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

Saturday 7th September. Ratho Climbing Centre, Union Canal & Almondell Park

Route map for 2019 09 Ratho by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

A casual social ride of 18 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.

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

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 to Pumpherston Oil Works crossing the Camps Viaduct high above Almondell Park to East Calder then along the road or cycle on the new bit of cycle path and continue on the footway then north to Clifton Road and minor road to path beside Clifton Hall Road to the EICA, the 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.

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, 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.
• 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 5th October

Saturday 3rd August 2019. Easter Inch Moss & Bathgate

Route map for Bathgate & Easter Inch Moss o&b+ by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

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. 

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

We woud be arriving at Xcite no earlier than 12, probably a bit after and leaving 13:00 or shortly after.

• 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.
• 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.

To  reserve a space and to let us know 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. 

August News

Next ride Saturday 7th September

OTHER

SPOKES Bulletin 134 Summer 2019

SPOKES Summer Competition MY CYCLING INSPIRATION. Previously has had a low number of West Lothian entries, so there's a good chance of winning a prize. Other Formats

Active Travel Buddy Rides 

 

  
If you work and stay in or around the Livinston area we can offer to plan a route to cycle to work, and if need be buddy you to show you the way. We try as far as possible to use traffic free quiet routes. Contact us if interested.

The places around Livingston include Broxburn, Bathgate, East Calder, West Calder.

Saturday 1st June. Uphall, Union Canal and Almondell Park

Visiting the origins of Livingston, Eliburn Reservoir, a close encounter of the third kind, the Union Canal, Almondell Park, and through the Solar System. 

 

Route map for 2019 06 BX by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

 

A casual social ride of 18 miles using a mix of some of the 144 miles of the Livingston Path Network, National Cycle Network, quiet country road, surfaced path. Smooth narrow tyres will find some of it a bit bumpy.

 

We meet at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am, 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 and where 40 years ago (1979) this year the site of a UFO encounter 👽. Info board   Video 1  Video 2 Some of the path after the site can be rough and we may have to walk bits.  Out onto the Loan Path and 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 Busy Project charity, 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 and onto Roman Camps and the path to Uphall to East Calder track, formerly a rail link to Pumpherston Oil Works crossing the Camps Viaduct high above Almondell Park and 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 and Almond Park.
Look out for the Kingfisher that flies between the two weirs at the east end of the park, returning to the HPC around 3pm with the option for cake.

• 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 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

• May Thursday 30th Recycle3 Navigators Scotland Ride. 55 mile cycle Glasgow along the canals to Edinburgh.

For details and some thoughts about going see June News

Next Ride Saturday 6th July.

 

If you cycle on a regular basis -  say a daily commute or to the shops - you'll enjoy a fitness level of a person 10 years younger... So trade in your gym subscription and forget the scare stories ; the health benefits of cycling significantly outweigh the risks on British roads. From Which July 2005.

Saturday 3rd November. Uphall, Broxburn, Union Canal & Almondell Park.

Route map for L20M_20181103_XRA by Eric Ingram on plotaroute.com

A casual ride exploring 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 on route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network stopping at the visitor centre and out of the west gate crossing Pumpherston Road to re join the Livingston Path Network through Almond Park, Craigshill on  and back to HPC.

The path through the park to the west entrance on Pumpherston Road had been temporarily closed for 6 weeks from 1st October due to general drainage maintenance. It is now open.

• 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.

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.

Next Ride March 2019


Other

October News

SPOKES Bulletin 132 Winter 2018/19 

Saturday 6th October. Harburn, West Calder & Killandean Burn

Route map for Harburn & West Calder O by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

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

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 Lanthorn, Dedridge Pond, Livingston South Station, Murieston Trail - Skivo. (short hill, ok to get off and walk) Harburn - quiet back roads to Harwood 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 Centre. There is a machine serving hot and cold drinks. Bring something to eat or buy at a nearby shop.

Return along the cycle path between West Calder and Polbeth to Bellsquarry, down Adambrae and along by Alba Campus to Killandean Path, where a Kingfisher may be seen, passing the allotments then to Livingston Village and back to HPC with the option of coffee / tea and cake 🍰

• 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. 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.


Photographs will be taken and may be used for publicity by ourselves and Sutrans. If you do not wish any photos involving you to be used let me know.

October News

Next ride Saturday 3rd November

Saturday 1st September. Bathgate, Easter Inch Moss and River Almond

   

A social ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 75 and surfaced track. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy. 

We will be at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am and take route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network to Livingston Village, NCN 75 to Starlaw Road cycle path. Continuing on the new link between Starlaw and Boghall roundabout, cycle path to rejoin the NCN 75 into 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.

• 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. 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. Or just turn up on the day.


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. 

September News

Next ride Saturday 6th October