This walk takes you on a tour of three fascinating abandoned buildings near Polmont. Start at the Lathallan Interchange just off the M9 (Junction 4). A good place to park is at the spur to nowhere (signed Gilston Park) on the roundabout encountered when following the A803 towards Polmont. Alternatively, walk up from the town to this point. Head back along the A803 in the Linlithgow direction. Pavements exist but a couple of crossings are required. Please do so with care. Look to your right and you will see the ruined Lathallan House sitting atop a low hill. A farm road leads towards the property but it usually gated shut and barbed wire makes progress awkward. Be patient, there is an alternative way. 600 yards further on, a rather muddy track leads off the main road to the right, signed as a public right of way.
The path follows a metal fence behind which is located an abandoned quarry. An access point is reached and an information board can be seen inside. The area is now a wild nature reserve and is perhaps worth a look. The track continues straight on before bending sharply to the right and paralleling the busy Edinburgh to Glasgow railway line. Before crossing the bridge over the tracks, pass through a metal gate and climb up the rise across a grassy area criss-crossed with paths and dotted with old tyres. Perhaps once used for something like MotoCross?
From the brow, a wire fence is easily negotiated and you can look down upon the crumbling mansion. The sprawling Grangemouth Refinery sits between the mansion and the distant Ochil Hills - a bizarre but compelling landscape. Should you wish to have a closer look at the house, make your way down and work your away around the building. The house is now in a completely ruinous state, having been badly damaged by fire and most of the roof and internal flooring has collapsed. A staircase does remain in the right hand wing (looking from the hill) which is safe to climb. A baby gate is still in place at the top! Carefully poke your way around inside if that's your bag.
Over the railway, the path skirts a woodland before running alongside the embankment of the Union Canal. A gap on the left leads into a vast area of industrial wasteland. It is here we find the incongruous structure of Almond Castle, standing forlornly in the corner.
The dilapidated fortification is fenced off but a gap allows entry. Due to the precarious nature of the castle, you are asked to think twice about entering. There doesn't appear to much holding the stonework on the roof together. It's your decision. After exploring, head back to the canal and retrace your steps to Lathallan Roundabout. This time walk over the M9 and take the minor Avondale Road past a landfill site. After 400 yards a cottage is situated on your right with a stony track leading beyond. A flimsy rope barrier has been set up beside a "Private - Keep Out" sign. This can safely be ignored. Simply sidestep the rope and proceed past the dwelling. There is no legal basis whatsoever for this warning notice.
The track runs for 500 yards past abandoned stables and through a dramatic arched entrance before the Gothic house reveals itself. Inhabited until the 90s, the property fell into decline and was gutted by fire in 2017. Once again, the floors have fallen as has the roof. A surprising amount of possessions remain dotted around the site and cast iron central heating pipes dangle weirdly from the upper level. True urban explorers would never dream of taking a "souvenir" and hopefully you will respect this code. Certainly a day out with a difference!
