West Lothian
walking
week
Explore West Lothian’s beautiful landscape
and learn about the county’s wonderful history.
westlothian.gov.uk
westlothian.gov.uk
welcome...
to the 2011 West Lothian Walking Week
Just 30 minutes walking a day can make a dramatic
difference to your health and wellbeing. Walking is
an accessible and inclusive form of physical activity,
which can also be very sociable and easily fitted into
people’s daily lives. What better way to get out and
about than by enjoying the beautiful scenery which
West Lothian has to offer?
Whether you are an experienced walker or a total
beginner, West Lothian Walking Week offers you the
chance to explore beautiful landscape, learn about
the area’s history, make new friends and take some
important strides towards improving your health.
Best of all, most of the guided walks and activities
are absolutely free! You can enjoy a variety of walks
from country parks to woodlands, along canals and
into nature reserves. The walks cover a range of times
throughout the day, so simply book your walk and go!
Quality greenspace contributes to feelings of
wellbeing and it’s right on your doorstep! We have
kept some of the popular walks from last year’s event
and have added others we think you will enjoy.
Booking this year is essential and you can register
onto a walk by contacting:
tel: 01506 775626
or email: HIT@westlothian.gov.uk
Visit www.travelinescotland.com to work out your route from any location
in Scotland. In just a few minutes, the journey planner will find the quickest
and easiest way for you to reach your destination.
Information is available in Braille, tape,
Large print and community languages.
Please contact the Interpretation and
Translation Service on 01506 775000.
monday 19 september
The Pyramids 1
Led by Put your West Foot Forward
Time: 10 - 11am
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Start: Tesco, Bathgate
Join the Bathgate walking group on a lovely walk around
the Pyramids Business Park and see if you can spot the
famous colourful sheep of the Pyramids!! You will also pass
the old stables that used to house the local stage coaches.
This walk is an ideal way to find out more about your
local walking group. The walk leaders are knowledgeable,
friendly and welcoming and will support you to walk at
your own pace.
Kids Woodland Walk 2
Led by Hopetoun House Ranger Service
Time: 10.30am - 12pm
Distance: 1 km / 0.6 miles
Start: Hopetoun Car Park
Join the Ranger as we search Hopetoun’s woods for tracks
and signs of the animals that live there. We will search for
animal homes and also carry out a mini beast hunt! Suitable
for families with primary school aged children. Please bring
suitable footwear.
Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear on all walks
monday 19 september
Adventure walk in Armadale 3
Led by Together for Health
Time: 2 - 3pm
Distance: 3.2 km / 2 miles
Start: Outside St Anthony’s Primary School
Walking is fun! Join the quest to find the hidden treasure.
All participants will receive a treasure map to locate
hidden clues in the Blackmoss Nature Park. This walk is
suitable for children and families of all ages, including
those in prams. The walk is flat and even.
4
Broxburn Community
Woodland
Led by Put your West Foot Forward
Time: 6 - 6.45pm
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Start: Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn
Join the Broxburn evening walking group on a lovely walk
through the Broxburn Community Woodlands. If it’s a clear
evening we will stop at the top of the woodlands to enjoy
the lovely views over to the Forth bridges, Edinburgh and
the Pentland Hills. This walk is an ideal way to find out
more about your local walking group. The walk leaders are
knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming and will support
you to walk at your own pace.
To book any of these walks please phone 01506 775626
tuesday 20 september
Polkemmet Woodland Walk 5
Led by Ageing Well
Time: 10 - 11.30am
Distance: Will vary depending on level in attendance
and speed of the walker.
Start: Xcite Whitburn Leisure Centre
We’ll take a short walk along West Main Street and head
out into Polkemmet Country Park for a walk around the
park grounds. Primarily this will be a woodland walk
which may have some uneven surfaces in places. Suitable
for over 50s, whether beginners or regular walkers.
Secret Garden, Livingston 6
Led by Put your West Foot Forward
Time: 10 - 11am
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Start: Craigsfarm Community Centre
Join the Craigshill Walking Group on a lovely walk through
Craigshill to the Secret Garden at Howden Park Centre. You
will be able to see the wonderful work being done in the
garden through the Green Gym project. This walk is an ideal
way to find out more about your local walking group. The
walk leaders are knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming
and will support you to walk at your own pace.
