Be active, feel better and enjoy the outdoors!

West Lothian

walking week

West Lothian Council delivers

westlothian.gov.uk

Explore West Lothian’s beautiful landscape and learn about the county’s wonderful history.

21-27 September 2009

Welcome... to the 2009 West Lothian Walking Week

Just 30 minutes walking a day can make a dramatic difference to your health and wellbeing. Walking is an accessible and inclusive form of exercise, which can also be very sociable and easily fitted into people’s daily lives. What better way to get out and about than by enjoying the beautiful scenery which West Lothian has to offer.

Whether you are an experienced walker or a total beginner, West Lothian Walking Week offers you the chance to explore beautiful landscape, learn about the area’s history, make new friends and take some important strides towards improving your health. Best of all, the guided walks and activities are absolutely free! You can enjoy a variety of walks from country parks to the woodlands, along canals and into nature reserves. The walks cover a range of times throughout the day, so simply book your walk and go!

Quality greenspace contributes to feelings of wellbeing and it’s right on our doorstep! We have kept some of the popular walks from last year’s event and have added others we think you will enjoy.

Booking is advisable and you can register onto a walk by contacting:

tel: 01506 775626email: susan.scott@westlothian.gov.uk

For safety and logistical reasons, numbers are limited so to avoid disappointment we would encourage you to book your place.

Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear on all walks

monday 21 september

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Launch of West Lothian Walking WeekTime: 10 - 11amVenue: Hopetoun HouseLord Hopetoun will launch the West Lothian Walking Week. Dennis Canavan from Ramblers Scotland will also be there to say a few words. Everyone is welcome to the launch, however booking is essential if you want to join us for walk 1.

Hopetoun House’s Historic Designed LandscapeLed by Hopetoun House RangerTime: 11 - 12.30amDistance: 2 km / 1.2 milesStart: Hopetoun House Ranger Centre Historical walk looking at Hopetoun House’s designed landscape, including the gardens, pond, deer park and vistas. Suitable for all ages including families with primary aged children.

To book any of these walks please phone 01506 775626

monday 21 september

Dechmont Wood NorthLed by Put Your West Foot Forward volunteersTime: 2 - 3pmDistance: 4 km / 2.5 milesStart: Outside Dechmont Post OfficeJoin us on a pleasant walk that is out of this world! In 1979 a forestry worker had an alleged encounter with a UFO at this Dechmont site. This is a low level walk and is led by trained walk leaders. It is suitable for anyone new to activity. Please note there are no toilet facilities at this meeting point.

Polkemmet WalkLed by West Lothian Leisure, Ageing WellTime: 5.30 - 7pmDistance: Will vary depending on level of those in attendance and speed of the walker. Start: Xcite Whitburn Leisure CentreTarget Group: Over 50sMeeting at Xcite Whitburn Leisure Centre we will have a short walk along the Main Street and head out into Polkemmet Country Park for a walk around the park grounds. Primarily this will be a woodland walk which may have some uneven surfaces in places. Suitable for beginners or regular walkers.

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Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear on all walks

tuesday 22 september

AlmondellLed by West Lothian Council Countryside Rangers Time: 10 - 11.45amDistance: 3 km / 2 milesStart: Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park Keep on the move and join in a healthy walk around Almondell Country Park. Find out about wildlife and history as we walk from the visitor’s centre to the south entrance to join the old railway path to Uphall. Surfaced paths, some uphill and steep steps descending from viaduct.

Kids’ History Walk Led by Historic Scotland Countryside RangerTime: 1 - 3.30pmDistance: 4 km / 2.5 milesStart: Linlithgow PalaceKids history ramble round Linlithgow Loch on flat but uneven paths. Historical themes with activities on the way. Suitable for families with primary aged children. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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tuesday 22 september

Binny Craig RambleLed by Linlithgow RamblersTime: 10am - 1pmDistance: 8 kms / 5 milesStart: Uphall Community CentreJoin Linlithgow Ramblers and admire the panoramic views of West Lothian from the top of Binny Craig. Track mainly follows field margins and farm tracks, with a short paved section. There is a steep climb to the top of Binny Craig (optional).

Animal Homes Led by Hopetoun House Ranger Time: 2 - 3.30pmDistance: 2 km / 1.2 milesStart: Hopetoun House Ranger CentreKids walk searching for animal homes in the grounds of Hopetoun House. There will be a number of activities including a mini beast hunt. We will also visit the Deer Park and feed the deer. Suitable for families with primary aged children.

Livingston Old Wood Walk Led by West Lothian Council and Woodland TrustTime: 5.30 - 7pmDistance: 3 km / 2 milesStart: Eliburn Park Pavilion, Houstoun Road, Livingston Experience the old and the new in a leisurely walk around the wonderful new Eliburn Park and through Livingston’s Old Wood on mainly flat but uneven paths. Some steps and slopes. Suitable for all including families with primary aged children. Return to pavilion afterwards for refreshments.

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wednesday 23 september

River Avon and Union Canal Towpath Led by Central Scotland Forest TrustTime: 10.30 am - 12 noonDistance: 6 km / 3.6 milesStart: Outside Linlithgow Sports CentreEnjoy a circular walk from Linlithgow Bridge along the River Avon Heritage Trail to the Aqueduct at Muiravonside and return by the Union Canal towpath. Hear about the built environment and natural heritage of the local area. There are muddy, uneven and steep sections on this route.

West Calder Woods Walk

Led by West Lothian Council and Woodland TrustTime: 1 - 3pmDistance: 6 km / 4 milesStart: West Calder Community Centre A tale of two woods! Take a lively walk through Parkhead to Hermand Beech and Birch Woods on mainly flat but uneven paths. Some paths are unsurfaced and may be wet and muddy - others are alongside the road. There are some steps and slopes. Suitable for adults and children able to walk at adult pace. Return to community centre afterwards where refreshments are available.

