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 CHECK, checking 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.

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LOVE TO RIDE West Lothian Register and take part.

Cyclepath Improvements works within West Lothian