A casual social ride of 14 miles visiting places of local interest, the origins of Livingston, Eliburn reservoir, 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
MEET : By 10:30 on Saturday 1st April, at the seats outside the café at Howden Park Centre, Livingston.
ROUTE : 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, Alderstone path to the railway path to Pumpherston.
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 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, keep a look out for the Kingfisher that flies between the two weirs at the east end of the park.Through Almond Park, Livingston, stopping at Howden rock ramp, the UKs largest rock ramp, Almond Park returning to the HPC.
BEFORE THE RIDE : If needed, we can show you how to check your bike is safe to ride by carrying out the M CHECK, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, look at use of gears all to make it less of an effort. Suggest what you may find useful to take on a ride.
- We are NOT a club. Rides are free and open to anyone interested in finding out more about active travel, bike use, and exploring local routes. No commitment to come regularly.
- There is no need to wear special cycle clothing, something comfortable, a waterproof jacket and trousers can be useful. We don’t ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
- You may want to bring snacks and, a bottle of water.
- Leccy E bikes are OK.
- Supported by SUSTRANS, volunteer Ride leaders, have first aid and bike mechanic training. We can deal with most bike problems that may arise on the ride.
- You may wish to drop off at any point or if we pass near to home.
- To ensure no one gets lost or left behind and for safety there will be a back marker.
- There may be road crossings, not controlled by traffic lights. At these be guided by ride leaders.
- Children need to bring a well behaved adult.
- If speed and distance are your thing this is not for you.
REGISTER : To reserve a place and to give us an idea of 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.