SATURDAY 2nd NOVEMBER : Livingston Loop

An Autumnal casual social ride of 18 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

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 along the the river Almond to Lizzie Bryce's Strip, path network to Murieston Trail, Adambrae to Livingston Village, NCN 75 to Boghall roundabout, segregated path by the A89 to the Cafe at Dobbies garden centre.

Return along the Shale Trail path to Pumpherston, cross to woodland path, through  to Almond 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. 

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 5th OCTOBER : 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.

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 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.

SATURDAY 7th 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.

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

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 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.

• 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.

Next Ride Saturday 5th October

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• Local News Page
• 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 Bulletin Summer 2024
• SPOKES Summer Competition. Cycling & Sustenance. Yes, bikes and food are inextricably linked in so many ways! We want to hear how you connect bikes with food and/or drink, in whatever way. You could win a great prize and some modest fame, and your ideas or experiences could help other people!

SATURDAY 3rd AUGUST : Bathgate, Easter Inch Moss and Easter Breich Woodland

Postponed from July due to rain

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 : 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 September

Local News Page

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SATURDAY 1st JUNE : Linhouse, Oakbank, Almondell

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.

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.

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 Dedridge Pond, a hairpin path to Bankton Mains Park, passing Livingston Cricket Club, along Murieston Trail, crossing to 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 and Calderwood and along part of the Union Canal feeder into Almondell Country Park with time for ice cream 🍦. 

 

Return via Roman Camps and part of the East Calder to Uphall Station Path, formerly a railway serving Pumpherston Oil Works. A farm road back to Craigshill and Almond Park, Livingston stopping stopping at Howden rock ramp, the UKs largest rock ramp, returning 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.
• 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 users are welcome.
• 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 6th July

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SATURDAY MAY the 4th : Not to a galaxy far far away LIVINGSTON - WEST CALDER.

POSTPONED FROM APRIL

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.

Route map for 2022.07 West Calder by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

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.

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 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.

Next ride Saturday1st of  June

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West Lothian Spokes map - volunteer surveyors (and coordinators) wanted

Spokes Maps Group is planning a new, fully revised edition of our West Lothian map. It will entail a great deal of cartography and design work, plus on-the-ground surveys to be done over the summer. We are aiming for publication towards the end of the year or early 2025.  

Anyone who volunteers to survey will be given a copy of the existing map, full instructions, and also of course a free copy of the new map when published.  And there is a Spokes maps contact person to chat to and deal with any queries or problems that arise.

The whole area needs to be surveyed in detail. The previous map was published in 2018 and there have been many developments in the area since then. Also, the new map covers areas which were not included in previous Spokes maps, including west to Falkirk and Caldercruix, and therefore have never been surveyed by us before!

You can see early draft low-res versions of the front and back sides of our map here [use password WLMAP - in capitals].

We need most surveys to be done between June and mid-August, although it will be possible for a small amount to carry on into the autumn.  

You will check what's on the ground and correct the draft map. You will be given full instructions on how to record the information, plus an extract of the draft new map and a copy of the existing map.  We need people who are happy to take on parts of the rural areas - this could involve quite a bit of cycling. The size of the area you will be allocated will depend to some extent on the number of volunteer surveyors we get. We also need folk (who could be the same people) to look at the main towns. 

People who have surveyed for previous maps have found it to be interesting and fun – it +adds a new purpose to your outings and you may discover places you never knew existed!

Anne and Bob Douglas, who coordinated surveying for our recent Edinburgh and Midlothian maps will be on hand to guide you through what is needed.

If you are interested and able to help, please contact Katharine katharinetaylor@yahoo.co.uk, our Maps Group coordinator, indicating what role(s) you are interested in and what area(s) you would be most interested in surveying.  As with all Spokes maps, we are relying on our local members in the area. OR on the next ride speak to ERIC.

 SPOKES BULLETIN 138 : Summer 2024