Tuesday 19 March 2024

SATURDAY 6th APRIL : LIVINGSTON - WEST CALDER.

Visiting places of local interest some may not know about. Dedridge Pond, Murieston Trail, Limefield falls, West Calder end of the Shale Trail, Easter Breich woodland & Killandean burn.
A ride of 13 miles at a relaxed pace. We will use a mix of the 144 miles of the Livingston path network, surfaced track, some road & National Cycle Network route 75.



MEET : By 10:30, at the seats outside the café at Howden Park Centre, Livingston.

ROUTE : Take the Livingston path network to The Lanthorn, Dedridge Pond, Livingston South Station.

Anyone from the south side of Livingston could arrange to meet us at the Lanthorn, or by the bike storage at Livingston South railway station We will likely be there no earlier than 11 or shortly after, we will wait.

Continue along the Murieston Trail and in Polbeth Limefield falls. Shared use path from Polbeth to West Calder.

A stop for refreshment and at West Calder Community Centre. There is a machine serving hot and cold drinks. Bring something to eat or buy at a nearby shop.

Returning via the West Calder end of the Shale Trail. If the Shale trail is good enough for MARK BEAUMONT it's good enough for us. A road section downhill to Easter Breich where we join the path through Easter Breich Woodland and follow it to the River Almond, through Kirkton Campus and by Killandean Burn, where a Kingfisher can sometimes be seen, to Livingston Village and back to HPC. Usually back by 3pm.

BEFORE THE RIDE : If needed, we can show you how to check your bike is safe to ride by carrying out the M CHECKchecking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, look at use of gears all to make it less of an effort. Suggest what you may find useful to take on a ride.
  • Rides are free and open to anyone interested in finding out more about active travel, bike use, and exploring local routes. No commitment to come regularly.
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfortable, a waterproof jacket and trousers can be useful. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • You may want to bring snacks and a bottle of water.
  • Leccy E bikes are OK.
  • Ride leaders, have first aid and bike mechanic training. We can deal with most bike problems that may arise on the ride. 
  • You may wish to drop off at any point or if we pass near to home.
  • To ensure no one gets lost or left behind and for safety there will be a back marker. 
  • There may be road crossings, not controlled by traffic lights. At these be guided by ride leaders.
  • Children need to bring a well behaved adult.
  • If speed and distance are your thing this is not for you. 

REGISTER : To  reserve a place and to give us an idea of how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. 

If the weather influences your decision not to come that is OK, we may see you another time.

If we cancel the ride a notice will be posted at the top of the page the previous evening.


Saturday 9 March 2024

SPRING 2024


Join us on a leisurely ride on Saturday 6th April. Details TBC

To reserve a place and to give us an idea of how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending.

Now that spring is nearly here it's time to get your bike out, give it a clean, check it is in working order, brakes working, chain lubricated, tyres pumped up to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar. For other help, see Bike Maintenance Tips

CHECK YOUR BIKE IS SAFE TO RIDE




Thursday 28 September 2023

SATURDAY 4th NOVEMBER : Ratho Climbing Arena, Union Canal & Almondell Park

An Autumnal casual social ride of 16 miles using a mix of some of the 144 miles of the Livingston path network, Route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network, quiet country road and surfaced track, maybe a bit of Local History, bits of the Shale Trail, Autumnal colour in Almondell Park and Howden Rock Ramp, the UKs biggest rock ramp


MEET : By 10:30, at the seats outside the café at Howden Park Centre, Livingston.

ROUTE : Take the Livingston Path Network along the Loan Path through Ladywell turning east onto the Harrysmuir Path to Pumpherston. A short section along Drumshoreland Road and onto the Uphall to East Calder track, formerly a rail link now part of the Shale Trail to Pumpherston Oil Works crossing the Camps Viaduct high above Almondell Park to East Calder. If the Shale trail is good enough for MARK BEUMONT it's good enough for us.

Anyone from East Calder could arrange to meet us at the CALDERWOOD CAFE We will likely be there no earlier than 11:15 or shortly after.

Continue through the Calderwood housing development onto Clifton Road and minor road to the path beside Clifton Hall Road to the EICA, the worlds biggest indoor climbing centre. 
 