7
The Glen, Armadale
Led by Put your West Foot Forward
Time: 10 - 11am
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Start: Community Centre, Armadale
This walk takes in part of the ‘Glen’ in Armadale. The route
goes through a couple of housing estates, along a path past
the Garden Centre and winds its way back to the Community
Centre. A fairly level walk with one small descent and ascent
past the Garden Centre, with lovely views looking over
towards Falkirk, the Ochil Hills and beyond.
Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear on all walks
tuesday 20 september
Kids’ History Walk – 8
Linlithgow Loch
Led by Historic Scotland Ranger Service
Time: 11am - 1pm
Distance: 4 kms / 2.5 miles
Start: Linlithgow Palace
A walk around Linlithgow Loch for primary age children
with adults, with interactive historical activities along the
way. Learn some of the history of the town and how people
used to live. Flat but uneven paths with gates.
Mid Calder Village 9
Led by WLC Countryside Ranger Service
Time: 1.30 - 3pm
Distance: 4.5 km / 2.75 miles
Start: Lodge Car Park (by flower shop),
Bank St, Mid Calder
A walk from the centre of Mid Calder along the fringes
of Calderwood to Lizzie Brice Community Woodland
returning by village path, past the Auld Kirk. A mixture of
mainly level un-surfaced path and pavement.
To book any of these walks please phone 01506 775626
tuesday 20 september
Hidden Gems of Craigshill 10
Led by WLC Community Greenspace and
Woodland Trust
Time: 6 - 8pm
Distance: 4.5 km / 2.75 miles
Start: Livingston Rugby Club
Discover green spaces you never knew existed! Explore
new paths and a wildlife trail in Almond Park, and
immerse yourself in mature woodlands owned by the
Woodland Trust. Mixture of surfaced and unsurfaced
paths, with many slopes.
11
Polbeth Bat Walk
Led by Central Scotland Forest Trust
Time: 7.30pm – 9pm
Distance: 2 km / 1.25 miles
Start: Car park by Polbeth Bowling Green
(end of Stable Lane)
A walk along the new paths at Polbeth to listen and
look for the bats that use the area. Please wear warm,
waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. Also bring a
torch if you have one.
Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear on all walks
wednesday 21 september
Beecraigs Walk 12
Led by WLC Countryside Ranger Service
Time: 10.30am - 12 noon
Distance: 4.5 km / 2.75 miles
Start: Park Centre, Beecraigs Country Park
Join the ranger for a walk and find out about the
wildlife and history of Beecraigs Country Park. Mixture
of surfaced and unsurfaced paths. May be muddy in
places.
The Ryal 13
Led by Put your West Foot Forward
Time: 10 -11am
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Start: Strathbrock Community Centre
Join the Broxburn/Uphall walking group on a lovely
circular walk along the Union canal. This walk is an ideal
way to find out more about your local walking group.
The walk leaders are knowledgeable, friendly and
welcoming and will support you to walk at your own
pace.
River Avon & Union Canal 14
Towpath
Led by Central Scotland Forest Trust
Time: 2 - 4pm
Distance: 6 km / 3.6 miles
Start: Outside Linlithgow Leisure Centre
Enjoy a circular walk from Linlithgow Bridge along
the River Avon Heritage Trail to the Aqueduct at
Muiravonside and return by the Union Canal towpath.
Hear about the built environment and natural heritage
of the local area. There are muddy, uneven and steep
sections on this route.
To book any of these walks please phone 01506 775626
wednesday 21 september
Binny Craig Geology Walk 15
Led by Oatridge College Staff
Time: 5.15 – 7.15pm
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Start: Reception at Oatridge College
This walk starts in the landscaped grounds of
Oatridge College, following the national lowland path
demonstration site onto Oatridge’s open farmland. From
here the ground steepens until we reach the top of
Binny Craig with its panoramic views of the Forth Valley.
Exploring the Binny Craig RIGS the walk will also take in
geological features such as the baked margins of Binny
Craig sill and feeder dyke.
Local primary schools
are also going to be taking part in
Walking Week. At some point during
the week, school pupils will be heading
out and ‘Walking Their Socks Off’.
