Saturday 5th May. Broxburn and Union Canal

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, quiet country road and surfaced track

We will be at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am and 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, 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.

We will stop at the Open Door Cafe. The cafe is run by The Busy Project charity, menu is mainly toasties & filled rolls, with nice looking cake. 

We go along the cycle path by the A89  to where it meets the Union Canal where we will follow it out of Broxburn to Muirend and join a quiet road to the north gate of Almondell Park. Continue through the park and Almond Park, Craigshill on route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network and back to 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 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.

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. Or just turn up on the day.

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

May News

Next Ride Saturday 2nd June

Spokes Bulletin 130 Spring 2018

The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without shocking the entire community. 

Ann Strong Minneapolis Tribune, 1895.

Saturday 7th April. Bathgate & Easter Inch Moss

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 75.

We will be at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am.

Take route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network to Livingston Village, NCN 75 to Starlaw Road cycle path and continuing 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 to Bathgate Fire Station and the cycle path between Starlaw and Boghall roundabout. Cycle path by Starlaw Road to rejoin the NCN 75 in Livingston and onto the Livingston Path network, to Livingston North Station, Follyburn Path to Peel Park the site of  the place Livingston got its name from. Path and bridge across Cousland Road and back to 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 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. For other help, see Bike Maintenance Tips

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

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

For those who are joining us at Bathgate we would be arriving no earlier than 12, probably a bit after and leaving 12:45 or shortly after. 

March News

Next ride Saturday 5th May

Saturday 4th November. Harburn, Hermand Birchwood & West Calder

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, quiet country road and surfaced cycle track. Suitable for all bike & tyre types.

We will meet at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am 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, Hermand Birchwood raised bog, and West Calder. 

Any one from the south side of Livingston could meet us at the East end of the Murieston Trail. We will likely be there no earlier than 1100.

Toilets and refreshments at West Calder Community Center. 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 by Breich water and follow it to the River Almond and through Kirkton Campus to Livingston Village and back to HPC.

• 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. Or just turn up on the day.

Spokes Bulletin 129

Next Ride Saturday 3rd March 2018

Saturday 7th October. Ratho Climbing Centre & Union Canal

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, NCN 75, quiet country road and surfaced cycle track. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy. 

We will meet at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am and go 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 and across the Almondell Viaduct above the park to East Calder then along the road to Clifton Road to and minor road to path beside Clifton Hall Road to the EICA, worlds biggest indoor climbing centre for a refreshment stop, bring something to eat or buy at the cafe. It can be busy and there can be a queue.

We will take a track from the car park, 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, returning to the HPC.

• The distance is about 15 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. Or just turn up on the day.

October News

Next Ride Saturday 4th November

Saturday 1st April. West Calder and Easter Breich Woodland

The route is a mix of the Livingston path network, country road and surfaced track.

We will meet at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am and take the Livingston path network to The Lanthorn and Dedridge Pond. Follow the Loan Path onto Williamston Primary School, Bankton Lane to Alderstone path and onto Calder Road through Bellsquarry and path to Polbeth.

The cycle path between Polbeth and West Calder is closed due to building work at the new West Calder High School. The A71 between Polbeth and West Calder is closed to traffic as there is also a new bridge being built on the A71 over the railway line just to the east of West Calder. We will take advantage of the traffic free road and temporary footbridge to get to West Calder.

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. This road may be busier than usual as it is being used as a diversion.  
From Easter Breich we will join the path by Breich water and follow it to the River Almond and through Kirkton Campus to Livingston Village and back to HPC. 

• The distance is about 12 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. For other help, see Bike Maintenance Tips

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. Or just turn up on the day.

Post Ride

A cool dull start to the day may have put some off but not 2 newcomers who came along on this ride. A stop off at the new millenium milepost that some of us had erected the day before. Taking advantage of the road closure between Polbth and West Calder allowed an opportunity to have a brief stop at Polbeth and West Calder Communith Garden and Bike Library location. A sunny casual traffic free ride back to HPC.

Sustrans new millenium milepost

Next ride Saturday 6th of May

SPOKES Bulletin 127. Spring 2017

Saturday 5th November. Easter Inch Moss & Bathgate

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 75 and surfaced track. 

Route Map

We will be at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am and take the Livingston path network out of Livingston and across Seafield Law and 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 upgraded Easter Breich path beside the river, onto the Livington path network and back to 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 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.

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. Or just turn up on the day.

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

Post Ride

Despite a forecast of wind from the NW with a speed in the mid teens, a temperature of 5C, feeling like 0C, and bright sun, 13 including 1 newcomer came along. Most of the ride was sheltered from the wind and there were even a few calm balmy spots

Consider joining your local campaign group SPOKES

Spokes Bulletin 126. Late 2016 has an article about West Lothian Bike Library on the back page.

Quiet Roads Public Consultation

Quiet roads are proposed in the councils Active Travel plan, as part of an active travel network in West Lothian. Through the Sustrans Community Links grant programme. West Lothian Council has received some funding to explore the feasibility of Quiet Roads in West Lothian.

November news 

Saturday 1st October. Brox Burn path, Union Canal, Almondell

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, quiet country road and surfaced track. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.

Route Map / GPS

We will be at the cafe at Howde Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am and 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, 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.

We will stop at the Open Door Cafe. The cafe is run by The Busy Project charity, menu is mainly toasties & filled rolls, with nice looking cake. 

We go down along the Brox Burn path which run the length of Broxburn following the burn.
When it meets the Union Canal we will follow it out of Broxburn to Muirend where we join a quiet road to the north gate of Almondell Park. Continue through the park and Almond Park, Craigshill on route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network and back to 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 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.

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. Or just turn up on the day.

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

Post Ride 

16, including 3 newcomers came along on a dry sunny autumnal day with leaf covered paths.

Bridge from Kirkfield East across Cousland Road

Union Canal, Broxburn

October news 

Consider joining your local campaign group SPOKES