Refreshments 🍴 There is a café down stairs or bring something to eat.

Back out to the footpath by the road, downhill to Wilkies Basin onto the surfaced mud free Union Canal tow path (NCN754) and across Lins Mill Aqueduct to Muirend, by quiet road to go along route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network, through Almondell Country Park. Look out for the Kingfisher that flies between the two weirs at the east end of the park, also otter has been seen.

Returning to the HPC by the river Almond, stopping at Howden rock ramp, the UKs largest rock ramp, Almond Park.

BEFORE THE RIDE : If needed, we can show you how to check your bike is safe to ride by carrying out the M CHECKchecking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, look at use of gears all to make it less of an effort. Suggest what you may find useful to take on a ride.

  • Rides are free and open to anyone interested in finding out more about active travel, bike use, and exploring local routes. No commitment to come regularly.
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfortable, a waterproof jacket and trousers can be useful. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • You may want to bring snacks and, a bottle of water.
  • Leccy E bikes are OK.
  • Ride leaders, have first aid and bike mechanic training. We can deal with most bike problems that may arise on the ride. 
  • You may wish to drop off at any point or if we pass near to home.
  • To ensure no one gets lost or left behind and for safety there will be a back marker. 
  • There may be road crossings, not controlled by traffic lights. At these be guided by ride leaders.
  • Children need to bring a well behaved adult.
  • If speed and distance are your thing this is not for you. 

REGISTER : To  reserve a place and to give us an idea of how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. 

If the weather influences your decision not to come that is OK, we may see you another time. 

If we cancel the ride a notice will be posted at the top of the page the previous evening.





Local News

LOVE TO RIDE West Lothian Register and take part.


Tuesday 25 July 2023

SATURDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER : Bathgate, Easter Inch Moss and Easter Breich Woodland

A casual social ride of 18 miles exploring a mix of some of the 144 miles of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 75and surfaced cycle track, and maybe a bit of Local History.

MEET : By 10:30, at the seats outside the café at Howden Park Centre, Livingston.

ROUTE : Take National Cycle Network route 75 to Livingston Village, NCN 75 to Starlaw Road cycle path and continue across Easter Inch Moss to Bathgate stopping at Xcite Bathgate for refreshments, either bring something to eat and drink or buy at the cafe.

Return along NCN 75 across Easter Inch Moss. Turning off at Seafield and dropping down to the river Almond and along the Easter Breich path beside the river, onto the Livingston path network and back to HPC. We are usually back about 3:30pm. 

Anyone coming from in or near Bathgate may wish to join us at the Xcite Sports Centre, Balbardie Park and return to Livingston on the NCN and Starlaw path as above.

 Probably arriving at Xcite no earlier than 12, probably a bit after and leaving 13:00 or shortly after.

BEFORE THE RIDE : If needed, we can show you how to check your bike is safe to ride by carrying out the M CHECKchecking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, look at use of gears all to make it less of an effort. Suggest what you may find useful to take on a ride.
  • We are NOT a club. Rides are free and open to anyone interested in finding out more about active travel, bike use, and exploring local routes. No commitment to come regularly.
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfortable, a waterproof jacket and trousers can be useful. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • You may want to bring snacks and, a bottle of water.
  • Leccy E bikes are OK.
  • Ride leaders, have first aid and bike mechanic training. We can deal with most bike problems that may arise on the ride. 
  • You may wish to drop off at any point or if we pass near to home.
  • To ensure no one gets lost or left behind and for safety there will be a back marker. 
  • There may be road crossings, not controlled by traffic lights. At these be guided by ride leaders.
  • Children need to bring a well behaved adult.
  • If speed and distance are your thing this is not for you. 

REGISTER : To  reserve a place and to give us an idea of how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. 

If the weather influences your decision not to come, that is OK, we may see you another time. 

If we cancel the ride a notice will be posted at the top of the page the previous evening.

Next ride Saturday 2nd September

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Wednesday 21 June 2023

SATURDAY 1st JULY : Linhouse, the lost village of Oakbank, Almondell

A casual social ride of 14 miles visiting places of  local interest, Dedridge Pond, Bankton Park, Murieston Trail, Linhouse circuit, Oakbank, & Almondell using a mix of some of the 144 miles of the Livingston path networkRoute 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network, quiet country road and surfaced track, and maybe a bit of Local History. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.