Children will be wearing funny colourful
socks during their walk but not
necessarily on their feet!!
For more information,
ask at your child’s school.
Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear on all walks
M9 Bo’ness
the walks River Av
on
Polmont 8 1
19
14 29
Linlith
1
Avonbridge
Westfield
Torphichen
26
7 Bathgate
Armadale 1
3
Blackridge
M8
5 Whitburn
30
A71
Fauldhouse Breich
1 The Pyramids 9 Mid Calder Village
2 Kids Woodland Walk 10 Hidden Gems of Craigshill
3 Adventure walk in Armadale 11 Polbeth Bat Walk
4 Broxburn Community Woodland 12 Beecraigs Walk
5 Polkemmet Woodland Walk 13 The Ryal
6 Secret Garden Livingston 14 River Avon/Union Canal
7 The Glen, Armadale 15 Binny Craig Geology Walk
8 Kids History Walk - Linlithgow Loch 16 Learn to go it alone
River Forth
25
Blackness
Abercorn 2
16 South
28 Queensferry
M9
hgow
18
12 Winchburgh
Kirkliston
15
Beecraigs
Country Park
Broxburn 13
Uphall 4
M8
17
nd
Almo
20 River
6
Livingston
22 East Calder
10
Mid Calder 9
Kirknewton
27
11 24
23
A70
West Calder
21
17 Oakbank, Linhouse, Murieston 24 Dedridge Burn
Calderwood 25 Wonders of West Lothian
18 Auldcathie Circuit 26 Balbardie Peace Park
19 Battlefield Trail Walk 27 Powie’s Path
20 Dechmont Law Walk 28 Guided walk up a Munro
21 West Cairn Hill 29 Linlithgow Loch
22 Eliburn Park Walk 30 Easter Breich
23 Polbeth and Parkhead Woods
wednesday 21 & thursday 22 september
Learn to go it alone 16
Led by WLC Outdoor Education Team
Time: Wednesday 6.30 - 9pm
Thursday 9.30am - 4.30pm
Distance: Wednesday 0 - 1km
Thursday 6 - 8km
Start: Low Port Centre, Linlithgow
This introduction to navigation course will give you the
skills and confidence to begin to ‘go it alone’ on walks
by yourself or with friends and family. The evening will
consist of mainly classroom based theory and a small
amount of practical demonstrations. The hill day will be in
the Ochils, probably Dumyat area. The emphasis will be on
navigation and not covering vast distances.
Previous experience: This is not about a huge walk
and would be suitable for those who have a reasonable
amount of experience of and fitness for walking over
rough ground and who are keen to brush up or develop
navigation skills. Participants should have adequate
clothing / equipment (including a stopwatch – watch
ideal but not just a second hand!) for a day in the hills
and should bring lunch / drink etc. If you have any doubt
about the required kit please call us to discuss. We can
supply some items as part of the course fee but need
advance notification of this.
Cost: £50 per person
To book any of these walks please phone 01506 775626
thursday 22 september
Oakbank, Linhouse, 17
Murieston, Calderwood Circuit
Led by Livingston Ramblers
Time: 10am – 1pm
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Start: Mid Calder – Almondell & Calderwood
Country Park Car Park on Pumpherston Road
A circular walk following the Linhouse River with
a diversion onto Oakbank Bing for excellent views.
Returning by way of the Murieston Trail and
Calderwoods. The walk is mostly on paths and tracks
with a little pavement walking. Some paths can be rough
and muddy and there are a couple of slopes which may
be slippy. Not suitable for those with restricted mobility.
Bring a drink and a snack.
Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear on all walks
thursday 22 september
Auldcathie Circuit 18
Led by Put your West Foot Forward
Time: 10.30 - 11.30am
Distance: 3 km / 1.8 miles
Start: Tally Ho’ Hotel Car Park, Winchburgh
A varied walk combining insights into Winchburgh’s
industrial and historic heritage with spectacular views and
lots of bird life along the way. Mostly flat (canal towpath)
with a long steepish section and a flat finish.
