SATURDAY 1st APRIL : Livingston Uncovered, Union Canal, Almondell Park

A casual social ride of 14 miles visiting places of local interest, the origins of Livingston, Eliburn reservoir, 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

Route map for 2022.10 by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

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

ROUTE : Take the Livingston path network to the north of Livingston Village, bridge across Cousland Road to Peel Park the site of  the place Livingston got its name from. Path, to Eliburn Reservoir, Alderstone path to the the railway path to Pumpherston.  

 

Out to the cycle path by the A89 to where it meets the Union Canal where we will follow it out of Broxburn, the new centre of the Solar System passing Jupiter and Saturn to Muirend into Almondell Country Park and Uranus and the Kirkhill Pillar with time for ice cream 🍦. 

 

Continue 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,  Livingston, stopping 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 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.

• 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.

LOCAL News

Sustrans enews

SATURDAY 4th June : LIVINGSTON UNDISCOVERED? Almondell to Howden Park

NOT 20 miles, a ride of 10 miles at a relaxed pace. Stopping at some places of local interest you may not know about. Passing Uranus to Roman Camps, bits of the Shale Trail & River Almond with the UKs biggest rock ramp. We will use a mix of some of the 144 miles of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 75 and surfaced track.

Route map for 2022.05 Roman Camps Starting At Almondell by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

MEET : At 10:30 at Almondell Country Park visitor centre. (NOT Howden Park)

ROUTE : Cycle north, uphill out of the park passing URANUS with a short section of quiet road to the junction to Roman Camps and along quiet dead end road. Surfaced track to join the Shale Trail through Pumpherston onto the Livingston path network to Howden Park Centre we can stop for refreshment.

You may want to bring something to eat or buy at the café. There are seats outside and public toilets.

If the Shale trail is good enough for MARK BEUMONT it's good enough for us.

Return by going downhill, passing West Lothian Civic Centre onto NCN75 & Shale Trail by the river Almond, stopping at Howden rock ramp, the UKs largest rock ramp, Almond Park 

Path closure at Mid Calder entrance. After being scheduled to reopen on March 17th, then May 26th it has now been put back to June 13th.

From Almond park we can take a quiet route through Pumpherston farm to re-join the Shale Trail, crossing Camps viaduct with views over Almondell to East Calder and down to Almondell Park.

YOUR BIKE : Before the ride 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.

• We are not a club, rides are 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 an , a bottle of water.
• Leccy E bikes are OK.
• Supported by SUSTRANS, volunteer Ride leaders, having first aid and bike mechanic training. We can deal with bike problems that may arise on the ride. 
• You may wish to drop off at any point 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 are a couple of road crossings, apart from one they are controlled by traffic lights. At the uncontrolled crossing - no traffic lights, 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 : We may not be able to accommodate anyone who hasn't. 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. PLACES AVAILABLE

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

April News

Sustrans enews May 2022

 

Howden rock ramp videos

Construction

Opening

SATURDAY 7th MAY : EASTER INCH MOSS, BATHGATE & EASTER BREICH

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.

Route map for 2022 Bathgate by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

MEET : At the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10am and leave at 1030

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 Livington 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.

REGISTER : To  reserve a space 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.

• The distance is about 18 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
• There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfortable. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice. If you do, make sure it is fitted properly or not by its "BEST BEFORE DATE" or there is no point.
• Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one. 

YOUR BIKE

• Check your bike is safe to ride by carrying out a M CHECK. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set 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
• Some Essential Cycling Skills Videos to help boost your confidence and give you the necessary skills to negotiate on-road journeys. 
• We can deal with bike problems that may arise on the ride.
  

 

April News

Next ride Saturday 4th June

 -----------------------------------------------------------

Helen McCann

Those who hadn't heard were saddened to hear about the death of Helen McCann, sister of Harold and & John Gardner.

She was usually somewhere at at the back so an excuse to stop, but always enthusiastic, good company and an inspiration to others.

Helen stayed in Fife and when asked why she had come she told me it was because there is nothing like similar there. When I first met her I remember the look of trepidation as here brother was not there to meet her.

SATURDAY 2nd APRIL : Ratho Climbing Centre, Union Canal & Almondell Park

LIVINGSTON 20 MILERS RIDE AGAIN 2022

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

Route map for 2020 Ratho by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

We will be at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am. Look for us by the outside seats at the opposite side from the car park. The cafe is closed but the building is open.
 

Taking 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 then through the new Calderwood housing evelopment to Clifton Road and minor road to path beside Clifton Hall Road to the EICA, the worlds biggest indoor climbing centre. 
 

Refreshments 🍴 the cafe is currently closed so 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 and 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 been seen. Returning to the HPC.

• The distance is about 16 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
• There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfortable. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice. If you do, make sure it is fitted properly or not by its "BEST BEFORE DATE" or there is no point.
• Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.

PRE RIDE

• Check your bike is safe to ride by carrying out a M CHECK. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set 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
• Some Essential Cycling Skills Videos to help boost your confidence and give you the necessary skills to negotiate on-road journeys.