MEET : By 10:30, at the seats outside the café at Howden Park Centre, Livingston. Anyone from the south side of Livingston can meet us by path on the west side of Livingston Cricket Club. Probably shortly after 11, just let us know

ROUTE : Take the Livingston path network to Dedridge Pond, a hairpin path to Bankton Mains Park, passing Livingston Cricket Club, along Murieston Trail, crossing to recently upgraded path at Linhouse Circuit to Oakbank bing and the site of  OAKBANK OIL WORKS, next to one of West Lothians many lost villages, OAKBANK

Down to East Calder passing the former Calder Hall Estate a Greek - revival mansion built around 1820, the lodge houses are still occupied. Continue on through quiet streets in East Calder into Almondell Country Park with time for ice cream 🍦. 
 
Through the park on route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network, keep a look out for the Kingfisher that flies between the two weirs at the east end of the park.Through Almond Park,  Livingstonstopping at Howden rock ramp, the UKs largest rock ramp, Almond Park returning to the HPC.

BEFORE THE RIDE : If needed, we can show you how to check your bike is safe to ride by carrying out the M CHECKchecking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, look at use of gears all to make it less of an effort. Suggest what you may find useful to take on a ride.

  • We are NOT a club. Rides are free and open to anyone interested in finding out more about active travel, bike use, and exploring local routes. No commitment to come regularly.
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfortable, a waterproof jacket and trousers can be useful. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • You may want to bring snacks and a bottle of water.
  • Leccy E bikes are OK.
  • Supported by SUSTRANS, volunteer Ride leaders, have first aid and bike mechanic training. We can deal with most bike problems that may arise on the ride. 
  • You may wish to drop off at any point or if we pass near to home.
  • To ensure no one gets lost or left behind and for safety there will be a back marker. 
  • There may be road crossings, not controlled by traffic lights. At these be guided by ride leaders.
  • Children need to bring a well behaved adult.
  • If speed and distance are your thing this is not for you. 

REGISTER : To  reserve a place and to give us an idea of how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. 

If the weather influences your decision not to come that is OK, we may see you another time.

Next ride Saturday 5th August

LOCAL News

Sustrans enews

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OTHER

Meet You at the Hippos on BBC iPlayer. New town street sculpture, some you may have seen in Livingston

Livingston Skatepark World famous skate park bids to become listed site. Also "Concrete and Curves" for BBC radio documentary about it and street sculpture we pass.

Tuesday 23 May 2023

SATURDAY 3rd JUNE : Union Canal, Kirkliston & Almondell Park

A ride of 18 miles at a casual pace using a mix of some of the 144 miles of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 754 & 75. canal towpath, quiet country road and surfaced cycle track. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.

MEET : By 10:30, at the seats outside the café at Howden Park Centre, Livingston.

ROUTE : Take the Livingston path network along the Loan Path through Ladywell turning east onto the Harrysmuir Path to Pumpherston. A short section along Drumshoreland Road and onto the East Calder to Uphall Station Path, formerly a railway serving Pumpherston Oil Works. Joining the cycle path by the A89 onto the Union Canal and NCN 754 on the Union Canal tow path through Broxburn, and minor road from Niddry Castle to Kirkliston. 

Stopping at Kirkliston Leisure Centre for refreshments. There is no cafe, so bring something to eat and drink. We sit outside. There is a drinks machine and toilets

The return route will be along an off road cycle path from Kirkliston to Newbridge then cycle path by the A89 and crossing the road at the railway arches onto a scenic quiet minor road for Birdsmill and Muirend and back  through Almondell Country Park, to HPC.

