Balerno - Bathgate
This route is ideal for commuting or leisure trips. The first 5 miles / 9km are on quiet roads between Balerno and East Calder via Kirknewton but at East Calder you join a traffic-free path through Almondell and Calderwood Country Park to Mid Calder.
This route passes under the impressive Almondell Viaduct and alongside the River Almond. From Mid Calder continue on the cycle track into Livingston (there is a network of paths in Livingston so keep your eyes open for the Route 75 signs!). After the cycle track you head along the main street of old Livingston Village and past the Almond Valley Heritage Trust.
The route continues on a cycle track past Eliburn and Cousland Woods before crossing Easter Inch Moss and then ‘flying over’ the M8 into Bathgate. From Bathgate you can either cycle back to Balerno, or catch a train to Livingston or Edinburgh from Bathgate Station. For a longer cycle ride you could continue following National Route 75 signs on to the Hillend Loch Railway Path into Airdire - however work begins in Spring 2008 to reinstate the Airdrie to Bathgate railway and the cycle route will be realigned. Diversions will be in place. If you want to cycle the old railway cycle path, you need to be quick!
Natural attractions:
- Almondell and Calderwood Country Park
- Ladywell Wood
- Eliburn Wood
- Cousland Wood
- Tailend Moss
- Bogburn Flood Lagoons
Visitor attractions:
- Malleny Garden
- Almondell Visitor Centre
- Almondvale Shopping Centre
- Almond Valley Heritage Trust
- Bennie Museum
Route submitted by: Sustrans
Tags
Route map
Comments
Key route details
- Region/Area:
Edinburgh and Lothians
- Distance:
17 miles
- Time needed:
1-2 hours
- Classification:
Easy
- Traffic:
Traffic-free
- Surface:
Tarmac
- NCN Route:
National Route 75
- Start:
Balerno
- Finish:
Bathgate
- Cycle hire:
Bathgate Bikes, tel: 01506 632727
- Access:
Train stations at Kirknewton, Uphall Station, Livingston North, Bathgate.
- Maps and guides
-
Clyde to Forth Cycle Route NN75 £2.99
- Links with:
Water of Leith path at Balerno
- Weather:
-
Fri
max: 15°C min: 5°C
-
Sat
max: 13°C min: 2°C
-
Sun
max: 13°C min: 4°C
-
Mon
max: 11°C min: 8°C
Choose another route