Join a medieval soldier and 19
walk the Battlefield Trail
Led by Battle of Linlithgow Bridge Project Team and
Historic Scotland
Time: 2 – 5pm
Distance: 7 km / 4.5 miles
Start: Linlithgow Leisure Centre car park (top end)
A circular walk, with history, wildlife and topographical
features. We’ll venture along the Union Canal towpath to
the Avon Aqueduct, onto the River Avon Heritage Trail,
passed Burgh Mills, returning to the start point by footpath
and road, via the battlefield itself and the Lennox Cairn.
There’ll be plenty of opportunities for viewing, photography
and discussion. The path is uneven and steep in places
so not suited to those with restricted mobility. Toilets and
refreshments available at the start and finish.
20
Dechmont Law Walk
Led by Put your West Foot Forward
Time: 6 - 7pm
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Start: Carmondean Library
A lovely evening walk, starting out at the library in
Carmondean and making our way through the local housing
schemes to scenic green space at Dechmont Law. We will
walk the paths round the park, but will not be climbing the
Law. Paths are mainly flat with some small uphill climbs. The
walk leaders are knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming and
will support you to walk at your own pace.
To book any of these walks please phone 01506 775626
friday 23 september
West Cairn Hill 21
Led by Pentland Hills Ranger Service
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles. 500m of height ascent
Start: West Lothian Civic Centre, Livingston
(transport provided)
A walk along part of the Drove Road from Harperrig
Reservoir up to the Cauldstane Slap, summiting West
Cairn Hill and traversing at high level via Wolf Craigs to
Craigengar. A gradual descent brings the route to an
end near Crosswood Reservoir. This is a strenuous walk.
Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs and a packed lunch
are all required.
22
Eliburn Park Walk
Led by Put your West Foot Forward
Time: 10.30 - 11.45am
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Start: Newyearfield Farm, Ladywell
Join us for a walk through the local housing schemes
from Ladywell to the lovely Eliburn Reservoir. We will
walk round the reservoir, looking out for wildlife and
local fishermen. We will then take a short walk through
the park before returning back to the start point.
Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear on all walks
friday 23 september
Polbeth & Parkhead Woods 23
Led by Central Scotland Forest Trust and
WLC Community Greenspace
Time: 10am - 12pm
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Start: Car park by Polbeth Bowling Green
(over Limefield Bridge)
Enjoy a walk through the woodlands around Polbeth
and Parkhead on newly upgraded access routes, and
find out about the proposed community garden project.
There are steep sections with steps and boardwalks.
Dedridge Burn 24
Led by Woodland Trust and WLC Community
Greenspace
Time: 2 – 4pm
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Start: Outside Bellsquarry Primary School
Follow the Dedridge Burn from Bellsquarry to Dedridge,
returning via the Froggy Park. Hear what local folk have
been doing to help keep the Burn and its surroundings
healthy. In association with Bellsquarry Woodland Group
and Dedridge Environmental Ecology Project. Paths
suitable for all.
To book any of these walks please phone 01506 775626
saturday 24 september
Wonders of West Lothian 25
Led by Historic Scotland Ranger Service and Hopetoun
House Preservation Trust
Time: 10.30am - 1pm
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Start: Blackness Castle
From Blackness, with its old harbour and 600 year-old
castle, to Hopetoun with its designed landscape, deer
park and Scotland’s finest stately home, via Abercorn
Church along the newly surfaced National Cycle Route 76.
An A to B walk with fabulous built and natural heritage
on good paths, with transport back. Café or packed lunch
facility at Hopetoun.
Balbardie Peace Park 26
Led by Put Your West Foot Forward
Time: 11am - 12pm
Distance: 2 options are available – choose from a
half mile or a one mile walk
Start: Outside Bathgate Sports Centre
This is an ideal starter walk for anyone who hasn’t been
active for a while, or is recovering from illness or injury. We’ll
follow the Bathgate Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile and enjoy the
scenery of Balbardie Park of Peace. There is the option to
stop after half a mile, or carry on to complete a 1 mile walk.
Everyone will be supported to walk at their own pace, and
rest as necessary. The path is a flat, shale path and benches
along the route for resting.