If the weather influences your decision not to come that is OK, we may see you another time.If the forecast looks bad and the ride is cancelled we will post a message at the top of the page. Please check.

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending.


Next Ride Saturday 7th May

 

LOCAL NEWS 

SPOKES BULLETIN 136 Spring 2020 

2020 September

FIX MY STREET REPORTS NCN 75 LIVINGSTON

The reports submitted mid August have been mostly dealt with last week, quicker than expected

https://www.fixmystreet.com/around?js=1&zoom=1&lat=55.88966&lon=-3.58309

Last week the council have been out at the Tunnel at Starlaw Road and the path between Boghall and Starlaw West Roundabouts, and (not requested) the length of Starlaw Road has had a trim of the verges and head height branches. 

They also appear to have done a bit along the Lochshot path from Livingston Village.

The bit along the south boundary has still to be done, a bigger job and maybe waiting until later in the year.

TUNNEL PICS.

BEFORE

 AFTER

 

Saturday 2nd November. Woodlands Park, Broxburn, Union Canal, Almondell Park

Visiting Woodlands Park, with views over Livingston, Open Door Cafe, Broxburn, possibly the most scenic part of the Union Canal, Autumn colours of Almondell Park, & maybe with some local history. A casual social ride of 16 miles using a mix of some of the 144 miles of the Livingston path network, quiet country road and surfaced cycle track. Suitable for all bike & tyre types. 

 

Route map for 2019 11 by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

We meet at the Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am. The cafe is no longer open in the morning, toilets are open.

Take the Livingston path network to Livingston Village. Path to Eliburn Reservoir, path up to Woodlands Park. Out onto the cycle path by the A89 to Dechmont and onto the A899 road to Uphall. Less confident riders can buddy up with the more confident.

Refreshments 🍴We will stop at the Open Door Cafe, in Uphall. The cafe is run by the THE BUSY PROJECT charity. The menu is mainly toasties, & filled rolls with nice looking cake.

We take the Brox Burn path out to the cycle path by the A89 to where it meets the Union Canal where we will follow it out of Broxburn, the new centre of the Solar System passing Jupiter and Saturn to Muirend into Almondell Country Park and Uranus and the Kirkhill Pillar with time for ice cream 🍦. Look out for the Kingfisher that flies between the two weirs at the east end of the park

Continue through the park on route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network and Almond Park,  Livingston, returning to the HPC around 3pm with the option for more cake.

• The distance is about 16 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
• There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
• Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
• Check your bike is safe to ride. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set 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.

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

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending.

NEXT RIDE MARCH 2020

Other Events

 

November. Tuesday 12th & 19th National Cycle Network Scything Task Day, Blackridge, West Lothian 

 

MAP

Managing the grassland along the routes is important to encourage a variety of wildlife on these green corridors, and to prevent them becoming overgrown with scrub and woodland.

 

If you enjoy walking in nice environments and encouraging wildlife, why not help us manage a wildflower meadow on National Route 75 at Blackridge, by scything the area and raking the cuttings. No experience needed, just general fitness – all training will be provided.

If you would like to join us please email Laura White, Sustrans Scotland Network Engagement Coordinator (Volunteering) on laura.white@sustrans.org.uk.

Saturday 5th October, West Calder & Easter Breich Woodland

Visiting the Murieston Trail, Easter Breich Woodland, with some local history. A casual social ride of 17 miles using a mix of some of the 144 miles of the Livingston path network, quiet country road and surfaced cycle track. Suitable for all bike & tyre types.

 

Route map for 2019 West Calder by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

We meet at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 10:30 and take the Livingston path network to - The Lanthorn, Dedridge Pond, Livingston South Station, Murieston Trail - Skivo. (short hill, ok to get off and walk) Harburn - quiet back roads to Harburn, Harwood and West Calder. 

Anyone from the south side of Livingston could meet us at the East end of the Murieston Trail, where it meets Robins Lane. We will likely be there no earlier than 1100. To see where, cllick PLAY & zoom in on the map.

Toilets and refreshments at West Calder Community Centre. There is a machine serving hot and cold drinks. Bring something to eat or buy at a nearby shop.

Return along Main Street West Calder, down Cleuch Brae for a short distance, turning right for 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.

• The distance is about 17 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
• There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
• Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
• Check your bike is safe to ride. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set 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.

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

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending.

Other Events

 

November. Tuesday 12th & 19th National Cycle Network Scything Task Day, Blackridge, West Lothian 

 

MAP

Managing the grassland along the routes is important to encourage a variety of wildlife on these green corridors, and to prevent them becoming overgrown with scrub and woodland.

If you enjoy walking in nice environments and encouraging wildlife, why not help us manage a wildflower meadow on National Route 75 at Blackridge, by scything the area and raking the cuttings. No experience needed, just general fitness – all training will be provided.

If you would like to join us please email Laura White, Sustrans Scotland Network Engagement Coordinator (Volunteering) on laura.white@sustrans.org.uk.

Next Ride Saturday 2nd November