Plains and Hillend Loch

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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.

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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.