edinburgh, now known as the A89. Modern day through traffic between the two cities avoids the intermediate towns and villages by using the M8 motorway, which passes two or three miles south of here.

The North Calder Water flows through the country park, on its meandering way to join the Clyde on the eastern suburbs of Glasgow.

There are several small waterfalls within the country park

At other points the flow of the river is more lazy.

Here there are the remains of an old dam, and a sluice which led into a lade which served a water mill a short way down stream.

**cessna152towser** · #2 04-15-2007, 10:36 AM

Laura's Pond. Seven year old Laura, daughter of a local farmer, died from leukaemia and is commemorated by her statue which stands on the island in the pond.

On the road bridge over the North Calder Water.

There are also stables and grazing paddocks adjoining Plains Country Park.

Plains Country Park also contains a few animal sculptures a children's play area.

**cessna152towser** · #3 04-15-2007, 10:46 AM

The railway through Plains was the shortest route between Glasgow and Edinburgh but was slow compared to alternative lines and the central part fell into disuse by the 1980's. This is a busy commuter route at both the Glasgow and Edinburgh ends but there is currently a thirteen mile gap in the tracks between Drumgelloch station at the outer limits of Glasgow local trains and Bathgate at the end of the Edinburgh commuter line. A cycle track links Drumgelloch and Bathgate railway stations, following the old railway route for most of the way, and passing along the shore of Hillend Loch. Now, following a rethink, the railway tracks linking Drumgelloch and Bathgate are soon to be relaid.

Currant bushes flower on the old station platform at Plains

The tarmac cycle track loops through the country park, missing out most of the derelict rail station at Plains, seen here looking east towards Bathgate and Edinburgh.

Later we headed the two or three miles up the road to Hillend Loch for a family meal at the Owl and Trout.

Ann and her cousin Robin

Family meal in the Owl and Trout. Note the view of Hillend Loch from the window.

A final view of Hillend Loch, one of the largest expanses of water in the central lowland belt between Glasgow and Edinburgh.