West Lothian is home to three beautiful Country Parks: Almondell & Calderwood, Polkemmet and Beecraigs. Each have their own individuals charms, and are easily accessible. February provides a perfect opportunity to check them out to see what makes them so popular.
Open all year & free to visit; Almondell & Calderwood is tucked out of sight in the valley of the River Almond, stretching for 1.5 miles between Broxburn & East Calder. Created from 2 adjoining estates (Almondell 97 acres & Calderwood 130 acres), with a history going back 340 million years to the time of the Carboniferous swamps, this area has much to offer its visitors.
To help plan your walks, you can download a map of the park by clicking here.
How to reach Almondell & Calderwood:
The park is approximately one mile away from Broxburn. Take junction 3 off the M8 and take the A899 towards Broxburn, at the first roundabout take the A89 and follow the brown signs to the Country Park. Alternatively, National Cycle Route 75 runs directly through the park. You can also travel by bus, alight at the South Entrance - Lothian Country X27 and First Bus X23 frequently run directly past between Edinburgh and Livingston.
Open all year, free to visit. Situated between Broxburn & East Calder, probably the best kept secret in West Lothian!
Polkemmet is a popular 68 hectare (168 acre) visitor attraction near Whitburn featuring a golf course, driving range, bowling green, woodland & riverside walks, play area, picnic areas & BBQ facility. As with all of West Lothian's Country Parks, it is open throughout the year with free entry.
The Scottish Owl Centre is located within the Park, although during January this is only open to pre-booked group tours. If you enjoy your visit, why not pop back when they re-open next month?
Aditionally, there is a Visitor Centre housed in old stable complex which offers warm welcome together with information & advice, facility bookings, interpretative displays, snacks & refreshments.
You can download a map of the park by clicking here.
How to reach Polkemmet:
Polkemmet is approximately 1 mile from Whitburn. If you are driving, Take junction 4 off the M8 and take the A7045 on to the B7066 following the brown signs to the Country Park. You can also take the bus to the front gates of the park, First Bus service 22 runs every half an hour during the daytime.
Popular 68 hectare (168 acre) visitor attraction near Whitburn with woodland walks, play area, picnic & BBQ facilities, Visitor Centre, golf course, driving range, bowling green and home also to the Scottish Owl Centre.
Beecraigs Country Park is located just outside of Linlithgow, in the Bathgate Hills. The park contains a Visitor Centre, as well as the award winning Hideaway Café. A wide variety of clearly marked trails are available throughout the park, offering a great day out for the family – just minutes away from the Historic Linlithgow.
You can download a map of the park by clicking here.
The award winning Hideaway Cafe at Beecraigs offers a 100% Gluten Free menu, with a wide variety of food such as a warming soup, baked potato or bigger dishes such as a full cooked breakfast and burgers. Certainly worth a visit in itself!
How to reach Beecraigs:
Beecraigs is approximately 3 miles from Linlithgow or Bathgate. From the M9 take junction 3 or 4, follow A803 from Linlithgow and follow signs for Country Park. If coming from Bathgate follow the B792 and again follow the brown signs for Country Park. Whilst there aren't any Public Transport links to the park, You can cycle or walk to Beecraigs from Linlithgow on the off-road path along Preston Road, and numerous trails and quieter roads exist across the Bathgate Hills.
Wide range of activities within 370 hectares (913 acres), near historic Linlithgow. Open throughout the year, free entry.
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Visit West Lothian, Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian. EH54 6FF UK Registration No. SC346843
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