BEFORE THE RIDE : If needed, we can show you how to check your bike is safe to ride by carrying out the M CHECKchecking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, look at use of gears all to make it less of an effort. Suggest what you may find useful to take on a ride.
  • We are NOT a club. Rides are free and open to anyone interested in finding out more about active travel, bike use, and exploring local routes. No commitment to come regularly.
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfortable, a waterproof jacket and trousers can be useful. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • You may want to bring snacks and, a bottle of water.
  • Leccy E bikes are OK.
  • Supported by SUSTRANS, volunteer Ride leaders, have first aid and bike mechanic training. We can deal with most bike problems that may arise on the ride. 
  • You may wish to drop off at any point or if we pass near to home.
  • To ensure no one gets lost or left behind and for safety there will be a back marker. 
  • There may be road crossings, not controlled by traffic lights. At these be guided by ride leaders.
  • Children need to bring a well behaved adult.
  • If speed and distance are your thing this is not for you. 

REGISTER : To  reserve a place and to give us an idea of how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. 

If the weather influences your decision not to come that is OK, we may see you another time.

Next Ride Saturday 1st July


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  • Local News Page
  • West Lothian Council Active Travel Plan (2023-2028) An invite to provide your comments on walking, cycling and wheeling in West Lothian Jacobs have been commissioned by West Lothian Council to produce a refreshed Active Travel Plan covering the next five years (2023-2028). The Active Travel Plan will provide a framework for mainstreaming active travel in West Lothian, helping create a culture where individuals have a choice about how they travel. To achieve this, it is important to understand current travel habits, perceived barriers to walking, cycling, and wheeling (using a wheelchair or mobility scooter), as well as gather suggestions for improvements For more information, and to comment, please visit https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/active-travel-plan-refreshNote, the closing date for comments is 9.00 am on Tuesday 20th June.
  • SPOKES Bulletin Spring 2023

Cycling Scotland : Give Cycle Space campaign




Wednesday 19 April 2023

SATURDAY 6th MAY : Ratho Climbing Arena, Union Canal & Almondell Park

A casual social ride of 16 miles exploring a mix of some of the 144 miles of the Livingston path network, Route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network, quiet country road and surfaced cycle track, and maybe a bit of Local History. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy

MEET : By 10:30, at the seats outside the café at Howden Park Centre, Livingston.

ROUTE : Take the Livingston Path Network along the Loan Path through Ladywell turning east onto the Harrysmuir Path to Pumpherston. A short section along Drumshoreland Road and onto the Uphall to East Calder track, formerly a rail link now part of the Shale Trail to Pumpherston Oil Works crossing the Camps Viaduct high above Almondell Park to East Calder

Anyone from East Calder could arrange to meet us at the CALDERWOOD CAFE We will likely be there no earlier than 11:15 or shortly after.

Continue through the Calderwood housing development onto Clifton Road and minor road to the path beside Clifton Hall Road to the EICA, the worlds biggest indoor climbing centre. 
 
Refreshments 🍴 There is a café down stairs or bring something to eat.

Back out to the footpath by the road, downhill to Wilkies Basin onto the surfaced mud free Union Canal tow path (NCN754) and across Lins Mill Aqueduct to Muirend, by quiet road to go along route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network, through Almondell Country Park. Look out for the Kingfisher that flies between the two weirs at the east end of the park, also otter has been seen. Returning to the HPC.

BEFORE THE RIDE : If needed, we can show you how to check your bike is safe to ride by carrying out the M CHECKchecking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, look at use of gears all to make it less of an effort. Suggest what you may find useful to take on a ride.
  • We are NOT a club. Rides are free and open to anyone interested in finding out more about active travel, bike use, and exploring local routes. No commitment to come regularly.
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfortable, a waterproof jacket and trousers can be useful. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • You may want to bring snacks and, a bottle of water.
  • Leccy E bikes are OK.
  • Supported by SUSTRANS, volunteer Ride leaders, have first aid and bike mechanic training. We can deal with most bike problems that may arise on the ride. 
  • You may wish to drop off at any point or if we pass near to home.
  • To ensure no one gets lost or left behind and for safety there will be a back marker. 
  • There may be road crossings, not controlled by traffic lights. At these be guided by ride leaders.
  • Children need to bring a well behaved adult.
  • If speed and distance are your thing this is not for you. 

REGISTER : To  reserve a place and to give us an idea of how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. 

If the weather influences your decision not to come that is OK, we may see you another time. 

If we cancel the ride a notice will be posted at the top of the page the previous evening.

Next Ride Saturday 3rd June


LOVE TO RIDE West Lothian Register and take part.