- West Lothian Council - enquiries re new road & path developments – no closing date The Council has a webpage for enquiries and comments about new roads, footpaths, and cycle routes; and also a page of current projects and completed consultations.
Monday, 17 November 2025
NEXT RIDE: SATURDAY 4th APRIL
Wednesday, 24 September 2025
SATURDAY 4th OCTOBER: 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.
PARKING : Please use the overflow car park east of the original Howden House.
TRAIN : The nearest station is Livingston North.
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 for refreshments.
There is now a community enterprise café in the room we previously used and we encourage you to use it. You can also sit outside. Toilets are still available.
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 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.
- Bring a friend, if you have one!
- 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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- West Lothian Council - enquiries re new road & path developments – no closing date The Council has a webpage for enquiries and comments about new roads, footpaths, and cycle routes; and also a page of current projects and completed consultations.
- Spokes Comp 2025 : My Favourite Bike Ride For our 2025 summer competition we’d like to hear about your favourite local bike ride, in Edinburgh and/or the Lothians. It may be a leisure ride, or your daily commute or perhaps the school ‘run’ with your kids. We'd love some #WestLothian entries!
Wednesday, 27 August 2025
SATURDAY 6th SEPTEMBER: 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.
TRAIN : The nearest station is Livingston North.
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 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. Or just turn up.
If the weather influences your decision not to come that is OK, we may see you another time.
Next Ride Saturday 4th October
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- West Lothian Council - enquiries re new road & path developments – no closing date The Council has a webpage for enquiries and comments about new roads, footpaths, and cycle routes; and also a page of current projects and completed consultations.
- Spokes Comp 2025 : My Favourite Bike Ride For our 2025 summer competition we’d like to hear about your favourite local bike ride, in Edinburgh and/or the Lothians. It may be a leisure ride, or your daily commute or perhaps the school ‘run’ with your kids. We'd love some #WestLothian entries!
Sunday, 18 May 2025
SATURDAY 2nd AUGUST: Ratho Climbing Arena, Surf Resort, Union Canal & Almondell Park
A 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.
TRAIN : The nearest station is Livingston North.
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.
With a visit next door to the NEW SURF RESORT
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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SpokesComp 2025 : My Favourite Bike Ride
For our 2025 summer competition we’d like to hear about your favourite local bike ride, in Edinburgh and/or the Lothians. It may be a leisure ride, or your daily commute or perhaps the school ‘run’ with your kids. We'd love some #WestLothian entries!
Wednesday, 23 April 2025
SATURDAY 3rd MAY: 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 75, and 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.
PARKING : Please use the overflow car park east of the original Howden House.
TRAIN : The nearest station is Livingston North.
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 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 this page the previous evening.
Next ride Saturday 7th June
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Wednesday, 12 March 2025
SATURDAY 5th APRIL : Linhouse, Oakbank, Almondell
We will use some of the paths around Oakbank that the council have resurfaced and upgraded over the winter. Less mud.
A casual social ride of 17 miles visiting places of local interest, Dedridge Pond, Bankton Park, Murieston Trail, Linhouse circuit, Oakbank, & Almondell and a bit of Local History on the home of oil. 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. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.
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