27
Powie’s Path, Almondell
Led by WLC Countryside Ranger Service
Time: 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Distance: 5.5 km / 3.5 miles
Start: Visitor Centre, Almondell and Calderwood
Country Park
Enjoy fantastic views over to the Pentlands from this walk,
covering a section of ‘Powie’s Path’, an ancient right-of-way
from Mid Calder to Pumpherston. Paths and tracks with a
set of steep steps leading to the viaduct.
Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear on all walks
sunday 25 september
Guided walk up a Munro* 28
(or smaller hill depending on forecast)
Led by WLC Outdoor Education Team
Time: 8am - 5pm
Distance: Approx 10 km / 6 miles.
Height gain around 700 - 900m
Start: Low Port Centre, Linlithgow
Exactly what it says on the tin – a guided walk up a Munro!
Experience and willingness to try a more challenging and
long walk involving height gain/loss and travel over rough
ground. Participants should have adequate clothing and
equipment for a day in the hills and should bring lunch/
drink etc. Any questions about the required kit please call us
to discuss. We can supply some items as part of the course
fee but need advance notification of this.
Cost: £35 per person.
*Munro – a Scottish Hill over 3000ft or 916m
Linlithgow Loch 29
Led by Put your West Foot Forward
Time: 11am -12pm
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Start: County Buildings, Linlithgow
Join the PYWFF Walk Leader for a Sunday morning stroll around
Linlithgow Loch.This walk is an ideal way to start getting
more active.The walk leaders are knowledgeable, friendly and
welcoming and will support you to walk at your own pace.
Easter Breich Walk 30
Led by WLC Countryside Ranger Service
Time: 2 - 3.30pm
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Start: Fraser Rd car park, Kirkton Campus
(NT 026 666)
This popular walk follows the Almond and Almond Pools
out through farmland and new plantation. The walk is for
the pure pleasure of being outdoors and being active.
Suitable for adults and children over 12 yrs.
To book any of these walks please phone 01506 775626
Charges - All of the walks are free except for the ‘Learn to go it
alone’ walking course on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 September.
Cost for the 2 days is £50. Also on the guided munro on Sunday 25
September is £35.
Walk numbers - For safety and logistical reasons, numbers are
limited for each walk and have been set by the walk leader. Pre-
booking is therefore essential to secure a place on the walk(s) of
your choice. If your suggested walk is full we will endeavor to offer
you another walk suitable to you.
Walk grading - Walks have not been graded however we hope
that the walk description on the programme will give you the
information you need to decide whether the walk is suitable for
you or not. We will do everything we can to give you any extra
information you may need.
What to bring on walk - Please dress appropriately for the walk on
the day. Any walk which requires you to bring food or refreshments
will be included as part of the walk description in the programme.
Children - A responsible adult must accompany children at all times.
Dogs - Dogs are not permitted on the walks (guide dogs excepted).
Smoking - Please do not smoke while on a walk, both out of
consideration for others and also to avoid any undue risk of fire.
Liability - Participants taking part in West Lothian Walking Week
do so at their own risk and the organizers and walk leaders
shall not be liable for any accident or injury, however caused.
Participants should consult their GP if they are in any doubt as to
whether or not they should take part.
walk programme
Monday 19 Sept
The Pyramids
Kids’ Woodland Walk
Adventure walk in Armadale
Broxburn Community Woodland
Tuesday 20 Sept
Polkemmet Woodland Walk
Secret Garden Livingston
The Glen, Armadale
Kids’ History Walk - Linlithgow Loch
Mid Calder Village
Hidden Gems of Craigshill
Polbeth Bat Walk
Wednesday 21 Sept
Beecraigs Walk
The Ryal
River Avon/Union Canal
Binny Craig Geology Walk
Learn to go it alone - part 1
Thursday 22 Sept
Learn to go it alone - part 2
Oakbank, Linhouse, Murieston Calderwood
Auldcathie Circuit
Battlefield Trail Walk
Dechmont Law Walk
Friday 23 Sept
West Cairn Hill
Eliburn Park Walk
Polbeth and Parkhead Woods
Dedridge Burn
Saturday 24 Sept
Wonders of West Lothian
Balbardie Peace Park
Powie’s Path
Sunday 25 Sept
Guided walk up a Munro
Linlithgow Loch
Easter Breich
westlothian.gov.uk