River Almond Amble Led by Put Your West Foot Forward VolunteersTime: 2 - 3pmDistance: 3.2 km / 2 milesStart: Craigsfarm This scenic route takes us along the River Almond. It is on wide surfaced paths with the occasional steep slope. Led by trained walk leaders, walkers are encouraged to walk at a pace that suits them. Toilets and refreshments are available at Craigsfarm café.

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1 Hopetoun House Historic Design Landscape2 Dechmont Wood North3 Polkemmet walk4 Almondell 5 Kids’ History Walk6 Binnie Craig7 Animal Homes8 Livingston Old Wood Walk9 River Avon and Union Canal Towpath10 West Calder Woods Walk

11 River Almond Amble12 Blawhorn National Nature Reserve13 Blaeberry Woods Walk14 Pumpherston ponds15 Linhouse Circular16 Witchcraig walk17 Kirknewton Community Wood18 Easter Breich19 Walking on Wheels20 Beecraigs Loch Walk

To book any of these walks please phone 01506 775626

wednesday 23 september

Blawhorn National Nature ReserveLed by Scottish Natural Heritage Time: 2 - 3.30pmDistance: 2.5 km / 1.5 milesStart: Blawhorn Reserve Car Park, by BlackridgeCome and join us on a short walk to enjoy the open views over the purple heather. You can take a closer look at some of the plants that form the building blocks that make this a special wetland habitat. This ancient mossy expanse is the only National Nature Reserve in the Lothains. The path surfaces include; a slightly stony track, a surfaced path and finally a wooden boardwalk. The boardwalk is built over the moss plants so you can walk over 8000 years of history, locked into its deep peat layers.

The first 20 to book will receive a free pedometer!

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Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear on all walks

Blaeberry Woods WalkLed by West Lothian Council and Woodland TrustTime: 10am - 12 noonDistance: 6 km / 4 milesStart: Whitburn Community Centre Join us for an invigorating walk through the park and around the community woodland to enjoy Whitburn’s diverse green spaces. Some paths are un-surfaced and may be very wet and muddy. Suitable for adults and children able to walk at adult pace. Return to community centre afterwards for refreshments.

Pumpherston Ponds Led by West Lothian Council Countryside Rangers Time: 2pm – 3pmDistance: 2.5 km / 1.5 milesStart: Pumpherston Post Office, nr Almondell & Calderwood Country ParkGet on the move in Pumpherston and explore the wildlife and industrial heritage of the old Drumshoreland moor. There may be some rough tracks.

thursday 24 september

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To book any of these walks please phone 01506 775626

friday 25 september

Linhouse CircularLed by Put Your West Foot Forward VolunteersTime: 10 - 11amDistance: 3.2 km / 2 milesStart: Livingston South Railway Station car parkThis attractive walk takes us through a woodland and gives impressive views to the Pentlands. The walk will be led by trained walk leaders and walkers are encouraged to walk at a pace that suits them. The path is slightly uneven and may be muddy in places if wet. There are no toilet facilities at this meeting point.

Witchcraig WalkLed by West Lothian CouncilTime: 2 - 3.30pmDistance: 8 km / 5 milesStart: Torphichen Community Centre car parkA pretty walk from Torphichen through young woodland at Witchcraig, leading into Beecraigs Country Park. This walk passes the Korean War Memorial, Witchcraig Wall, Refuge Stone and offers spectacular views over to Fife, returning via Lochcote Reservoir.

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Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear on all walks

saturday 26 september

Kirknewton Community WoodLed by West Lothian Council Countryside RangersTime: 11am - 12pmDistance: 2.5 km /1.5 milesStart: Kirknewton Post OfficeGet on the move in Kirknewton. A walk from the village centre through old estate and new community woodland. Paths and tracks.

Easter BreichLed by West Lothian Council Countryside RangersTime: 2 - 4pmDistance: 8 km / 5 milesStart: Almond Pools car park Kirkton Campus, LivingstonA pan-handle walk on good paths along the river Almond and through a young mixed woodland. A good walk in pleasant country surroundings.

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To book any of these walks please phone 01506 775626

sunday 27 september

Walking on Wheels Led by West Lothian Council Access Ranger Time: 11.30 – 1pmDistance: 3.2 km / 2 milesStart: Information Centre, Beecraigs Country ParkJoin West Lothian’s Disabled Ramblers for a gentle stroll through Beecraigs Country Park, following the forest tracks. Walk suitable for all abilities.

Beecraigs Loch WalkLed by West Lothian Council Countryside RangersTime: 1.30 - 3pmDistance: 8 km / 5 milesStart: Lochside car park, Beecraigs Country ParkA guided walk at a leisurely pace around the loch looking at the wildlife, plants and history. Suitable for all abilities.

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Information is available in Braille, tape, Large print and community languages.Please contact the Interpretation and Translation Service on 01506 775000.

westlothian.gov.uk

Monday 21 Sept

Launch of West Lothian Walking WeekHopetoun House Historic Design LandscapeDechmont Wood NorthPolkemmet Walk

Tuesday 22 Sept

Binnie CraigAlmondell Kids’ History WalkAnimal HomesLivingston Old Wood Walk

Wednesday 23 Sept

River Avon and Union Canal TowpathWest Calder Woods WalkRiver Almond AmbleBlawhorn National Nature Reserve

Thursday 24 Sept

Blaeberry Woods WalkPumpherston Ponds

Friday 25 Sept

Linhouse CircularWitchcraig Walk

Saturday 26 Sept

Kirknewton Community WoodEaster Breich

Sunday 27 Sept

Walking on WheelsBeecraigs Loch Walk

walk programme